By Sean Denny, www.autoinsuranceplanners.com
"One Stop Shop - Multiple Insurance Rates"

If you’re like most people, you want the very best auto insurance policy with the lowest rates. To get the best auto insurance rates, compare auto insurance policies and quotes, but also pay attention to safety measures that may save you money on auto insurance coverage.

You have the power to reduce your auto insurance rates. To see how, take the four-part TAST Test to see how your record compares in the areas of Tickets, Accidents, Safety and Theft.

Tickets
Traffic tickets for speeding, failure-to-yield, unsafe lane change or aggressive driving can jack up your car insurance rates. Avoid them by driving defensively, and if you do get a ticket, keep track of the date and re-quote your auto insurance policy when the tickets are removed from your record.

Cell phones are an emerging source of traffic tickets. As of January 2005, 14 states carried some restrictions on cell phone use in a car, and five states prohibited their use for young drivers. Check laws at the Governors Highway Safety Association web site, http://www.statehighwaysafety.org/index.html, and avoid unnecessary cell phone use to reduce your chance of getting in an accident.

Accidents
Speaking of accidents, most people know that an auto accident may affect their auto insurance rates. But how you respond after an accident can make things better or worse. Most insurance companies advise you never to admit fault. Simply call the authorities and exchange insurance information with the other party. Then you avoid taking the blame or getting cited by the police for something that technically might not have been your fault.

Auto accidents and citations remain on your driving record for a specific amount of time too. At the end of that time, you may be eligible for lower rates. Keep track of your record and get new auto insurance quotes when the infractions get removed.

Vehicle recalls also can have an effect on your auto insurance rates. Some recalls fix safety items that can result in an accident. Follow through and have your car fixed if you get a notice about a recall. See if you missed any by checking the recall database at http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/.

Another way an accident may affect your insurance costs is if you unknowingly buy a used car that has been in an accident. An improper repair can be a safety hazard, and if it’s damaged again, your insurer may not pay to repair the old damage. Have the car inspected prior to purchase, and find out if it has "salvaged" or "rebuilt" status by checking its title history with www.carfax.com or www.autocheck.com.

Safety
If you’re in the market for a new car, know that some insurance companies will offer auto insurance policy discounts if the car has air bags or ABS braking systems. Insurance companies set rates for cars based in part on their "crashworthiness," so it’s important to compare this measure among cars you’re considering. The rating is based on how a car performs in a crash, both in occupant protection and repair costs. Check a car’s rating at http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ratings.htm.

Also, make sure to carry a toolkit in your car that includes safety signage. Taking safety precautions can keep a breakdown from turning into an accident.

Theft
Anti-theft devices, chief among them being LoJack, may result in discounts too. According to LoJack Corp., some insurance companies offer up to 35 percent off the comprehensive portion of your insurance premium for equipping your vehicle with LoJack and an alarm. Call your insurance agent to see if you qualify for a discount.

LoJack is a hidden receiver that helps police recover your car if it is stolen. Car alarms act as a deterrent and may prevent your car from being stolen or personal property from being stolen. Both these precautions can help you keep your auto insurance rates low.

Although many of these considerations should be taken into account when buying a car or buying auto insurance, the key to getting the best rates is to shop around and compare auto insurance rates. Companies treat your driving record and safety and theft features differently. The only certain way to get the best auto insurance rates is to know your record and your vehicle’s features and compare rates among many insurers. Then, safe driving with no accidents or tickets will keep your rates as low as possible.

Copyright 2005 www.autoinsuranceplanners.com.

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