How To Buy Car Insurance In Grand Rapids
Buying car insurance in Grand Rapids can be a quick and easy process once you decide whether you want to work with an agent or shop online. Regardless of your preferred method, following these steps can save you time and money.
Do Your Information Gathering
Before you begin your search for car insurance, it’s a good idea to gather the necessary information that insurance companies will ask for in order to provide an accurate quote. This will save you time and ensure that you get the most accurate quotes possible. Here are some key pieces of information to gather:
- Name and birthdate of everyone who will be on the policy
- Drivers license numbers for each person to be covered
- Facts about the car: make, model, vehicle identification number, safety features, current odometer reading, annual miles driven
- Driving history for all drivers, including tickets, accidents, or any other violations
- Your current insurer, if applicable, and your current coverage limits
Determine Your Coverage Needs
It’s important to determine how much coverage you require before purchasing car insurance. If you’re uncertain, refer to Michigan’s minimum car insurance requirements:
- Personal injury protection: $250,000 (lower limits are allowed for some Medicare and Medicaid recipients)
- Bodily injury liability per person: $50,000
- Property protection within Michigan: $1 million
- Bodily injury liability per accident: $100,000
- Property damage liability per accident outside Michigan: $10,000
In case you’re still uncertain about the amount of coverage you need, it may be helpful to work with an insurance agent who can guide you through the process of determining your coverage needs.
Choose Your Buying Method
If you’re looking to buy the cheapest car insurance in Grand Rapids, there are a couple of ways to go about it.
Firstly, you can work with an insurance agent. There are several different types of agents you can choose from, including captive agents who work for a single insurance company, car insurance brokers who represent multiple companies, and specialty agencies that can help if you have a poor driving record.
Alternatively, you can buy car insurance directly from the insurer online. This method does not require you to speak with an agent; all you have to do is enter your information, and you’ll get a quote with all of your policy options and pricing. You can then complete the application online.
Both buying methods can be effective in finding affordable car insurance; it just depends on whether you prefer to interact with an agent or not. Whichever option you choose, make sure you compare quotes from multiple companies to ensure you’re getting the best coverage at the best price.
Compare Companies
To ensure you’re getting the best deal on car insurance, it’s important to compare quotes from multiple companies before making a decision. Be sure to get at least three quotes, and make sure you’re comparing the same coverage limits so you can accurately compare prices.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s a good idea to check the insurer’s track record with customer complaints. You can easily find this information by visiting the National Association of Insurance Commissioners website, where you can see how many complaints have been filed against each insurer.
Buy Your New Policy And Cancel Your Old One
It’s important to have car insurance before driving off the lot with a new vehicle. If you’re switching coverage on an existing vehicle, be sure to contact your former insurer and cancel the policy once your new coverage takes effect. You should receive a refund for any unused premium, minus any cancellation fees.