
4 Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance
Save money on car insurance by following the speed limit, keeping your credit score up, choosing your car carefully and making sure you get all the auto insurance discounts you qualify for.
By Will Koch
Car insurance is one of the most common types of insurance out there. You know you need it, but do you know what kind of coverage you need? Do you know how much? The details of car insurance can be complicated … and confusing. But it doesn’t have to be. COUNTRY Financial to the rescue.
We’re using this space to keep it simple for you. We'll:
Ready to get started? Let’s go.
We’re focusing on three different types of car insurance today:
All three are equally important to make sure you’re protected in the event of a car accident.
Liability coverage protects you if you cause damage to others and/or their stuff. Auto liability coverage can help recover another person’s medical bills or costs to repair their car and property damaged during the accident.
Most states have legal minimums to how much liability coverage you must have. When you have the right amount of liability coverage, that usually means fewer out-of-pocket costs. Another way to put it? Pay a little more now so you don’t pay a lot more later.
There are two types of liability protection: bodily injury and property damage.
Work with an insurance professional to make sure you have the right amount of liability coverage.
Collision coverage protects your car if you hit another car, person or object.
Car collision coverage helps cover costs to repair your car regardless of fault. Collision does not cover if you hit an animal or if your car breaks down because you never should’ve gotten that many miles out of a beat-up Saturn VUE anyway. #TrueWillStory
Still awake? Excellent!
Comprehensive coverage protects your car from things that liability and collision coverage don’t. Things like theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather, hitting Bambi (not a #TrueStory … he’s fine), etc.
Auto comprehensive coverage is typically sold alongside collision coverage. Think of them as peanut butter and chocolate. Okay on their own. But together? Magic.
Your car insurance can stretch beyond liability, collision and comprehensive. Here are some quick hits on what you could add (for an extra charge) to your policy:
Here at COUNTRY, we call this coverage “The Keeper.” If you total your new car, most insurance companies will only reimburse you for the current value of your car (which depreciates after you drive it off the lot). With The Keeper, we’ll pay for a brand-new car, same make and model.
Safety glass coverage helps if your windshield, car windows or headlight covers need repair. If you have this coverage, you don’t have to pay your comprehensive deductible.
Did you lock your keys in your car? Stranded on the side of the road? Roadside assistance will reimburse you for towing, delivery of fuel or other roadside issues.
Here are some even quicker hits on other coverages you can add on to your car insurance policy.
This pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers following a car accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Sometimes called “PIP” coverage, and required in some states, provides coverage for:
If the other driver doesn’t have insurance at all, this coverage pays for damage to your car, medical costs and lost wages resulting from any injuries you suffered in the accident (up to the policy limits).
If the other driver has liability insurance, but it’s not enough to cover the costs of the accident, your underinsured motorist coverage kicks in to cover the rest of the costs (also up to the policy limits).
If you have an accident away from home, rental car coverage will reimburse you for a rental car if you have a claim. This could also cover travel expenses if you’re more than 100 miles from home at the time of the accident.
This protects you if things like your phone or laptop are stolen from your car.
Now that you know about the three types of car insurance coverage (and some bonus options), you’re ready to find the right car insurance for you. Sometimes, when you have more questions than answers on confusing insurance terms, it might seem easier to do nothing at all. But now you’re armed with all the info you need to take the next step.
Learn more about car insurance basics or get started with a car insurance quote today.
Updated 8-3-23
Save money on car insurance by following the speed limit, keeping your credit score up, choosing your car carefully and making sure you get all the auto insurance discounts you qualify for.
Check out these car essentials in our emergency car kit list. Prepare for winter driving or stay safe while waiting for roadside assistance during a road trip.
If you're in an accident with someone who doesn’t have car insurance, rely on uninsured motorist coverage and great claim service from COUNTRY Financial.
Connect with your local rep or call us at 866-COUNTRY (866-268-6879). Find out more about car insurance.
COUNTRY Financial® is a family of affiliated companies (collectively, COUNTRY) located in Bloomington, IL. Learn more about who we are.
Auto insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL.
*IMPORTANT: Examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not guarantee coverage. All coverage is subject to policy conditions and exclusions.