More than 6 million car accidents happen each year in the United States alone. And they can happen anywhere, at any time, to any driver.

A good car insurance policy can help you pay for the cost of repairs, injuries, and settlements. But if you’ve never bought car insurance in Allentown, PA before, you probably don’t know where to start.

That’s okay! We’ve put together a simple guide to help.

Here’s what you need to know to find the best car insurance for your needs and your budget.

Think About Your Car

The amount of insurance you need largely depends on the type of car you drive. If you have a brand new vehicle, you’ll want higher insurance limits and more extensive coverage.

This is because the cost of repairs for newer vehicles is still relatively high.

But if you have an older vehicle, your insurance needs will be lower. Older cars cost less to repair and have a lower replacement cost than their newer counterparts. Ideally, you shouldn’t pay more for insurance each year than the car is worth.

Know How Deductibles Impact Premium Payments

There are two payments associated with all car insurance policies: the deductible and the premium.

The premium is the amount you pay the insurance company every month. It typically stays the same for the entire year or until you renew your policy.

The deductible is the amount you pay to the insurance company when you file a claim. The higher the deductible is, the lower your premium payments will be. This is because you’re paying more out of pocket anytime you file a claim.

The insurance provider recognizes that they’ll pay less for repairs during each claim and passes the savings onto you by lowering your monthly premium.

You can always change your deductible, raising or lowering it, to adjust your premium payments. And you can do it at any time. All you have to do is speak with your insurance agent.

As a general rule, don’t use your deductible to reduce your monthly premium payments as much as possible. Doing so can make filing a claim too expensive. And you always want to be able to use your insurance when you need it.

Understand the Coverage Types

There’s more than one type of car insurance. You’re legally required to purchase liability insurance to register your car with the state. And choosing a liability-only policy will often be the cheapest option.

But it leaves you unprotected. If you’re involved in an accident, this basic insurance won’t pay for the cost of repairs or help you replace your car. And if you’re hit by an uninsured driver, your coverage won’t kick in at all.

To fully protect your car, you’ll want to invest in uninsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and personal injury protection. These will help you cover the cost of repairs, replacements, and medical treatments if you’re involved in an accident.

But if you live in a high-risk area or want to protect your car from all types of damage, not just collisions, you’ll want to buy a comprehensive policy. This type of insurance covers the cost of repairs related to most non-collision accidents. If your car gets stolen, vandalized, or dented in a hail storm, comprehensive coverage pays for the damage.

Shop Around for Car Insurance in Allentown, PA

It’s tempting to go with the first insurance provider you find, but it’s not the wisest decision. You could end up paying too much for sub-par coverage.

Always get quotes from multiple insurance providers. This allows you to compare policies and prices, and gives you a feel for the quality of their customer service. Ideally, you’ll keep the same insurance company for years to come.

This means it’s important that you feel comfortable with their pricing, their agents, and their processes. The more options you compare, the better equipped you’ll be to make the best decision for your insurance needs.

Remember, getting quotes from multiple providers should never cost you a dime. If an insurance company asks you to pay for a quote, walk away.

Don’t Choose Based on Price Alone

Though it’s tempting to pick the cheapest insurance provider, resist that temptation. With car insurance policies, you get what you pay for. By choosing the cheapest provider or policy, you risk leaving yourself with inadequate coverage.

And if you’re underinsured, you’ll end up paying more upfront every time you file a claim. The more you use your coverage, the more money you’ll spend. Over the life of your car, that could cost you thousands that a better albeit slightly more expensive policy would save you.

Instead, base your decision on the responsiveness of the agents, the quality and limits of the policies they offer, and the insurance provider’s reputation. Research their history with the Better Business Bureau, read online reviews, and ask your friends who they trust.

Ask for Discounts

Believe it or not, most insurance companies offer discounts on their coverage. You just have to ask for it.

When shopping, ask each insurance provider if there are any discounts you might qualify for. These can include bundle discounts, good-student discounts, and even discounts for taking defensive driving courses.

And new discounts roll out every year. Once you find a provider and policy you love, keep checking back. Your agent may know of a few new discounts that can reduce your premium payments each month.

Get Your Quote Today

Shopping for car insurance in Allentown, PA? Contact our agents today and let us help you find the best policy for your needs.

We’ll work with you to find coverage that protects your investment without breaking your budget.