FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my car insurance so high?
Looks like we'll jump right in with the hardest question first.  Actually a lot of factors go into the computation of an insurance premium.  Let's look at a few of them.
 
The kind of car is a factor since some cars may present a higher risk than others.   For example, a two door may have a higher repair cost than a four door.  A four-wheel drive sport utility vehicle is generally more expensive to buy and to insure than one that is not four wheel drive.  The insurance for a sports car will cost more than insurance on a mid-size family car.
 
Your driving record, age, sex and marital status all factor into your rate as some general groups of people have proven to be safer drivers than others. Generally an older driver is cheaper to insure than a younger driver, a married driver less than a single driver, and a driver without prior accidents or violations less expensive than someone with a history of violations.
 
Where you live is important since areas with more traffic yield more accidents.  Also, some areas have higher incidents of vehicle theft and vandalism. 
 
Finally, the type of coverage you purchase also affects your rate.  For example, many people do not purchase medical payments, towing, or rental in order to keep premiums lower.
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How can I get a lower car insurance rate?
First, be a safe driver without tickets or accidents.  If you are a safe driver, you will get better rates.  Most companies look at tickets and accidents in the last three years, although some companies may look at the last five years.  Some companies consider multiple alcohol violations regardless of the timeframe.
 
Second, keep your vehicle insured at all times.  Most companies now offer a discount if you have current liability insurance. Some companies will even offer lower down payments to those who have had insurance without a lapse for six months or a year.
 
Consider a higher deductible, you'll probably realize a considerable savings.   The higher the deductible, the lower the premium.  Ask your customer service representative to show you the options.
 
Be sure you get all of the discounts you deserve.  Companies offer home ownership discounts, multi-car discounts, good driver discounts, driver education discounts, VIN etching discounts, alarm discounts, daytime running light discounts and full payment discounts, just to name a few.  Answer all of your agent's questions completely and honestly so he can help get you the best rate.
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What is EFT and how can it save me money?
Electronic Funds Transfer is where the insurance company automatically drafts your bank account each month rather than you sending a check for your installment payment.   Some of our policies now offer as much as a $60 per year discount if you use EFT.   Plus, you don't run the risk of missing a payment and getting a cancellation notice.
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If my policy is canceled, what do I do?
First, contact your company as soon as possible to get new insurance in force. If your current company cannot provide reinstatement of your policy, visit our Quote Center for a quote on new coverage.  You should not drive your vehicle until new coverage is purchased.  
 
Remember, it is illegal to drive in most states without auto insurance.  While penalties vary from state to state, you could lose your driver's license for driving without insurance.  In some states, you car can be impounded by police.  Plus, you could be personally responsible for all of the damage caused by an accident.  Overall, it's just not worth it to drive without car insurance.
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What is a driver exclusion?
A driver exclusion is an endorsement to your insurance contract that allows you to decline to have certain driver(s) covered by your policy.  This could make your premium lower, but if a driver is excluded, there is no coverage for this person under any circumstances.  You should carefully consider the reason and ramifications of any driver exclusion before you sign the exclusion form and if you have any questions, ask your company.  Driver Exclusions may not be available in your state.
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I've been insured with "some other company" for a long time, why should I even get a quote?
There are a lot of good reasons to consider using 24 7 Insurance Quotes .com for a quote.  Many times we can save you money over what you are currently paying.  Plus our companies offer online quotes and policyholder services.   We offer stable, financially sound companies, most A-rated or better and all have excellent claims service and good payment plans.  We have knowledgeable, friendly customer service representatives here to help you and answer all of your questions.   And maybe most importantly, you get all of this at a very low price.
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I have recently filed bankruptcy, can you insure my home?
In most cases, yes we can.  When you get your quote, please make the customer service representative aware of your situation and chances are that we can still provide you with an excellent company and very competitive rates as long as your home meets other underwriting requirements.
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My house have never flooded, why do I need flood insurance?
Let's begin with the "not so obvious" fact that flood insurance is not included on a standard homeowners or mobile home policy.  You must buy flood insurance separately.  Most flood policies are backed by the National Flood Insurance Program even though they are written through a participating insurance company.   Choose your flood insurance company as carefully as you would choose any other insurance company.
 
Now, back to your question.  Remember that most areas of the country can flood at some time or another whether from heavy rains, melting snow, or other unusual weather conditions.  Any area is vulnerable to flooding at some time or another, even if you have not flooded before.  Flood insurance rates are lower in the less flood-prone areas.  In fact you might be surprised at how affordable flood coverage can be, especially if you qualify for the preferred risk program.  Remember statistics show that the vast majority of flood claims occur in areas that "have never flooded before."
 
To learn more about flood insurance, take our flood quiz.
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Now that you've learned all there is to know about insurance, how about an online quote?