Simplifying Full Coverage Car Insurance: Affordable Options for You 

What if giving your automobile the best protection was easier than you imagined? 

Full coverage is the best and most complete type of car policy available. However, many drivers don’t know how this works, and even those who do usually worry about whether or not they can really afford it. 

Do you fall into one of these two camps? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know about full coverage car insurance and how to make this robust protection more affordable! 

Understanding Full Coverage Auto Insurance 

What is full coverage auto insurance, exactly? It’s actually a combination of three types of auto insurance: liability, collision, and comprehensive. 

In most states, a liability policy is required for all drivers. Although it is the cheapest car insurance possible, many opt to add collision to protect their vehicle regardless of who causes an accident. Comprehensive coverage is the rarest among drivers because many mistakenly think they don’t need vehicle protection when they aren’t behind the wheel. 

Essential Components of Full Protection 

To decide if you need insurance full coverage, it’s important to understand the components of this protection. Liability is designed to pay for damage that you might accidentally cause to people and property during an at-fault accident. Collision is designed to pay for repairs to your own vehicle, even if you were the one at fault. Comprehensive is designed to protect the automobile from things like theft, vandalism, falling trees, or other threats that occur when you aren’t driving. 

The Benefits of Full Coverage Car Insurance 

As you can tell from the descriptions above, the chief benefit of full coverage is that it offers your vehicle the fullest possible protection. Each of the types of protection described above is intended to protect the automobile from different kinds of threats. By getting all three types, you effectively protect your finances from as many threats as possible. 

With that being said, not every possible threat is always covered. Below, you’ll find more details on the potential limitations of such protection. Research carefully so you don’t buy a policy you don’t need. 

What’s Usually Covered — and What’s Not 

With full coverage, you get the previously described benefits of liability, collision, and comprehensive policies. Some insurers even throw in roadside assistance with full coverage.  

What, then, isn’t covered? Medical expenses for yourself and any passengers are not covered, though you can purchase a separate policy to cover such expenses. Similarly, uninsured motorist coverage is not mandatory in California and is not included in a full coverage package, although it’s worth considering.  

Decoding Insurance Jargon for the Everyday Driver 

In addition to the types of policies described above, there is a bit of professional lingo every driver should know. Below, you’ll find this jargon properly decoded, helping you understand more about the coverage for which you are paying. 

• Actual Cash Value (ACV): In short, this is meant to represent your property’s overall value. The “actual” part refers to the fact that this valuation is based on how much it would cost to replace after depreciation is figured. 
• Bodily Injury Liability (BI): This part of your liability policy pays for injuries or even death of others involved in an accident for which you are legally liable. 
• Deductible: This is how much you have to pay on a claim before your carrier will pay for anything. 
• Limits: This is the maximum the carrier will pay for damage or injuries. Generally, higher limits mean higher prices on your premium. 

How to Identify the Best Deals for Your Vehicle 

Full coverage offers the best protection for your vehicle, but it’s also the most expensive. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to lower your premium and make your policies more affordable. 

Below, you will find several techniques to lower how much you pay. Try combining two or more of these techniques to achieve the lowest possible price. 

Comparing Quotes Effectively 

The single best way to lower your premium is to shop around for different rates from other carriers. Remember, it’s free to get quotes at any time, and you can switch carriers at any point if you find someone offering a better deal. In this way, you can find the most affordable car policy in California. 

Factors Influencing Car Insurance Rates 

There are many factors affecting your actual rate. Some you can’t control, like age, which is why an auto policy is more expensive for a teenager. Others you can control and use to your advantage. For example, your rate may be higher if you live in an area with many accidents and claims; moving somewhere safer can lower the rate. It’s also more expensive to insure newer, fancier cars, so downsizing a vehicle can also downsize your premium. 

If you don’t drive very much (for example, you’ve become an at-home worker), you may be able to lower your rate because you’ve lowered your vehicle usage. Finally, keep in mind that you can always tweak your deductible and limits to experience further savings. 

Bundling Options and Loyalty Benefits 

As long as you need at least two kinds of insurance, you can bundle them through the same carrier and save on each policy. Also, if you stick with the same carrier for a while, you may qualify for a lower rate as a loyal customer (though you should always keep an eye out for lower potential rates). 

Defensive Driving and Other Discountable Actions 

Every carrier offers a variety of potential discounts. For example, if you complete a defensive driving course, you may qualify for a discount. You can also get discounts for being a safe driver, a good student, a homeowner, and much, much more. Ask your carrier about discounts today … you may already qualify for one or more and not know it. 

Your Go-To for Full Coverage Auto 

We’ve explained what full coverage is, but you may still have questions. Keep in mind that if your vehicle is financed or leased, you may be required to carry full coverage. Those who own their cars can choose how much protection they want, but remember, without full coverage, you leave yourself open to financial loss.  

At Cost-U-Less Insurance, we specialize in providing the protection you and your car deserve and we are happy to answer any questions you have about the appropriate amount of coverage. Ready to get the best protection at the best prices? Call us at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast car insurance quote online. You can also find a Cost-U-Less office near you.