Even though the number of car thefts in Washington State went down by 11% in 2006, car insurance is still very expensive. Car insurance rates are like a maze, and it can be hard for anyone to figure out how to get the best deal. It can feel like the car insurance companies have all the power and you have to take what they give you. That is not true. There are ways to get the upper hand and save at least a few dollars each year on insurance premiums.
When you start looking for car insurance, the first thing you need to know is what kind of coverage you want. Many insurance companies offer a wide range of policies, and agents will usually start by trying to sell you the most complete one. The reason is simple: they make money by selling these policies, so it makes sense that if they can get you to buy a more expensive one, they will make more money.
You should first think about what would happen if you were to cause an accident. How much insurance do you need to protect yourself, fix or replace your car, and pay for any medical bills that might come up because of an accident? All of this depends on a number of things, like your driving record, the car you currently drive, and where you usually drive. If you know what you should be paying as a starting point, you can then talk to an insurance agent about what you can and can't do. Someone who drives in a big city and has been caught speeding a lot won't have the same low rates as someone who drives in the country and has never been pulled over. Be honest about what you want, and you'll find a rate that works for you.
