If you’re on a tight budget and want to save money on car insurance, liability only coverage might be an option for you. But it’s important to understand what this type of policy offers and where it falls short before making a decision.
Liability policies cover bodily injury and property damage in a car accident. They’re usually represented in a set of numbers like 30/40/15.
Cost
When it comes to finding cheap liability only car insurance, it pays to compare quotes from a variety of companies. Some national brands, like Travelers and Allstate, can be quite expensive on average.
The cheapest liability insurance for you will depend on your driving history and credit score. It can also change based on your state.
Most states require drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance, which is coverage that covers other drivers and their property in the event you are at fault for an accident. Depending on the type of policy you purchase, this may include personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage.
Liability-only coverage is typically cheaper than full coverage policies, which include bodily injury and property damage liability, as well as collision and comprehensive insurance. However, it is not enough to cover all of your costs in the event of an accident, so you should add additional coverages to your policy if you can afford it.
If you have a relatively safe driving record, a paid-off vehicle and the finances to pay for any repairs or replacements, liability-only insurance could be an option for you. It’s also a good choice if you have a low risk of theft or vandalism and don’t live in an unsafe area.
For example, if you have liability-only insurance and your car is stolen, your policy will only pay up to the liability limits, which are usually a fraction of the value of your vehicle. This means that you’ll have to pay the rest of the money out-of-pocket.
Likewise, if you have a DUI conviction on your record, this can dramatically increase your premiums. You may also be required to file an SR-22 or FR-44, which will make it even more difficult to find affordable liability insurance.
In most cases, you should not buy liability-only car insurance unless your car is relatively new and worth the cost of adding collision and comprehensive coverage. This is because the highest possible payout from full coverage will fall faster than the cost of adding collision and comprehensive.
Coverage
Cheap liability only car insurance is an inexpensive policy that provides the minimum amount of insurance required by law in your state. It offers two facets of liability coverage–personal injury liability and property damage liability.
If you are involved in an accident, your liability coverage will pay for medical bills and damages to another driver’s vehicle, up to your policy’s limits. It’s important to get the minimum liability insurance your state requires and to add more than that if you can afford it.
The liability limits in your policy are typically represented in three numbers: 20/40/15. The first number represents bodily injury limits; the second is property damage; and the third is a limit for all the people who were hurt in the crash.
Your minimum liability limits will vary by state, but they are generally between $15,000 and $50,000 per person and $30,000 to $100,000 for a single vehicle. These limits will protect you against most accidents, but they won’t cover your own medical expenses or repair costs if you hit someone.
Liability insurance is a great option for safe drivers who have clean driving records and don’t get too many violations on their record. However, it is not an ideal option for those who have a history of driving under the influence or have an accident on their record.
Regardless of your situation, it’s worth shopping around for quotes before buying a policy. The cost of full coverage varies dramatically from insurer to insurer, and it’s important to find the best deal for your needs.
You’ll also want to look at how much it would cost to fix your own car if it was damaged or destroyed in an accident. If your car is worth less than a few thousand dollars, getting liability only is probably a good idea, as it will likely save you money in the long run.
It is important to note that while liability only insurance is cheaper than full coverage, it does not include any other optional coverages. You will need to pay more for comprehensive and collision insurance, known as full coverage, if your car is worth more than the cheapest liability insurance policy.
Driving record
A driving record is one of the most important documents to keep up to date. It’s not only used to calculate your car insurance premium, but it can affect many other aspects of your life, from finding a mortgage to applying for a pilot’s license.
The driving record shows the history of your driving, including traffic tickets, accidents and any driving violations that you have committed. It also includes any points that you may have accrued on your driving record.
You can order a copy of your driving record in several ways, depending on the state you live in. You can request it online, by mail or in person at your local DMV office.
If you decide to request an official copy of your driving record, it should be sent within two business days. Typically, DMV charges about $10 for an official copy. Unofficial copies cost less but are less reliable.
Some states offer discounts for drivers with good records, such as those who have never been in an accident or who have not received any tickets in a specified time frame. This discount could mean a significant savings to the policyholder.
Another way to reduce your auto insurance rates is to take a defensive driving course, which can help you reduce points and lower your overall risk. However, be sure to check your state’s regulations before taking a course.
In addition, the more tickets or infractions you have on your driving record, the higher your insurance premium will be. Having a traffic ticket can increase your insurance by up to 30% or more.
A DUI conviction can double your insurance premium. Getting a speeding ticket or reckless driving charge can also significantly increase your rates.
Your driving record can also impact your ability to get a new job. If your employer has a pre-employment screening process, it can look at your driving record to determine if you’re likely to be a high risk.
In the end, the best way to protect yourself from these potential consequences is to pay attention to your driving habits and take preventative measures. This can include paying for minor collisions out-of-pocket, avoiding speeding and wearing seat belts.
Credit score
A credit score is a number from 300 to 850 that shows how likely it is you will pay back loans or lines of credit on time. It is important because it can affect your ability to get a loan or mortgage, as well as the interest rate you pay for that loan.
Credit scores are based on information in your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. These reports are updated each month and contain detailed financial data about you, including your debts, income and assets.
There are several factors that determine your credit score, including your payment history and your credit utilization. Payment history counts for 35 percent of your credit score, while credit utilization tallies how much you owe against the amount of credit you have available to you.
Your payment history reflects the timeliness and consistency of your payments over a certain period of time, typically one to seven years. It includes your payments on credit cards, retail accounts, installment loans and finance company accounts. It also includes public records such as bankruptcies, foreclosures, suits and judgments.
You can improve your credit score by making all of your debt payments on time and keeping your balances low. Late payments will negatively impact your credit score and may stay on your report for up to seven years.
A high credit score can make it easier to borrow money, and you may be able to qualify for lower interest rates and better terms on your loans or credit cards. It can also be used to qualify for cheaper car insurance premiums and other types of coverage, such as homeowner’s or life insurance.
However, not all lenders use the same credit scoring system, so it is important to shop around for quotes before deciding on the best policy for your needs. You can use a website that compares quotes from multiple companies at once, saving you time and effort.
You may also want to consider liability only car insurance if you have a clean driving record and no accidents or tickets on your record. This type of insurance does not cover any of the other parties involved in an accident, but it is significantly less expensive than comprehensive or collision coverage.
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