23+ hour, 28+ min ago (745+ words) Your credit score can impact your car insurance rate. According to a recent Zebra analysis, people whose credit score is below 580 (poor credit) pay $2,729 annually in car insurance. Those with an 800-plus score (excellent credit) pay closer to $1,308. That's a 48% difference. Check Out: I Bought a Hybrid Car " Here's How Much I Save on Gas Every Month If you don't have credit, or if your score needs work, you still have options. Certain states (including California, Michigan and Massachusetts) either prohibit or heavily restrict the use of credit info in the auto insurance decision-making process. If you need car insurance that doesn't factor in your credit, here are a few options. Available only in Texas, Dillo Insurance doesn't check your credit. You could even get an insurance policy if you have a spotty driving record or have had lapses in…...

6+ day, 22+ hour ago (929+ words) CheapInsurance.com breaks down the essential steps and considerations for comparing car insurance quotes. Understanding how to evaluate different policies can help drivers make informed decisions, save money, and avoid coverage gaps. This guide is based on regulatory guidance, industry research, and practical data without promoting any specific insurer. Not all auto insurance policies are created equal. Premiums vary due to: Driving record and accident history Vehicle type, age, and repair costs Coverage limits and deductibles According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), consumers who compare policies regularly are more likely to find cost savings and policies that align with their coverage needs. This proactive approach prevents the costly inertia of auto-renewal, which often leads to premium creep. When comparing quotes, focus on more than the price. Key elements include: Coverage limits: Ensure liability, collision, and comprehensive limits…...

1+ week, 10+ hour ago (1074+ words) Every driver faces the decision of how much protection is enough, and whether it's worth paying for the widest option. CheapInsurance.com analyzes insurance data, risk factors and real-world scenarios to help you understand when paying for "full coverage" may make sense, and when it may be time to scale back your auto protection. If you're evaluating your current vehicle and policy, it's important to assess both your risk exposure and your budget. Before you make changes to your car insurance policy, consider the trade-offs of higher coverage, the cost of the premium, and your financial ability to handle a loss. The term "full coverage" is widely used, however, it's often a misleading term. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there is no universal full-coverage policy; rather, it typically means liability plus both comprehensive and collision coverages.Key components often…...

1+ week, 10+ hour ago (1074+ words) Every driver faces the decision of how much protection is enough, and whether it's worth paying for the widest option. CheapInsurance.com analyzes insurance data, risk factors and real-world scenarios to help you understand when paying for "full coverage" may make sense, and when it may be time to scale back your auto protection. If you're evaluating your current vehicle and policy, it's important to assess both your risk exposure and your budget. Before you make changes to your car insurance policy, consider the trade-offs of higher coverage, the cost of the premium, and your financial ability to handle a loss. The term "full coverage" is widely used, however, it's often a misleading term. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there is no universal full-coverage policy; rather, it typically means liability plus both comprehensive and collision coverages.Key components often…...

1+ week, 16+ hour ago (482+ words) There are several reasons as to why electric vehicle car insurance is more expensive than gas-powered cars, most of which are out of your hands. You might expect an EV will be cheaper to drive than a gas car. The running costs look great on paper since electricity tends to be cheaper than gasoline, and fewer parts need regular attention because you don't have to worry about things like oil changes. That part of the EV pitch holds up. The surprise usually comes later, when the first insurance quote lands and it is higher than what you were paying for a comparable gas car. Insurance companies look at several things, including how much the car is worth and how painful potential repairs will be. Most EVs are more expensive than their gas counterparts, so the potential payout rises right away....

1+ week, 1+ day ago (946+ words) Is peace of mind worth the extra expense? And, does it really provide peace of mind? If you'd listen to my dad, like so many financial experts, he'd say don't buy an extended car warranty; save your money and put it in an account to use for repairs down the road. But then, I bought a certified pre-owned BMW that came with an extended warranty, and I used it over and over and over. In all, it probably saved me $5,000. In this case, my dad's advice was a big fat zero. But is that always true? Is an extended car warranty necessary, especially if buying a used car? Turns out, like most things, it depends. This story is 100% human-researched'and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience,'and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks. The first thing to…...

1+ week, 1+ day ago (681+ words) Usage-based insurance, often called UBI or telematics insurance, leverages driving data to adjust premiums based on how, when, and how much a vehicle is driven. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) explains that UBI uses devices or smartphone apps to monitor key metrics such as miles driven, time of day, braking behavior, and acceleration. Here are the key elements of how UBI operates. Monitoring Mileage: Driving fewer miles generally equates to a lower risk of filing a claim. Behavior Tracking: Metrics like hard braking, rapid acceleration, late-night driving, and high-speed driving often indicate increased risk and may affect the premium. Data Consent and Technology: Drivers must typically opt in to participate; the specifics of data collection vary by insurer and the technology used. If a driver's patterns have shifted, there may be a chance to benefit from updated usage-based…...

1+ week, 2+ day ago (709+ words) Choosing a car isn't just about a low sticker price because insurance premiums can add up quickly and shape your real cost of ownership. According to CarEdge, some models consistently outperform others for cheap coverage thanks to strong safety ratings and low repair costs. Market trends suggest that crossovers, compact SUVs and certain trucks are dominating the affordable insurance rankings, largely due to their advanced safety features and favorable claims history. Trending Now: I'm a Car Expert " 3 Luxury Cars That Cost More To Fix Than They're Worth Check Out: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster After combing through this year's essential rankings from multiple sources, these five cars stand out repeatedly, earning high marks for cheap coverage and solid protection. CarEdge said the Mazda CX-5 leads the pack for cheapest insurance, with an average annual premium of…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (921+ words) How much you spend on car ownership can vary wildly depending on where you live in the United States. So, who are the winners and who are the losers here? Check Out: I'm a Car Expert: 3 Luxury Cars That Cost More To Fix Than They're Worth Read Next: 6 Safe Accounts Proven To Grow Your Money Up To 13x Faster In its latest study, National Business Capital evaluated each of the 50 states across seven key cost-drivers " from used car listings and fuel prices to taxes, fees, insurance and road quality. The biggest contributor to a state's "affordability" score? Used car market pricing, which carried roughly one-third of the total weight. The findings reveal the Midwest offers the best overall value while Western states hit drivers hardest. 1. Ohio (Score: 77.8)Ohio wins on balanced costs across all categories without excelling in any single area....

1+ week, 4+ day ago (741+ words) Not so fast! Putting the pedal to the metal can feel good in the moment, but it could quickly turn into an expensive speeding ticket. Additionally, some speeding tickets in Ohio add points to your license, which could ramp up your annual auto insurance costs. Getting caught speeding has different consequences and costs in different states. In the Buckeye State, speeding could cause a significant price hike in car insurance for Ohio drivers. Here's how much a speeding ticket can increase your insurance payments in Ohio. Getting a speeding ticket hurts, and it's not just because you have to pay a fine. Just one speeding ticket could cost American drivers an additional $500 or more in annual insurance costs. A recent study from LendingTree, an online lending marketplace, found a speeding ticket for going 11 to 15 mph over the speed limit raises…...