Starting the Game of Finding Car Insurance

Here is a list of basic items you will need when starting your search for new car or auto insurance.

Personal Information

Here is a list of things to have handy when you start your search and a list of questions to ask potential insurers:

Driver’s license numbers for all insured drivers in the household
An account of any traffic tickets the above listed drivers have received in the last three years
Also an account of any accidents or other insurance claims for the last five years.
Your old insurance policy on hand and an idea of how long it was in effect.
The make and model of each car and the VIN numbers of each vehicle being added to the policy
The vehicle identification number, or VIN, is available on the registration and title of your vehicle or is usually located in the driver’s side front windshield on the dashboard.

Be prepared to answer questions regarding:

Your average daily driving distance
Your zip code where the vehicle is parked at night
The distance you drive to work
Average total distance driven in an average year.

Considering your insurance needs

You will want to make sure that you have an idea before you start your search of the features and limits you want to have with your insurance. Most states have minimum requirements for property damage and liability insurance, but often those limits are very low and many not be enough to protect you in a major car accident. Make sure you understand what the limits and maximums of your policy mean.

Questions to also consider

Will you need roadside assistance? Remember some newer car companies include this with new vehicles.

Will you need rental car coverage?

Do they have a discount for good drivers or for people who complete defensive driving courses?
Is there a good student discount?
Is there a good driver discount?
Is there a discount for having anti-theft devices or airbags in your vehicle?
Is there a discount if you have multiple forms of insurance with the same company?

Each of these options are just the tip of the iceberg when finding the car and auto insurance right for you. Combine them into one solid Q&A session and you will be ahead of the game!

--Chris Bateman is a private investigator and insurance investigations professional for over 20 years. He writes various insurance related articles and regularly assists large insurance companies with loss prevention investigations, audits, and information assessments.