While each state has minimum auto coverage requirements, the coverage options offered by each auto insurance company can still vary wildly. Below are three questions to ask each company to get a better idea of what they can offer you, and to help narrow down your auto insurance company options.   

Question #1: Who Will be Covered Under My Policy? 

If your aunt is visiting from out of town and borrows your car, will your car be covered in the event of an accident? How about when you're teaching your permitted-but-unlicensed child to drive – will any accidents that occur at such a time be covered? 

Determining who's covered and when can be tricky and varies among companies which is why this is such a vital question. While the answer to this may not ultimately impact your decision, it's still important to know for future reference to ensure optimum coverage. 

Question #2: What Can I Do to Lower My Risk Factors? 

Risk factors directly impact the cost of your auto insurance, so knowing if there's anything you can do to lower these factors can be helpful in the long run. 

Certain factors, such as age, gender, and past driving history cannot be altered. So, what can you do to get better car insurance rates? If moving is an option, you may want to ask insurance companies which areas are considered lowest risk when it comes to traffic levels, theft, and vandalism. Moving closer to work or school can also mean lower annual mileage, which is another factor that's considered when deciding your risk.  

Question #3: Do I Qualify for Any Discounts? 

Don't assume that the discounts you qualify for will be automatically applied to your account. Instead, consider the types of discounts typically offered and whether you qualify, and then inquire about them with each insurance company. 

Perhaps your car has advanced safety features or uses alternative fuel – things such as these can qualify you for a number of discounts if offered by the company, such as the anti-theft discount or the alternative fuel discount. Do you belong to any clubs or organizations? It doesn't hurt to see whether the company will offer a discount based on your memberships. 

Shopping for car insurance can be overwhelming but by asking the right questions you can significantly narrow your options and pick the best company for you. To learn more about the options available to you, start calling local providers (such as House-Chilson & Associates) for personalized quotes today.