Reader’s Question:
My mom bought me a second hand car, so I have something to use when I go to work. I am a service crew at a diner, and transportation is not that easy especially when you’re at the closing shift and you don’t own a car. My problem is that I don’t know if the pay that I get is enough to cover for the insurance of the car. I am a single mom and although I am still living with my parents, there are lots of expenses that I need to take care of. Can you give me some advice on how to find the cheapest car insurance? Can I just get minimum coverage, so that I won’t have to pay much?
Nina
Boise, ID
Yes, you can definitely get the minimum coverage for your car insurance. The Idaho Code 49-117 states that every car owner must show proof of having financial responsibility in the form of insurance. This insurance must maintain a minimum coverage amounting to $25,000 (for the injuries sustained by one person in a single incident), $50,000 (for the injuries sustained by two or more persons for a single accident), and $15,000 (for the damages brought upon another person’s property for a single accident). The car insurance must maintain but not be limited to the stated minimum coverage. Failure to keep this minimum required coverage could lead to payment of fines and even registration or drivers license suspension.
The coverage of your insurance really depends on what you think your needs or limitations are. So if you think that you’re fine with the minimum coverage, ask the insurance agent to give you a quote on this coverage. However, to find the cheapest car insurance, make sure that you’re careful when you drive, so that you wouldn’t go beyond the limit of your insurance coverage in case an accident happens.
Also, try to have a clean motor vehicle record (MVR) because each violation or citation has corresponding points which the insurance carrier considers when computing for your premium (or policy rate). An increase in your premium is the least that you’d want to happen, so make sure that you avoid anything that could lead to this.
If you want to find the cheapest car insurance fast, try checking the internet. Most insurance companies have their own websites, so getting a free quote from all of them wouldn’t be that hard anymore.