Get the Most Coverage For Your Money When Shopping For Cheap Car Insurance in Jacksonville, Florida
Research Coverage Options
Before taking a step forward, research your coverage options. The state of Florida requires a minimum amount of liability coverage of $10,000 for Personal Injury Protection (no-fault insurance in Florida), and $10,000 for Property Damage Liability. Collision covers the repair or replacement of your automobile in the event of an accident, whether or not you are at fault. This includes a deductible, which must be met before coverage money is granted. Note: Your automobile lender may require you to obtain collision coverage. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage offers protection if another driver causes an accident and does not have Florida's legal liability requirement in car insurance, or has inadequate coverage.
You might also consider a comprehensive plan if you live in an area that's vulnerable to weather-related damages, theft, vandalism, etc. This coverage also covers fire damage and impacts with wild animals such as deer that may cause damage to your vehicle.
Compare Jacksonville Car Insurance Companies Online
Finding cheap car insurance is a cinch once you know where to look. Sure, you can spend hours calling or visiting the many providers in the Jacksonville area. But why waste time and effort when you can easily research all the companies from the comfort of your own home? The Internet simplifies the process of buying car insurance.
To do a comparison of auto insurance rates online, visit a comparison site and enter the requested information. Comparison sites are designed to render results in your local area, so you'll only be comparing those providers that serve the Jacksonville area or the state of Florida in general. Once you enter your information, compare the rates based on the policy details, deductibles and discounts being offered. You'll likely be comparing from 15 to 50 companies, so choose about five or so companies based on their offerings to do further research.
Once you've narrowed your selection to five companies, do an online search to find out the ratings of those companies. Also, type in the search box, "customer reviews of __________ (company name)" to find out how consumers rate the company for its service.
Understand Risk Factors in Jacksonville, Florida
Car insurance companies use certain risk factors to determine your premium. One factor that many consumers don't realize is how long of a commute to work. The average work commute in Jacksonville is 25.2 minutes. Another is whether or not you own a vehicle that is susceptible to theft. About 4,817 vehicles were stolen in Jacksonville in 2007, and the top "thief magnets" in Florida include the 1994 Honda Accord, 1991 Toyota Camry, 2000 Honda Civic, 1998 Dodge Caravan, 2005 Dodge Ram Pickup, 2007 Toyota Corolla, and others.
Other statistics to consider: Jacksonville had 145 deadly automobile crashes in 2007, which involved 217 automobiles and 362 people. The average car insurance rate in Florida was $1,667 in 2009, while the national average was $1,735.
Insurance carriers also consider your age, driving history, whether or not you've completed driver's training, safety features on your car, and your credit rating. Use these tips to find adequate coverage at the best rate among the many Jacksonville, Florida providers.
