How to Insure a Lexus IS 350C like a Tightwad
If shopping for auto insurance was more enjoyable, it would get done more often. But the premiums we pay always seem to be too high and most of use would rather get a tooth pulled. Finding insurance for your Lexus IS 350C that you can actually afford is probably no different.
Step One: Compare Rates
In years past, the only way to purchase car insurance was to visit the office of a local agent. Life has gotten easier!
Almost every car insurance company now offers online quotes, and you can actually get insurance quotes for a Lexus IS 350C without even visiting their websites!
Simply click the link below to enter your information. Once complete, you can compare the returned rates and make a decision on which policy to purchase.
Important Tip! In order to accurately compare rates for your IS 350C, it's critical that you use the same limits and deductibles for liability and physical damage coverages like comprehensive and collision. If you use different limits, you will not be able to accurately compare rates between carriers.
Step Two: Tried and True Ways to Save on IS 350C Insurance
Now that you have several rates to compare (since you did compare rates above, right?), we will now show you some additional ways you can lower your IS 350C insurance rates.
- The performance boost offered by your Lexus IS 350C is going to force you to spend more for insurance. Consider trading for a lower performance vehicle in order to bring down your rates.
- Particular years and models of cars tend to be frequently stolen, and if your IS 350C is on that list, chances are your insurance company knows it and will ding you a little extra because of it.
- Repair costs generally trend higher as the price of a vehicle goes up. So by owning a IS 350C, you can expect higher repair bills and also higher insurance rates because of this.
- If you are a senior citizen or belong to a particular professional organization, you may qualify for a break on insurance.
- Let's face it, you aren't driving a IS 350C because of the fuel economy. You like the looks and performance and you'll pay a little more for insurance because you're driving a sports car.
- If you can afford to pay for small claims like a broken windshield out of pocket, it will keep small claims off your record and give you a claim-free discount.
- If you are a renter rather than a homeowner, you might pay a little more to insure your car. Owning a home takes financial repsonsibility and insurance companies reward those policy holders.
- Air bags, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control all help lower the cost of insurance due to reducing the risk of injury in an accident.
- If switching companies, always have the effective date of the new policy be identical to the expiration date on the old policy. This prevents a lapse in coverage and companies charge higher rates if you have any lapses.
- Minor driving violations such as speeding tickets can cause your rates to go up. Too many violations in a short period of time will cause your policy to be non-renewed.
- Ask your insurance company if there is a discount for completing a driver's safety course. It may get you up to a 10% discount at your next renewal.
- If you're a young driver, you will pay more to insure a IS 350C. There isn't anything you can do about your age, but rates will drop as you mature.
- If you have a high credit score, you will be rewarded with lower insurance rates. Conversely, if your credit rating is on the low site, your rates will be higher.
- You can save money on your physical damage coverage (comprehensive and collision) by increasing your deductibles. Higher deductibles mean you are willing to pay more before the insurance company covers a claim.
Step Three: Bind Coverage and Cancel your Old Policy
Knowing which company to insure your IS 350C with is more than just choosing the lowest rate. You also need to be ready to put a down payment on your policy and make sure you have all the proper coverages in place.
If you didn't have a prior policy, then you can make the new policy effective any time. But if you're moving bewteen companies and don't want a lapse in coverage, make sure the effective date of the new policy is exactly the same as the cancellation date of the old policy.
When buying a new vehicle, coverage will extend from your existing policy. But if you don't have a car insurance policy, you will want to make sure you have coverage BEFORE you drive off the lot. If you have a current policy and you only carry liability coverage, then that's the only coverage that will automatically extend to your IS 350C. But if you currently carry full coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage will extend to your new vehicle.
Your insurance company will provide you with proof-of-insurance forms to keep in your vehicle. It's required by state law to carry at least the state minimum liability limits. If your state requires you to file an SR-22 for being a high-risk driver, make sure your new company is aware of this requirement. Failure to comply can result in loss of your driver's license.
More Insurance Buying Tips
The Insurance Information Institute has a great resource of car insurance articles where you can learn more about coverages and money saving tips. Visit iii.org.
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