How to Insure a Dodge Ram 3500 Van like a Tightwad
If shopping for auto insurance was more enjoyable, it would get done more often. But more than likely, it's challenging for most people and we always end up paying more than we want. Insuring your Dodge Ram 3500 Van is probably no exception.
Step One: Compare Rates
The antiquated method of shopping for car insurance included a high pressure visit to the office of your local insurance agent. Life has gotten easier!
Comparing apples-to-apples price quotes for your Dodge Ram 3500 Van is made easy by only requiring one form to be completed. This will shop your coverage with multiple companies and allow you to easily compare rates.
To begin, click on the link below and complete the short form. It only takes a few minutes and it's helpful to have your current policy handy if you have one.
Important Tip! In order to accurately compare rates for your Ram 3500 Van, 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: How to Cut Costs on Ram 3500 Van 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 Ram 3500 Van insurance rates.
- Do you keep your credit rating in good shape? If you do, you will get a better rate than if you let your credit score slide. Check your credit score regularly to make sure there are few blemishes on your record.
- Driver's safety courses will often get you a discount off your rates. Check to see if your company offers the discount and find a qualifying class in your area.
- Gaps in insurance coverage will cause problems for your insurance rates. Don't let your policy expire without having new coverage in place.
- Owning a home takes financial responsibility, and car insurance companies will often give you a break just for being a homeowner.
- If you are a senior citizen or belong to a particular professional organization, you may qualify for a break on insurance.
- Consider using higher deductibles for physical damage coverages like comprehensive and collision. Higher deductibles save money since you're willing to pay more out-of-pocket at claim time.
- If your insurance company allows driver-specific car rating, you can save money by rating any teenage drivers on low profile vehicles with either no physical damage coverage or very high deductibles.
- If you think the only financial impact of a speeding ticket is a fine and court costs, think again. Insurance companies will raise your rates for up to three years for a single ticket.
- The less chance of injury to passengers in an accident means lower insurance rates. Vehicles with safety features like side-impact airbags, head injury protection, antilock bracks and traction control generally will be cheaper to insure.
- Smaller claims that hardly exceed your deductible are better off not being filed with your insurance company. Policyholders with no claims enjoy lower rates than those who frequently file claims.
- If your Ram 3500 Van ranks on the list of vehicles that are frequently stolen, that can result in a higher rating class and a more expensive rate.
Step Three: Choose a Company and Bind Coverage
You've compared rates and hopefully looked over the coverages for each vehicle on your policy to make sure they're adequate. Now you can make the big decision on which company will best fulfill your needs.
The key thing to keep in mind when buying a new policy is you do not want your old policy to lapse. Make sure the effective date of the new policy is on or before the expiration date of your current 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. Be sure to have a new policy ready to go if you are buying a new Ram 3500 Van. If you've never had car insurance or don't have a policy now, you won't have any protection on the vehicle until you add it to your policy.
Once you finish buying your new policy, you will need to print out the proof-of-insurance card that is provided by your new company. This card is proof that you meet the state's minimum liability limits and is required to be kept in your vehicle. An SR-22 filing may be required by your state's DMV if you've been convicted of a serious driving offense such as DUI, DWI or reckless driving. If this applies to you, make sure the car insurance company complies with the SR-22 requirement.
Car Insurance Resources
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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