Schwarz Insurance Blog

We all love a good deal.  Buy one pizza, get one free.  Thrift-store jeans that fit perfectly.  Happy Hour.

But when it comes to some things, you have to remember the phrase "You get what you pay for."  For most people, their vehicle is one of the most expensive items they own...so why would you skimp on protecting one of your largest investments?

When shopping for vehicle insurance, shopping by cost alone is a mistake.  Choosing the cheapest car insurance usually means:

• Minimal coverage and minimal protection.  Most states do require a minimum liability coverage you must carry, but it's just that - the minimum.  Consider how little the minimum will help you if you have an unexpected accident, and how much it could end up costing you out of your own pocket if you are sued.  Isn't it worth spending a relatively small amount more each month to better protect yourself against losing what you want in the future?
• Really high deductibles.  Choosing really high deductibles will save you money, but can you really afford to pay that high deductible if you or someone else damages your car? Sometimes a $500 collision deductible costs only a few dollars each month more than a $1,000 deductible.  So when you don't see that concrete post until after you back into it, or you walk out to the parking lot and find that someone has scraped the side of your car and didn't leave their insurance information; ask yourself: was it worth the savings, only to have to pay $1,000 to get your car fixed?

So, instead of simply choosing the least expensive plan, shop smart.  Have an independent agent compare quotes from several companies and explain your options.  Remember, the cheapest rates do not always define quality of service or coverage, you get what you pay for.