"Buying Tips for Car Insurance"

Do you know what you are buying and why? Most people do not know! That is why the first thing you need to do is educate yourself about buying car insurance. What coverages are required in the State of Maryland, which coverages do you really need, and which coverages can you do without.

Regardless of where you live and what coverages you decide on buying, there are some things you can do to make sure you are getting the best deal around. The most important thing to do is shop around (each insurance carrier has their own way of setting rates) and save money! Afterall, you didn't buy the first house you saw and/or the first car.

Here are some tips to reduce your automobile insurance premiums:

(1) maintain a good driving record

(2) take the highest deductible you can afford on comprehensive and collision coverages

(3) before buying a vehicle, determine the cost of insuring it -high performance vehicles cost more.

(4) ask about discounts

(a) good driver - no accidents and/or moving violations for 3 years

(b) Car pooling - can get up to 20% discount

(c) multicar discount - 20% discount by having all family vehicle insured on one policy

(d) antitheft devices - up to 15% discount for car alarms, ignition cutoff, wheel locks and hood locks

(e) sealt belts and air bags - up to 30 % discount

(f) mature driver discount - up to 20% discount for drivers over age 55

(5) stop driving and switch to mass transit to get to work - rates are higher for commuting to work over 3 miles

(6) for vehicles with a market value less than $1,500 to $2,000, consider dropping comprehensive and collision

coverages. You may be paying more in premiums and deductible than you would receive if your car got stolen

or damaged

(7) if you are a young driver, see if your parents will add you to their policy (vehicle must be titled to them). While the overall premium will be high, you would be paying less than you would if you tried to get a policy on your own. Also, you could qualify for good student discounts if your grades are B or better.

(8) multi-policy discounts - by insuring your home or tenants homeowners with your automobile - you get a 10%

discount off both programs.

It pays to shop around!

For more information, please contact Chuck Lurie at El-Mar Associates, Inc.,7000 Security Blvd, Suite #332, Baltimore, Maryland 21244, 410-265-7070, or by e-mail at sanchuck@erols.com or visit our web site at http://www.elmarassociates.com

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