How to Get Good Umbrella Insurance Rates for Autos

To make sure you and your vehicle are adequately covered, you'll need to compare some umbrella insurance rates. Umbrella insurance is meant to cover damages beyond the normal limits of your policy, and it's definitely a worthwhile investment. Before you renew or begin your policy with this important coverage, you'll need to get some quotes and see which company has the best rate.

• Finding affordable umbrella coverage starts with comparison shopping. An Internet search will turn up a variety of sites, such as insweb, that allow you to fill out one short form and receive multiple umbrella insurance quotes within minutes. Here's where you need to be patient- taking the first offer you're given could cost you a lot of money.

• Consider raising your deductible, which is the amount you must pay before your coverage kicks in. For instance, if you have a $1,000 deductible, and your car gets $2,500 in damage, your insurance will only cover the last $1,500. A lot of people think that having a lower deductible is the cheap way to go, but in fact, having a higher deductible means that you pay less each month. You'll save money if you drive safely and avoid traffic violations.

• Searching for discounts is a great way to lower your insurance rate. Discounts will bring down your monthly premium, and they're widely available if you know where to look. Major insurers offer discounts for good students, senior citizens, and those who take defensive driving courses. If you and your spouse are on the same policy, you should check to see if your insurer offers a multi-driver discount.

• Check your credit score. Many insurers use your credit history as a way to calculate the level of risk involved in covering you, and the better your credit is, the lower your insurance cost will be. You should get copies of your credit reports (you can get one free report per year by visiting annualcreditreport.com). If you've already gotten your free copies, CarsDirect also runs a credit report site where you can get your reports for a nominal fee.

• Consider equipping your vehicle with additional safety measures, if possible. If your car is equipped with an alarm system, or antilock brakes and air bags, it presents a lowered risk for insurers—and that means lower rates for you.

• Keep your driving record clean. Any ticket or accident will drive your monthly premium up, so try to avoid citations and drive safely. If your record is already tarnished, there isn't a lot you can do, except to shop around for the most competitive rate. If you have additional drivers on your policy, their driving record will affect your rates as well.

If you aren't sure how much umbrella coverage you need, you should talk to your insurance agent or visit a good online insurance quote provider, such as the one offered by CarsDirect. Just by answering a few simple questions about yourself, your car, and your driving habits, you can get the umbrella coverage you need at a price that won't break the bank.