September 7, 2011

3 Ways To Compare Auto Insurance Quotes For Extended Vans

In order to save money on auto insurance, drivers need to look for policies that are customized to their vehicles. This is somewhat easy when driving a coupe or a pickup truck, but vehicles like extended vans can be harder to buy insurance for simply because they’re fairly uncommon. Insurance rates can vary greatly for extended vans, but by knowing where to look and what types of auto insurance coverage to purchase, drivers can avoid overpaying for their auto insurance policies.

The best way to compare coverage for vans is to first decide which types of auto insurance coverage to buy. Liability coverage and collision coverage are standard in most policies. Van buyers should purchase adequate amounts of these coverages relative to the value of their vehicles and the time that they spend driving. For instance, drivers with inexpensive vans who drive for several hours each day may not need much collision coverage, but ample amounts of liability coverage would certainly make sense to have. Extended van owners should be sure to understand what’s covered and what isn’t covered on a typical insurance policy. As vans are often used to haul equipment and furniture, it’s important to know that personal property isn’t protected by standard auto insurance. Even when comprehensive coverage and custom parts and equipment coverage are added, personal property won’t be covered – a renter’s insurance or a homeowner’s insurance policy actually covers property that’s left in a vehicle. Buyers should only expect auto insurance coverage to cover the auto as well as any liabilities that result from an accident, depending on the coverage.

Many van owners will also want to compare add-on coverages. Add-on coverages can provide further protection. Extended vans can often be difficult and expensive to tow, for example, so roadside assistance can be a smart buy. Add-ons like accident forgiveness can save money for a driver after an accident. However, they can be hard to compare through individual insurance quotes, as insurers often have very different terms for their add-ons.

It’s easiest to compare quotes using an online insurance comparison website. This is an especially important step with extended vans, because insurance companies’ rates can be especially varied for these vehicles. Gathering a few quotes should give a driver a good sense of what a policy should cost, but remember that it’s often possible to get further discounts on an auto insurance policy by simply calling an insurance agent and asking. With a few discounts and some smart comparison shopping, drivers can greatly decrease the costs of their policies for any type of vehicle.