Taking insurance cover for your car is compulsory, but you must choose the kind of coverage and insurer that you want. This will enable you to select the coverage and premium rates that are best for you. The auto insurance Portland industry is one of the most elaborate, with many providers offering sweet deals to entice more customers from their rivals. This makes the industry competitive and high quality service is expected. However, if you are not careful, you could end up paying high premium rates because of lack of knowledge. You, like every car owner should know some things when you want to get auto insurance.

1. You must take car insurance to avoid incurring the financial burden arising when your car is damaged from an accident or stolen. It can also cover costs related to injuries that you or another person gets in the car. Although it is a requirement by law, some people take it for granted and they accept to be covered by any insurer that comes their way. Some insurers raise very petty issues in an effort to avoid paying for the cover even during an accident. If you abide by the rules, no insurer should deny you the compensation.

2.  High premiums prevent people from seeking the best auto insurance cover. However, you can lower your monthly premiums by raising the amount you need to pay upfront before you start getting coverage. In addition, your premiums will be high if you want to receive collision cover for an old car that has dents. Another secret is to choose only one company to insure all your cars, if you own many. This is possible by taking a multi-car package.

3. Ensure your driving record is impeccable if you want to pay low premiums. Insurers also seem to love bright students. Keep your grades up, and the auto insurance Portland companies will lower your premium payments. That goes for non-smokers too. That cigarette dangling from your lips is not going to impress the insurance company representatives.

4. Read the policy carefully. Auto insurance is only useful if it serves to pay your claim. One important rule is that you only are paid for what you insured. If, for example, your car is swept away by floods and you only insured it against fire, you will not get the compensation you seek. Therefore, if your car is prone to a certain event such as an earthquake, it is important to take that specific cover.

5. Prompt reporting of an event such as an accident is vital to obtain the necessary service. Any delay jeopardizes your chances of being compensated. In addition, you must inform the police or any relevant authorities. They will provide the evidence that the event that occurred was an accident and you have the right to the auto insurance claim.