That task of cutting your car insurance policy rates can be challenging. Car insurance companies and agents often include coverages in a quote that are not required, but are recommended. By eliminating these coverages, insured drivers can reduce their car insurance premiums.

First, drivers need to be aware of their state’s minimum auto insurance requirements. Next, drivers with financing on the vehicle insured need to know what minimum coverages the financing company requires. Auto financing companies and banks often require higher coverage levels than state minimums to protect the collateral against which the driver is borrowing.

Coverages that are not required but often included in many policy quotes include towing and mechanical breakdown, rental car, and full glass. Optional coverages vary from state to state and company to company. Each company often calls the same coverage by different names to brand and differentiate their products from those of competitors. When drivers compare auto insurance, they need to be sure to understand the coverage and how to compare different company offerings.

Towing coverage is a coverage that comes into play when a vehicle needs to be towed due to a mechanical breakdown. Towing coverage offered by many insurance companies includes roadside assistance in case the driver runs out of gas or has a flat tire. Rental coverage provides the policy holder with a loaner car when the driver’s vehicle needs to be repaired due to an accident. Full glass coverage completely replaces auto glass if it is broken without a deductible. Full glass policies cover the cost of both the glass and the labor to install the glass.