Auto financing companies and banks usually require higher minimum policy limits than state minimums. Financing companies also require coverage types that are not required by most states. Once a driver pays off the vehicle dropping coverage levels helps cut rising car insurance rates. Most states require drivers carry only liability policies. However, state minimums and liability-only policies may not fit for every driver's situation. Three factors influence the decision to lower coverages when a vehicle is paid off and no longer required to carry coverages by the financing company.
- The first factor is the age of the vehicle. Older vehicles are worth less. Older vehicles cost less to replace and therefore may not need the same level of coverage as required by financing companies.
- The second factor to consider is the amount of money in savings. When money is set aside a driver can pay for repairs from a collision out of pocket and save on premiums month-to-month.
- The third factor is how much it costs to repair the vehicle. The difference in how much it costs to repair a vehicle varies greatly from one car maker to another. A driver should speak to their mechanic and local body shop to find out how much to expect repairs to be if necessary.
When a car is paid off, consider dropping or reducing coverages and take a long look at these three factors before changing the policy. |