Questions every driver should ask their car insurance agent

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When you buy or renew car insurance, it’s easy to focus on price and overlook the fine print — but asking your agent the right questions can save you money and headaches later. You should always ask about available discounts, what’s actually covered if your car is totaled, and whether your policy includes protection against uninsured drivers.

Your agent can also clarify how your payout is calculated after a total loss, whether your repairs will use factory-made (OEM) or aftermarket parts, and if collision or comprehensive coverage still makes sense for your vehicle’s value.

The best way to make sure your coverage really fits your needs is to talk through these questions with your agent before you buy or renew. A quick conversation can uncover savings, close coverage gaps, and give you more confidence that your policy will protect you when it matters most.

Which car insurance discounts can I qualify for?

Car insurance companies offer more discounts than most people realize — but they don’t always volunteer the details. Bringing up every possible discount with your agent can lead to real savings. Some of the biggest price breaks depend on your vehicle’s features, while others come from your habits, lifestyle, or background.

Make sure to ask your agent about what discounts you’re already getting, and which ones you’re eligible for.

Here are some discounts you could receive:

Vehicle discounts

• Anti-theft devices. Save when your car has alarms, VIN etching, or GPS tracking that reduces theft risk.
• Safety features. Vehicles equipped with airbags, anti-lock brakes, or stability control systems often qualify for lower rates.
• New car discount. Cars less than three years old with advanced safety technology can earn extra savings.

Driving habits

• Low mileage. Drivers who log fewer miles each year are less likely to have accidents and may qualify for reduced premiums.
• Accident-free. A clean driving record over several years can lead to meaningful long-term discounts.
• Usage-based programs. Safe drivers who enroll in telematics programs that track habits through an app or plug-in device can earn rate reductions.
  

Lifestyle and loyalty

• Good student. Full-time students under 25 who maintain a “B” average or higher can qualify for a discount.
• Bundling. Combining auto insurance with home, renters, or life coverage through the same insurer can cut your total premium by up to 20%.
• Affinity or occupational. Certain jobs, organizations, or alumni associations — such as teachers, engineers, or military groups — often have special savings.
• Loyalty. Staying with the same insurer for multiple years can unlock renewal or loyalty discounts.

Should I keep collision and comprehensive coverage?

Collision coverage pays for repairs to your car if it’s damaged in an accident, no matter who’s at fault. Comprehensive coverage pays for other kinds of damage — things like theft, vandalism, floods or a tree branch falling on your car. Both types require that you pay a deductible before your insurer covers the rest.

Alex Soto, former chairman of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America and president of Miami-based InSource Inc., says these coverages are often a smart choice if you own a newer car. But once your car has depreciated, you may decide to drop them. For example, it may not be worthwhile to pay $400 a year for collision and comprehensive insurance to protect a car that’s only valued at $3,000. If you file a total loss claim, you’ll pay your $1,000 deductible, and your insurer would cover the remaining $2,000 — so was that $400 premium worth it?

On the other hand, if your car is valued at $40,000, buying comprehensive and collision coverage for around $500 to $600 a year could be a smart move. “It is worth it because while you can afford a $2,000 loss as in the previous example, you may not wish to self-insure $40,000,” Soto says.

Check your car’s current value each year in NADA Guides to decide whether keeping collision and comprehensive coverage still makes sense.

Do I need uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage?

Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have enough — or any — insurance to pay for your damages. It can cover both injuries and property damage, depending on your policy.

Not every state requires UM or UIM coverage, but even when it’s optional, it’s one of the smartest add-ons you can buy. If you’re in an accident with an uninsured driver, your collision coverage might pay for repairs — but only if you carry it. If you don’t, uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) coverage can help. It’s typically cheaper than collision coverage, though most policies cap payouts around $3,500 and don’t require a deductible.

If you already have collision coverage, you can also ask about a collision deductible waiver, which removes your deductible when your car is hit by an uninsured driver. It’s a small upgrade that can save you hundreds after a crash.

Finally, consider the medical side of coverage. Collision insurance only pays for damage to your vehicle — not for injuries to you or your passengers. UM coverage for bodily injury fills that gap, covering your medical bills if the other driver has no insurance.

If my car is totaled, how much will my insurance pay?

If your car is declared a total loss, the amount your insurer pays depends on how your policy values the vehicle. Most standard auto policies use actual cash value (ACV) — the car’s depreciated worth at the time of the accident. That means if your car was valued at $20,000 when you bought it but is worth $16,000 six months later, you’ll be paid around $16,000 (minus your deductible).

Some insurers, usually high-end or specialty carriers, offer an agreed value option instead. This lets you and your insurer set the car’s insured value upfront — and that amount doesn’t drop during the policy term. It costs a bit more, but it guarantees you know exactly what you’ll receive if your car is totaled.

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What’s my deductible — and should I raise or lower it?

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance covers the rest of a claim. A higher deductible can lower your premium, but it also means paying more if you get into an accident. Ask your agent to show you how much you’d actually save each year by raising it — and whether that savings outweighs the risk of a bigger out-of-pocket cost after a claim.

Does my policy cover rental cars or borrowed vehicles?

Car insurance typically follows the vehicle, not the driver — but the rules can get tricky when you borrow someone else’s car or rent one. Ask your agent whether your policy extends to rental cars, borrowed cars, or cars used occasionally by other drivers in your household. You may find you already have some coverage — or that you need an inexpensive add-on for peace of mind.

What optional coverages should I consider adding?

Optional coverages can fill important gaps in your policy and protect against costly surprises. Ask your agent about:

• Gap insurance, which pays the difference between your car’s value and your loan balance if it’s totaled.
• Roadside assistance, which covers towing, lockouts, and jump-starts.
• Rental reimbursement, which pays for a rental while your car is being repaired.
• Accident forgiveness, which prevents a single at-fault claim from raising your rate.
  

These add-ons are usually affordable and can make a big difference when something goes wrong.

How can I lower my car insurance costs?

Car insurance rates can rise for reasons outside your control — like inflation, higher repair costs, or more frequent severe weather. Still, there are plenty of ways to bring your premium down without sacrificing coverage. Start by asking your agent to review your policy for outdated information or unnecessary add-ons.

You can often lower your rate by:

• Bundling policies. Combine your auto insurance with home, renters, or life insurance to qualify for a multi-policy discount.
• Enrolling in a telematics or safe-driver program. Allow your insurer to track your driving habits and reward consistent safe driving with lower rates.
• Increasing your deductible. A higher deductible means you’ll pay more out of pocket for claims but less each month in premiums.
• Improving your credit score. In most states, a higher credit-based insurance score can lead to lower premiums.
• Updating your mileage. If you’re driving less than you used to, report your new mileage to your insurer for potential savings.
• Switching to paperless billing or paying in full. These small changes often come with minor discounts that can add up over time.
  

The key is to have your agent walk you through every possible discount and coverage adjustment. Small tweaks can make a noticeable difference in what you pay — without cutting the protection you need.

The right car insurance policy isn’t just about finding the lowest price — it’s about knowing exactly what you’re paying for and why. Asking these key questions helps you uncover hidden discounts, spot coverage gaps, and make smarter decisions about what to keep or drop. A short conversation with your agent can save you money now and help you avoid costly surprises later.

Penny Gusner

Contributor

 

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Penny is an expert on insurance procedures, rates, policies and claims. She has extensive knowledge of all major insurance lines -- auto, homeowners, life and health insurance. She has been answering consumers’ questions as an analyst for more than 15 years and has been featured in numerous major media outlets, including the Washington Post and Kiplinger’s.