Alternatives to No Down Payment Auto Insurance

Motorists often search for ways to cut coverage costs, and one commonly overlooked tactic involves adjusting how vehicle owner pay for policies. Buying auto insurance with little or no money down can offer some immediate savings by decreasing upfront costs, in addition to spreading out the overall price of a plan, but other methods may lead to lower prices over time. Choosing to make larger installments or paying for a plan in full can often lead to lowers prices and carry additional benefits that help motorists save money.

When a motorist buys car insurance with no down payment it generally means that they will only be charged for the first months coverage. After the initial purchase, additional installments are made on a monthly basis, effectively spreading out the overall cost of a plan. This can often help vehicle owners afford vehicle coverage that may have otherwise been unaffordable. Drivers should note, however, that when a motorist makes monthly installments, a small billing and processing fee is usually added to each transaction. These fees can sometimes be as high as $10 a month. While initially small, these added costs can add up over time.

To reducing the number of billing fees and overall coverage cost, a vehicle owner can often choose to make installments every 3 or 6 months. Although these payments are likely to be higher, they are also more infrequent and are accompanied by fewer transaction fees.

Different Auto Insurance Payment Options

Instead of making multiple payments, motorists often have the option of paying for vehicle coverage in full. Although this means that the entire price of a plan will be paid at once, it can also translate into additional savings. Paying in full can eliminate many of the billing and transaction fees that usually accompany monthly installments and many insurers offer discounts for choosing this option. Additionally, there is the added convenience of not having to worry about missing an installment.

Making a late payment can often have serious consequences. If an installment is late or absent, many insurers will immediately cancel a motorist’s coverage, which can also lead to a number of complications. Almost every state requires vehicle owning residents to maintain auto coverage at all times or risk various fines and penalties. For example, Pennsylvania Insurance Law states that any motorist who experiences a lapse in coverage can have their vehicle registration suspended for three months, and the motorist must pay a restoration fee of $50 to have driving privileges returned.

To avoid a lapse in coverage, many insurers encourage motorists to take part in an automatic bill pay system. Taking advantage of these services allows insurers to deduct installments directly from a motorists predetermined bank account on a regular basis. Not all companies offer these services, so it’s important for motorists to contact their insurer to see what options may be available.