Gadsden Car Insurance
Find the right car insurance policy for you.
Gadsden is located about 56 miles northeast of Birmingham. Busy roads at any time of day can make even the most careful drivers susceptible to accidents. If you are involved in a car accident, the financial consequences can be daunting. If you cause an accident, you can expect to pay for all of the damage and injuries for yourself, other drivers, and passengers. You can hit the Gadsden roads with confidence if you have a reliable auto insurance policy. Car insurance removes the financial burden after an accident, so you can quickly recover.
To make sure you get the best coverage for your needs, contact a local independent insurance agent. Independent agents can explain your options, help you comparison shop, and arm you with the information you need to make the best choice for your needs and budget.
Alabama Car Insurance Requirements
Without car insurance, you are entirely unprotected from the financial consequences of causing a crash. Alabama law requires all vehicle owners to have a minimum amount of coverage, including:
- Bodily injury liability: Required
- Property damage liability: Required
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Not required
- Uninsured motorist coverage: Not required
- Minimum liability limits: 25/50/25; coverage up to $50,000 for all persons injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $25,000 for one individual; and $25,000 coverage for property damage
It’s important to understand that the minimum liability insurance requirements may not be sufficient in all circumstances. If you cause a major collision, the resulting expenses can be insurmountable. Any expenses that exceed your coverage limits must be paid out of pocket. If you are sued for negligence, you’ll have to pay attorney and court costs and you could be required to pay a settlement or judgment to an injured party. With the help of an independent agent, you can assess your risks and determine how much liability coverage is necessary to adequately protect your family.
How Much Does Auto Insurance Cost in Gadsden, Alabama?
Alabama is the 22nd most expensive state for car insurance. Car insurance costs in Alabama are similar to the national average but are higher in Gadsden. But that doesn’t mean that everyone will pay more.
- National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
- Alabama average annual car insurance cost: $1,320
- Gadsden average annual car insurance cost: $1,506
Everyone’s car insurance rates are a little different. You likely won’t pay the same as your neighbor or coworker, because your rates are based on factors such as:
- Your age, gender, and marital status
- Your driving history and credit score
- Your car’s year, make, and model
- The approximate number of miles you drive each year
- The coverage limits, coverage options, and deductibles you choose
- Whether you are bundling your auto insurance with other policies like homeowners insurance or renters insurance
Drivers who are considered to be riskier will pay more for insurance. You might pay more if you simply have more people or vehicles in your household, or if you have a history of speeding or filing costly claims. People who are older tend to pay less than younger people, and those who drive safer vehicles (mini-vans instead of sports cars) can also expect to pay less.
Fortunately, even if you are a risky driver, you probably qualify for at least one discount to help offset some of the expenses. Consider bundling your car insurance with your home insurance or renters insurance in order to receive the best rates. An independent agent in Gadsden can help you compare quotes, choose policy options, and maximize your discounts.
Number of Uninsured Motorists in Alabama
Driving without insurance is against the law in Alabama, yet many drivers continue to drive without coverage. In fact, Alabama has the 6th highest percentage of uninsured drivers in the US.
- How many U.S. drivers are uninsured? 13%
- How many Alabama drivers are uninsured? 18.4%.
With this many uninsured drivers, it is essential that you purchase uninsured motorist coverage. If you are in an accident that is caused by an uninsured driver, you may have to pay for your vehicle damage and medical bills on your own. Uninsured motorist coverage ensures that you have protection from uninsured and underinsured drivers. It is not required in Alabama, but going without it may be a serious mistake.
Number of Auto Thefts in Alabama
The auto theft rate in Alabama is lower than the national average. Unfortunately, the auto theft rate in Gadsden is much higher. On average, 227 cars are stolen each year in Gadsden. If you don’t have the right insurance coverage, you’ll have to pay to repair or replace your car on your own.
- National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.28
- Alabama auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.68
- Florence auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 6.33
Anyone can be a victim of auto theft, even if they take precautions. If you want coverage for your vehicle, be sure you select comprehensive coverage, or you will not be reimbursed for a stolen or vandalized car. While this coverage is optional, your lender may require you to have it until your car loan is paid off. And comprehensive insurance covers more than just theft. It also reimburses you for repairs if falling objects, floods, structure fires, and more cause damage to your car.
Installing a car alarm or another anti-theft device is a great way to keep thieves away from your vehicle. And drivers who take these precautions can often earn a discount on their auto insurance.
Why Contact an Independent Insurance Agent?
Drivers in Gadsden can work with a local independent agent to find the right auto insurance. Independent agents can work with multiple insurance companies so you can compare quotes and choose the best policy for your needs and budget.
Find an agent in or near Gadsden to learn more.
http://www.naic.org/prod_serv/AUT-PB-14.pdf
http://www.city-data.com