When it comes to auto insurance, you really have to do your homework in order to be sure that you are getting the absolute best rates. You need to shop around, and get quotes from as many insurance agencies as possible. If you have a Nissan Altima or are thinking about buying one, it will cost approximately $1,300 per year to have insurance, depending on the insurer you end up dealing with and the type of coverage you choose. Remember, the more coverage you want the more you are going to pay. Of course, if you are buying a brand new Nissan Altima you will probably want to make sure you have full coverage.

About the Nissan Altima

If you are looking for a great mid-sized family car that is economical and easy on gas, the Nissan Altima is an excellent choice. It comes standard with a 2.5 liter inline 4 or a 3.5 liter V-6 engine, and offers 32 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. Not only is this car easy on gas, it is also one of the most power family sedans on the market today. Other features of this popular car include:

• Seating for 5 (2 front and 3 back)
• 6-Speed manual transmission
• Low starting cost ($19,900 to $30,100)

Safety Features

The Nissan Altima is loaded with safety features that will help to lower your insurance rates. It is considered a top safety pick and tested good (highest rating) for frontal offset, side impact, rear crash and roof strength tests with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gives this car an overall rating of five stars. Safety features that come standard include:

• Emergency trunk release
• Air bag (driver’s side)
• Air bag (rear head)
• Side air bag
• Passenger air bag
• Four Wheel disc brakes
• Electronic stability control
• Traction control
• Four wheel ABS
• Head air bag (side)
• Brake assist
• Child safety locks

What to Consider when Buying Auto Insurance

When you are getting quotes for insurance for your Nissan Altima, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. For instance, you can choose to have a higher deductible in order to have lower payments. You will need to ask about rates, deductibles and the amount of coverage you will have with the policy you ultimately choose. There are many things that will help to keep your rates down, including:

• Driver Safety Courses – Most insurers will offer discounts to drivers who have taken one of these courses, which are offered by your Department of Motor Vehicles.
• Multi-Vehicle Policies – If you own more than one vehicle, you can combine policies for a lower rate.
• Multiple Policies – If you have home and life insurance, you can combine them with your auto insurance for a bundled rate.
• Teen Drivers – If your teenager has taken a driver safety course, maintains a clean driving record and keeps his or her grades up, you may be entitled to discounts on your auto insurance.
• Having a Garage – You will get better rates if you can show that your vehicle will be in a garage or covered for protection.
• Low Mileage – If your vehicle is just for running errands and not used to commute to work every day, your rates will be lower.
• Anti–Theft Devices – There are many security features on the Nissan Altima, but there are more things you can do to keep your car safe and lower your insurance rates, including getting a car alarm and devices such as the club.

There are a number of things that can negatively affect your insurance rates and you will end up paying more than you feel is necessary. Some of these things are:

• Marital Status – Single people pay more for auto insurance than married people because they have not shown that they are able to commit and show a particular level of responsibility.
• Credit Rating – If you have a poor credit rating, it will affect your insurance rates because it shows that you are not financially responsible.
• Occupation – If you are unemployed you will have a harder time getting good rates than if you have full time employment.
• Driving Record – If you have black marks on your driving record, it is going to cause your insurance rates to increase.

Getting Insurance Quotes

The best way to know that you are getting the absolute best insurance rates is to get quotes from a number of insurance companies. Make sure that you contact both local and national insurers because not all insurers offer the same insurance products or the same rates. Compare the various quotes that you get and then decide which insurance company is offering the most coverage for the best price.

Take advantage of every discount you can when you are trying to buy insurance for your Nissan Altima. You don’t have to pay a fortune for auto insurance when you shop around, get quotes and make your decision based on those quotes. The more you can learn about insurance the better your rates will be.