Five Mistakes People Make When Choosing Car Insurance

If you own a car in Pennsylvania, you need auto insurance. Dtown Insurance explores five of the top mistakes people make when choosing car insurance. 


Getting the Wrong Coverage


Different types of car insurance exist, and every customer has a unique situation. With a little guidance the insurance agent could help them if they just asked the right questions. For example, if a customer asks for the best rate on car insurance, but the customer neglects to mention that they will be adding a teen driver in the next few months, they may miss the insurance carrier that offers the best rates for multiple family members or specifically young drivers. There are other factors that influence the type of coverage you will need:


  • Vehicle make and model
  • Vehicle price and amount financed
  • Driving experience
  • How many miles you drive annually


Getting the Minimum Coverage


You may feel that you can only afford the cheapest minimum coverage, but if an accident occurs, your minimal insurance will likely be inadequate, especially if someone gets hurt and has to go to the hospital. In addition, if you only get liability coverage and you have an accident that is your fault, you will receive no compensation to repair your vehicle and the repairs or a replacement money will come out of pocket. This could be more than the cost for a higher coverage level.


Choosing the Wrong Deductible


When choosing auto insurance, buyers may be tempted to get a high deductible policy to get lower premiums. However, in some cases, this can be a costly mistake. Especially when the policy has young drivers. Beginner drivers are more likely to have an accident, even a minor one, and the cost to repair the vehicle may have a larger out of the pocket cost. Other factors could affect the decision as well, but your insurance agent can help you make the right choice.


Not Asking About Available Discounts


Some people just pay the online premium at the insurance company they choose, but they could be missing lots of savings. For example, AAA Insuraaance offers discounts for membership, multiple policies, good student status, having a theft recovery device and more! Did you know you could get a discount for good grades? Our agents at Dtown Insurance will find the best policy with the best available discounts. Having a dedicated agent shop your auto insurance policy with the most discounts is better than shopping online!


Going Online


One of the biggest mistakes people make when choosing car insurance is going online, lured by a little green mascot, and applying for auto insurance without talking to an agent. It pays to have an agent available to help explain coverages, options, and help reduce risk. For example, if you know you will need a rental in case of an accident, ask if this feature is included and what the price per day and total available days for a rental car will be. 

Trust Dtown Insurance in Central Bucks for Your Insurance Needs

Dtown Insurance agents are experienced at all types of insurance, whether you need auto insurance, life insurance, home insurance, or all of the above! Our agents know the common mistakes people make when choosing car insurance, and we care about getting our clients the right coverage for the best price available. We work with great insurance carriers like Grange, Metlife, Plymouth, Rock Progressive, Travelers and AAA Insurance. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

The Motorcyclist’s Guide to Insurance

June 4, 2026
Pennsylvania's Distracted Driving Law Effective June 5, 2026, the penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. Pennsylvania’s hands-free law may be referred to as Paul Miller’s Law. Paul Miller was killed in 2010 when a distracted driver crossed a center grass divider and traveled head-on into Paul’s car. If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison. As a primary offense, drivers can be stopped by police if they have a mobile device in their hand while driving.  The law: Defines an interactive mobile device as a handheld wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer, or similar device which can be used for voice communication, texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing games, taking or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting videos, creating or sharing social media or otherwise sending or receiving electronic data. Defines driving as operating a motor vehicle on a highway, including anytime the motor vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device (e.g., a traffic light or stop sign), or other momentary delay. Defines the use of an interactive mobile device as using at least one hand to hold, or supporting with another part of the body, an interactive mobile device, dialing or answering an interactive mobile device by pressing more than a single button, or reaching for an interactive mobile device that requires a driver to maneuver so that the driver is no longer in a seated driving position, restrained by a seat belt. A driver may use an interactive mobile device if the driver moves the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and halts in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary. The hands-free law allows for an emergency use exception if it is necessary to communicate with a law enforcement official or other emergency service to prevent injury to persons or property. Pennsylvania's Texting-While-Driving Ban The law prohibits as a primary offense any driver from using an interactive mobile device to send, read or write a text-based communication while his or her vehicle is in motion. Defines an interactive mobile device as a handheld wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, smart phone, portable or mobile computer or similar device which can be used for voice communication, texting, emailing, browsing the Internet, instant messaging, playing games, taking or transmitting images, recording or broadcasting videos, creating or sharing social media or otherwise sending or receiving electronic data. Defines a text-based communication as a text message, instant message, email or other written communication composed or received on an interactive mobile device. Makes clear that this law supersedes and preempts any local ordinances restricting the use of interactive wireless devices by drivers. " Faces of Distracted Driving " is an online photo series exploring the tragic consequences of texting and cell phone use behind the wheel by sharing the stories of people from across the country who have been injured or lost loved ones in distracted driving crashes. Click here to view "Faces of Distracted Driving." Dtown Insurance agents have many years of experience in auto insurance. Our agents prioritize getting you the right coverage for the best price available. One of the best auto insurance carriers we work is AAA, one of the country’s largest and most reputable insurance carrier in the United States. Call today
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