Let’s be honest—car insurance isn’t something most people want to think about. You buy it because you have to, hope you never need it, and then shove it to the back of your mind.
That is… until something goes wrong.
At Page Insurance Agency, we’ve seen too many people walk through our doors after an accident, completely blindsided by what their policy doesn’t cover. We’ve had to sit across from hardworking families and explain that their coverage won’t pay for all the damages. We’ve watched the shock, frustration, and even tears that follow.
And in most cases? The financial disaster could have been completely avoided—if they had the right information upfront.
Insurance can feel confusing, overwhelming, and (let’s be real) boring. But your policy isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s what stands between you and potential financial ruin.
So, let’s make this simple. Here are the five biggest mistakes people make when buying car insurance—and how to make sure you’re protected when you need it most.
1. Choosing the Cheapest Policy (A.K.A. The State Minimums Trap)
We get it—nobody wants to overpay for insurance. But choosing the cheapest option? That can be one of the most expensive mistakes you ever make.
A while back, a customer told us, “Just give me the cheapest thing to make me legal.”
Six months later, he hit a brand-new Tesla. His state minimum property damage coverage only paid $25,000. The repair bill? Over $50,000.
Guess who’s still making payments on someone else’s car?
State minimums are outdated. They were set decades ago and don’t reflect today’s medical bills or car repair costs. One trip to the ER could eat through your coverage in minutes.
What We Recommend:
A smarter choice is at least 100/300/100 coverage ($100,000 per person in bodily injury, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 in property damage). For many of our clients, it only costs $20-$40 more per month than the state minimum—but it could save you hundreds of thousands if the worst happens.
2. Skipping Uninsured Motorist Coverage (Because “That Won’t Happen to Me”)
We’ve had countless clients tell us, “I’m a good driver—I don’t need extra coverage.”
But here’s the reality: 1 in 8 drivers on the road has no insurance at all. And many more carry bare-minimum policies that won’t fully cover the damage if they hit you.
Let’s share a story about “Jim”. You may know a “Jim” yourself. Jim declined uninsured motorist coverage to save a few bucks. Not long after, his wife was rear-ended by a driver who fled the scene. Their health insurance didn’t cover all the physical therapy she needed, and without uninsured motorist coverage, they were stuck with the bill.
What We Recommend:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects YOU when the other driver can’t pay. It’s usually less than $15/month—a tiny price to avoid being financially wrecked by someone else’s mistake.
3. Constantly Switching Companies (And Losing Out on Long-Term Benefits)
You’ve seen the ads: “Switch and save!”
Sure, shopping around is smart. But some people switch insurers every six months just to save a few bucks—without realizing they’re costing themselves money in the long run.
Here’s why:
- Loyalty discounts can save 10-15% after a few years. Constantly switching means you never qualify.
- Some companies offer accident forgiveness or perks after a certain number of claim-free years—but not if you keep bouncing between insurers.
- Switching frequently increases the chances of missing small but important coverage details (which can cost you thousands later).
What We Recommend:
Instead of chasing small savings, work with an independent agency (like us!) that can compare multiple companies for you. That way, you’re always getting the coverage that matches your needs without sacrificing service.
- Choosing the Wrong Deductible (And Regretting It Later)
Most people don’t think about their deductible until they have to pay it. And that’s when reality hits.
We always ask:
“If you got into an accident tomorrow, could you comfortably pay your deductible out-of-pocket?”
If the answer is no, you’re setting yourself up for stress.
On the other hand, some clients have plenty of savings but are stuck with low deductibles they don’t need—paying extra for no reason.
What We Recommend:
Your deductible should be high enough to lower your premium, but low enough that you can actually afford it if something happens. Not sure what’s best for you? We can help you run the numbers.
5. Overlooking Discounts (And Paying More Than Necessary)
Most people assume their insurance company is automatically giving them all the discounts they qualify for. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Many policyholders don’t realize they could be saving money simply by taking advantage of available discounts. Insurance companies often offer discounts for a variety of factors, including:
- Homeownership – Owning a home may qualify you for lower rates, especially when bundling auto and home insurance.
- Paperless Billing – Opting for digital statements instead of mailed bills can reduce your premium.
- Safe Driving – Maintaining a clean driving record without accidents or traffic violations can lead to significant savings.
- Occupation-Based Discounts – Some professions, such as teachers, first responders, or engineers, may be eligible for lower rates.
Regularly reviewing your policy ensures you’re maximizing these discounts and not overpaying for coverage. Many drivers save hundreds of dollars per year just by applying the right discounts. Let us help you find the best rate while ensuring you get the coverage you need!
What We Recommend:
Ask about every possible discount. Some of the biggest money-savers include:
- Bundling auto and home insurance (saves up to 25%)
- Good driver discounts
- Paid-in-full discounts
- Safety feature discounts (like anti-theft devices)
At Page Insurance Agency, we can help you review your policies to see if you’re getting the best deal possible.
Car insurance isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about protecting what matters most when life throws you a curveball.
At Page Insurance Agency, we believe in:
- Educating our clients, not just selling policies
- Helping you find the best balance between cost and coverage
- Being here when you actually need us
Before you renew or buy a new policy, let’s talk. We’ll make sure you’re not just legally insured—but actually covered.
Because the worst insurance policy? The one that fails you when you need it most.
Let’s make sure that never happens to you.
Contact us today for a free policy review!