Kia Motors is a Korean-based car manufacturer with a fascinating history that dates back to the end of World War II. After beginning as a replacement-parts manufacturing plant, they’ve grown by tremendous measures. The company now dominates large auto market shares across the globe. With affordable MSRPs and lengthy manufacturer warranties, Kia has become synonymous with economic frugality. In short, Kia is the responsible choice for the scrupulous driver, and the insurance you purchase should reflect those same economic values. Locating the best auto insurance for your Kia will mean a little digging around for quotes and doing a tad bit of homework.

The first step, as always, is to gather all the quotes you can track down. But remember: not all insurance policies are created equal. Maybe you need liability coverage, full coverage auto insurance, or more. Let’s talk through the several options you should consider before seeing how much you should expect to pay.

Understanding the Different Types of Coverage for Kia

The Kia you drive is more than a mere vehicle meant to shuttle you from A to B. In fact, if you don’t own your home, it may be your single largest financial asset. If that’s the case, insuring it properly is imperative to protect yourself from unnecessary risks. Every insurance provider has a slew of options worth considering. Let’s take a look at the different types of auto insurance coverage.

Liability coverage
Required in most states, liability auto insurance coverage is the foundation of all auto insurance policies. Whether you cause an accident, a pile-up, run over a neighbor’s mailbox, or cause injuries to another party, your vehicle’s liability coverage steps in to protect you in some of the most common – and the most dangerous – situations.

Comprehensive coverage
To protect your asset, comprehensive auto insurance coverage may very well be a necessity. In today’s economy, windshields commonly run north of $1,000 to replace, and many states waive auto insurance deductibles for windshield repair/replacement. Comprehensive coverage also kicks in when you need to file claims regarding theft, falling objects, floods, or a variety of other external causes which don’t involve your vehicle colliding with another object.

Collision coverage
Suppose you’ve still got payments to make, whether loan or lease. Comprehensive and collision will be required by your lienholder/lessee in order to protect their investment. If it’s paid off, neither is required, but both are worth looking into. Liability (listed above) pays for damages or injury to the other party’s person/vehicle in the event that you cause an accident, but liability does not pay to fix your vehicle in such an instance. Collision coverage is offered as a means of repairing or replacing your vehicle in the event of an at-fault accident. Learn the differences between comprehensive and collision coverage.

Underinsured coverage
This largely unknown coverage could be a lifesaver under the right circumstances. In many states, the required liability coverage one needs to drive covers far less in property damage than would be necessary to replace your vehicle. For instance, let’s consider the Kia Telluride. Nowadays, they start just shy of $36,000. If someone totals your vehicle in a state which requires that they carry only $25,000 in property damage liability, you could be left responsible for paying over $10,000 for an accident you didn’t cause. Underinsured coverage steps in to make up the difference between the offending driver’s liability limit and the cost of the resulting medical/property damage. Find out what happens if you get caught driving without auto insurance.

Roadside assistance
This is a relatively cheap option at most insurance companies, but it may help you evade the costliest of claims. Abandoning a vehicle raises the chances of vandalism and theft, so a few extra bucks a year may protect your purchase and give you peace of mind. Find affordable roadside assistance companies.

While Kias are economically savvy, they aren’t cheap vehicles. Kia drivers should expect reasonable car insurance rates landing slightly above average. Kia insurance rates vary greatly widely by model. A Kia EV6 sells for over double the Kia Soul, so you can expect your monthly rate to reflect such a discrepancy. Still, the vehicle you drive is but a single data point that factors into your overall cost. Your age, driving history, credit score, insurance history, location, and other personal information form part of the picture, too.

Here’s what you should expect on average on the insurance front:

Check auto insurance requirements by state.

How to Compare Rates and Coverage Options for Kia

Coverage options and discounts vary from provider to provider. Fish for as many quotes as you can and look them over thoroughly before making a decision. Keep these discounts in mind along the way:

• Vehicle safety. Safety’s all the rage these days. Many Kia models come standard with high-tech safety features that may slash your premiums. When requesting quotes, entering your VIN increases the chances of safety features being taken into account.
• Anti-theft. If your Kia’s ready to ward off would-be carjackers with anti-theft features, ask your insurance carrier to be sure that you’re seeing those savings.
• Multi-car. Does your Kia have company in the garage? Quote your other vehicle(s), too. Bundling vehicles with the same company often garners one of the biggest discounts available.
• Multi-line. Whether it’s homeowners, renters, or life insurance, bundling policies of different types will save on each. If your insurance is more expensive than it should be and you don’t own your home, ask for a renters quote in conjunction with your auto quote. On rare occasions, bundling renters with your car insurance is cheaper than having only car insurance.
• Drivers training. Maybe it’s been since you’ve taken a drivers training course. Most insurers offer discounts for taking updated classes, even online.
• Usage-based discounts. Many major insurance companies now offer discounts for drivers who allow monitoring of their driving habits, whether through a device or by downloading and maintaining an app. Many insurers allow you to rescind your entry into usage-based programs, so it’s worth a shot. Because the scores are based on unsafe habits. Improving your scores will save you more than money. It could save your life.

In Conclusion: Which car insurance company should you choose?

In truth, there’s no direct answer. The cheapest car insurance available varies from place to place and person to person, even if quoting the exact same car. Price should always be a determining factor in picking new insurance, don’t let it be the sole measure. By all means, find out who has the best rates but also check their consumer ratings. Remember: Every minute you spend worrying about your car insurance is a slice of time you don’t get back.

In an emergency, who will address your needs quickly? Who will help you secure a rental vehicle or find the right body shop? Finding cheap car insurance is simple enough, but can you find affordable car insurance you can trust? That takes a little more legwork. The best car insurance for your Kia likely has more to do with your personal preferences than the fine print of your insurance contract. Should you prefer face-to-face interaction, opt for an agent. Captive agents can quote you with a single company, while independent agents (brokers) can quote you from a variety of companies at once. Agents serve as your direct contact in the event of an emergency, claim, or crisis. Some companies prefer to operate without local agents at all. This can save on expenses, but if you’re an in-person customer, then saving a couple of bucks may not be worth the headache. If, however, you prefer to do your business online or via an app, the reverse could be true.

In today’s auto market, claims are expensive and reliable vehicles are in higher demand than usual, so finding the right insurance is invaluable. Do yourself a favor and track down the insurer who provides you with the peace of mind you’re paying your hard-earned dollars for. If they take your money but they don’t have your trust, it’s time to shop around.