Auto Insurance

The cost of auto insurance

Prices for auto insurance can vary by hundreds of dollars between companies, so it pays to shop around.
You should get several quotes before you buy a policy.
Don't shop price alone, service is just as important as price.

The carrier you select should offer both good prices and quality service.
Auto insurance is an investment and you should feel comfortable about your policy.
Quality service may cost a bit more. You should try to balance the service and price.
Nowadays, most major companies offer comparable quality customer service, of course they want your business.

You are likely, right now, to be paying too much for your auto insurance. The odds are even greater that you could get the coverage you need from another insurance company for a better rate.

However, consumers are generally shown not to put the energy into shopping for their insurance that they would into buying a new car.

The rise of the internet has radically changed the buying and comparison of auto insurance policies. Not only has competition between insurance providers increased, driving down policy prices, but it is easier and faster than ever to find the auto insurance perfect for you. There are several ways to save money in your search for better, more affordable car insurance.

Here are a few ways to save money on auto insurance: 1. Be thorough in researching and requesting all discounts you qualify for
2. Maintain a clean, up-to-date driving driving record
3. Assume more risk in your coverage
4. Choose to drive a “low profile” car with specific money-saving features
5. Find a low-cost insurance provider that can meet your needs

We’ll begin to explain discounts you might qualify for:

Low-Risk Job or Occupation Insurance adjusters collect information about what type of people get into accidents. Historically, data suggests overwhelmingly that people with certain professions get into far fewer car accidents than other people. For example, a teacher is far less likely to be involved in an accident than someone who is unemployed. Your job may entitle you to lower insurance rates because you are at lower risk for an accident. It is important to shop around for this discount, as different insurance companies use different criteria.

Professional Organizations and Auto Clubs A membership with auto clubs, such as AAA, or professional organizations offered through your employed may save you money on your car insurance. It is important to ask your insurer if any of these discounts are offered while also pursuing them through your employer.

Combined and Renewal Discounts If your car is insured by the same company that provides you with house or life insurance, you may be entitled to significant discounts on both policies.

You may not have to switch insurance companies to save money on your policy. If you have been with the same provider for an extended amount of time and had no accidents, you are entitled to renewal discounts, which provide incentive to remain with your insurer.

Automobile Safety Features Many states have laws that require lower insurance rates for cars equipped with safety features. Some industry-standard features such as ABS anti-lock brakes, airbags, and automatic seat belts may qualify you for insurance discounts. You should research if you live in one of these states or if your specific provider offers discounts for such safety features.

Assuming More Risk There are two ways in which you can drastically reduce the cost of your car insurance. First, if you have an older, less-valuable car you may drop your collision insurance. In trying to save money by owning an older car it does not make sense to spend more on insurance. If your car is worth less than $2000, you are most likely spending more on insurance than it is worth. Dropping collision coverage will create significant savings on your policy.

If you are not driving an older car, it might make sense to request a higher deductible. A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before the insurance company compensates the rest. Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1000 could decrease your monthly payments by as much as 30 percent. You might pay more for small fender-benders and dings but will save significantly while still being covered in the case of large accidents.

Low Profile Cars If high insurance costs are burying you, consider it while shopping for your next car. Insurance companies charge more for high-performance cars because of their increased susceptibility to accidents and being stolen. It might make sense to buy a more modest vehicle and use your savings for other adventures.

Shop the Big Auto Insurance Companies You should always get quotes from top companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO, Progressive and GMAC