Are you drained from scraping nickels together to keep your car insured? You are in the same boat as many other consumers. Multiple insurers compete for your hard-earned dollar, so it can be very hard to choose a insurer to get the lowest rate possible.
Car insurance companies do not advertise every discount very clearly, so the below list has some of the more common as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving when you buy car insurance online.
While discounts sound great, it’s important to understand that some credits don’t apply to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. Even though it may seem like adding up those discounts means a free policy, it just doesn’t work that way.
Insurance companies that have most of these discounts possibly include:
Check with all the companies how you can save money. Some discounts might not be available to policyholders in your area.
Performing a rate comparison is a ton of work if you don’t utilize the easiest way. You can spend your afternoon talking to insurance companies in your area, or you could use the internet to get rates in a matter of minutes.
Many companies are enrolled in a marketplace that enables customers to complete one form, and each participating company can provide price quotes determined by their information. This prevents consumers from doing form submissions to every company.
To find out how much you can save on car insurance click here to open in new window.
The single downside to comparing rates this way is you cannot specify the companies to receive prices from. So if you prefer to choose specific insurance companies to receive pricing from, we have assembled a list of the cheapest car insurance companies in your area. View list of insurance companies.
The approach you take is up to you, just make absolute certain that you use exactly the same coverage data on every quote. If you compare different values for each quote it will be next to impossible to determine which company has the best rates.
Many things are used in the calculation when you get your auto insurance bill. Some factors are common sense like an MVR report, although some other factors are less obvious such as your credit history or how safe your car is.Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that play a part in calculating the level of your policy premiums. If you understand what impacts premium levels, this allows you to make educated decisions that could help you find lower car insurance prices.
The itemized list below are some of the major factors car insurance companies consider when setting prices.
When it comes to choosing the best car insurance coverage, there isn’t really a “best” method to buy coverage. Everyone’s situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if your insurance needs may require specific advice.
If you’re not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It only takes a few minutes and you can get the answers you need.
Learning about specific coverages of a car insurance policy can be of help when determining the right coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. The terms used in a policy can be confusing and coverage can change by endorsement. These are the usual coverages found on the average car insurance policy.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive insurance covers things like vandalism, a broken windshield and rock chips in glass. The highest amount a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Collision insurance
This will pay to fix damage to your Regal resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You have to pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision insurance covers claims like hitting a parking meter, sustaining damage from a pot hole, driving through your garage door and colliding with a tree. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are older. Another option is to raise the deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle when the “other guys” do not carry enough liability coverage. This coverage pays for hospital bills for your injuries and also any damage incurred to your 1993 Buick Regal.
Because many people carry very low liability coverage limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage should not be overlooked.
Liability auto insurance
Liability insurance protects you from injuries or damage you cause to other’s property or people. It protects YOU against other people’s claims, and does not provide coverage for your own vehicle damage or injuries.
Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. Your policy might show liability limits of 100/300/100 which means $100,000 bodily injury coverage, a total of $300,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $100,000 of coverage for damaged propery.
Liability coverage pays for things such as medical expenses, repair bills for other people’s vehicles and court costs. How much coverage you buy is up to you, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase higher limits if possible.
Medical payments coverage and PIP
Med pay and PIP coverage provide coverage for short-term medical expenses for chiropractic care, doctor visits, ambulance fees, pain medications and rehabilitation expenses. They can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. It covers you and your occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is not universally available and may carry a deductible
Lower-priced insurance is definitely available both online as well as from independent agents, and you need to comparison shop both to get a complete price analysis. There are still a few companies who may not provide online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers prefer to sell through local independent agents.
While you’re price shopping online, it’s not a good idea to reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many cases where drivers have reduced full coverage and learned later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your aim should be to buy a smart amount of coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
More tips and info about insurance can be found by following these links:
Lashawnda Abbott
In Memphis, TN, Auto-Owners had the best rates for my 1993 Buick Regal. Hardly afford to drive anymore.
Catarina Price
Live in the northern part of Parkersburg, WV. I got free rates from Allstate, Auto-Owners, and some I forget for my Buick and I think I am saving around $20 each month. Left GEICO to switch. My Buick doesn’t have full coverage.
Dale Carson
I found pretty cheap rate quotes for a 1993 Buick Regal in Great Falls, Montana. Ended up at darn near $120 every six months with Auto-Owners. Left Allstate to switch. Moved home policy as well. I don’t put full coverage on it.
Ted Wallace
I’m from West Valley City, Utah. Received quotes with Amica, Eastwood, and Sentry for my Regal and saved about $60 a year. I increased coverages a little too. It’s only liability tho.
Latonia Walls
Anyone know if 21st Century does SR-22s?
Inocencia Douglas
I live just outside Mobile, Alabama. Quoted prices online for a 1993 Buick Regal. Ended up at about $110 savings annually. Went with GEICO. Was with GMAC. Still almost need a second mortgage.
Theron Snow
Great site. From northwest of Albuquerque, NM. I quoted with State Farm, AIG Insurance, Encompass, and GMAC for my 1993 Buick Regal and I’m now saving $21 a month. Just waiting to see how claims go.
Barbara Parsons
Where is cheaper car insurance? Quoted with American Family for my Regal and saved around $80 a year. Liability only on my Regal.
Ione Hutchinson
I’m in the south part of Reno, Nevada. I quoted with State Farm, American Family, and some I forget for my Buick and saved $86 a year. Did it all online.
Tawanda Perez
Live in Jersey City, NJ, and GEICO rates were best. I’m a pretty low risk driver. Not sure if rates are cheaper online or through an agent.
Dillon Dixon
If you have a clean record and are close to Grand Rapids, MI, check out GEICO. You might get cheaper rates. Good savings if you bundle. It’s still not cheap enough.
Svetlana Wilkerson
Good site, thanks. From northwest of Lincoln, Nebraska. Don’t remember every company but I ended up saving about $20 each month. I even had a DUI years ago. Not sure about claim service. I only have liability coverage on it.
Therese Douglas
Good site, thanks. I’m from Lexington, KY. I quoted with USAA, Auto-Owners, Hanover, and MetLife for my Buick and I think I cut my rates about $20 each month. Left Safeco to switch. God forbid I actually have a claim. Book value doesn’t justify full coverage anymore.