Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can bottom out your monthly budget and make it tough to pay other bills. Comparing price quotes is free, only takes a few minutes, and is a good way to slash your bill and have more diposable income.
Since drivers have many companies to choose from, it is hard for the average consumer to locate the most cost effective company.
Effectively comparing car insurance prices can be a daunting task if you don’t know the fastest way to get free quotes. You can waste hours talking about coverages with insurance agencies in your area, or you could save time and use the web to quickly compare rates.
Many companies belong to a marketplace where prospective buyers submit one quote, and each participating company returns a rated price. This saves time by eliminating quote requests to each company.
To find out how much you can save on car insurance click here (opens in new window).
The only downside to using this type of system is that you can’t choose which insurance companies to get pricing from. So if you prefer to pick specific providers to compare prices, we have a listing of low cost car insurance companies in your area. Click here to view list.
The approach you take is up to you, just make darn sure you compare equivalent coverages for every company. If you compare different data it’s not possible to truly determine the lowest rate. Even a minor difference in coverages can mean a large discrepancy in price. And when price shopping your coverage, comparing more company’s prices will improve the odds of getting more affordable rates.
Auto insurance companies don’t always advertise every disount available very well, so here is a list some of the more common and also the lesser-known credits available to lower your premiums when you buy insurance online.
You can save money using discounts, but most of the big mark downs will not be given the the whole policy. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Just because you may think it’s possible to get free car insurance, you’re out of luck.
A list of companies and some of their more popular discounts are included below.
When getting free insurance quotes, it’s a good idea to every insurance company which discounts they offer. Depending on the company, some discounts may not be available in your state. If you would like to see a list of providers who offer discounts, click here.
When choosing coverage, there isn’t really a “best” method to buy coverage. Every insured’s situation is different so your insurance needs to address that. Here are some questions about coverages that may help you determine whether your personal situation would benefit from professional advice.
If you can’t answer these questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with an agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or click here for a list of insurance companies in your area.
Knowing the specifics 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 nobody wants to actually read their policy. Shown next are the normal coverages found on most car insurance policies.
Comprehensive insurance
This coverage covers damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things like theft, falling objects, fire damage, hitting a deer and hitting a bird. The maximum payout a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.
Collision coverage protection
Collision insurance will pay to fix damage to your Spectra resulting from colliding with an object or car. You will need to pay your deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision coverage protects against things such as hitting a parking meter, hitting a mailbox, crashing into a ditch, driving through your garage door and scraping a guard rail. This coverage can be expensive, so consider removing coverage from older vehicles. It’s also possible to raise the deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
This coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other drivers when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. Covered claims include injuries to you and your family and damage to your Kia Spectra.
Because many people carry very low liability coverage limits, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. So UM/UIM coverage is a good idea.
Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage provide coverage for short-term medical expenses for things like dental work, EMT expenses and pain medications. They can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. Medical payments and PIP cover both the driver and occupants in addition to getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP coverage is not an option in every state but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Auto liability insurance
This will cover damages or injuries you inflict on people or other property by causing an accident. It protects YOU against other people’s claims, and does not provide coverage for damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.
Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. Your policy might show liability limits of 25/50/25 which stand for $25,000 bodily injury coverage, a limit of $50,000 in injury protection per accident, and $25,000 of coverage for damaged propery.
Liability insurance covers claims like emergency aid, bail bonds, structural damage and court costs. How much coverage you buy is a decision to put some thought into, but consider buying higher limits if possible.
Essie Boone
I’m looking for cheaper coverage. From east side of Chicago, Illinois. I quoted with GEICO, Auto-Owners, and some I forget for my Spectra and I think I saved about $20 each month. Get lots of quotes to find the best rate.
Francis Mccray
Does GEICO offer multi-policy discounts?
Geraldine Wheeler
Just my two cents. I’m in the suburbs of Augusta, Georgia. I got free rates from Progressive, Farmers, and The General for my Spectra and I’m now saving $12 a month. God forbid I actually have a claim.
Richelle Kelley
From Huntington, WV. Not sure of all the companies but I ended up saving about $30 each month. Was with The General. They were helpful in switching over.
Deedee Norris
I’m in Baton Rouge, LA, and Progressive rates were affordable. Left Eastwood to switch. BTW speeding tickets are not good. Are quotes cheaper online? I don’t insure for physical damage though.
Leesa Decker
Does 21st Century offer new car replacement?
Dirk Lowery
Cheaper not always better. From east side of Gaithersburg, Maryland. Quoted rates from 21st Century, Auto-Owners, and some I forget for my Spectra and saved about $110 a year. Moved home policy as well. Did it all online. Not worth enough to pay for comprehensive and collision.
Magda Patterson
I’m from Seattle, WA. Got quotes from Amica, Farmers, and Sentry for my 2000 Kia Spectra and saved just over $90 a year. Was with Farmers. I’m thinking about dropping full coverage though.
Mellissa Morris
Live in Springfield, Massachusetts. I quoted with Auto-Owners, Nationwide, and some smaller one I can’t remember the name of for my Spectra and cut my rates about $90 a year. I got a quote from their website. Not worth enough to pay for comprehensive and collision.
Samella Martin
Any claims experience with State Farm in Sioux Falls, SD?
Karoline Ramos
Great info, thanks for posting. I’m from Chesapeake, Virginia. Quoted prices online for a 2000 Kia Spectra. Ended up at about $120 savings annually. Went with Allstate. Insured with Mercury before. They have a lot of discounts available. I think I’ll get rid of full coverage next time.