No sane person loves paying for insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much. People have so many insurance companies to buy insurance from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, so many choices can make it hard to find the lowest cost provider.
There are multiple methods to compare insurance coverage quotes, but one way is less labor-intensive and much quicker. You can spend your afternoon talking to insurance agencies in your area, or you can stay home and use online quoting to get rates in a matter of minutes.
Most of the larger companies participate in a marketplace where insurance shoppers send in one quote, and each participating company can give them a price based on that information. This saves time by eliminating form submissions for each company you want a rate for.
To participate in this free quote system, click here to start a free quote.
The only downside to getting quotes like this is you are unable to specify which insurance companies you want pricing from. So if you prefer to pick from a list of companies for rate comparison, we have a listing of low cost insurance coverage companies in your area. View list of insurance companies.
However you get your quotes, make sure you are using apples-to-apples coverage limits and deductibles for each quote you get. If you are comparing different coverage information it will be next to impossible to get a fair rate comparison.
Car insurance companies don’t list all their discounts in an easy-to-find place, so the following list contains a few of the more common and also the more inconspicuous discounts that you may qualify for.
While discounts sound great, it’s important to understand that many deductions do not apply the the whole policy. Some only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. So when it seems like you can get free auto insurance, company stockholders wouldn’t be very happy. Any amount of discount will definitely lower your policy cost.
To view providers with the best insurance coverage discounts, click here to view.
When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is unique and your policy should reflect that. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether you may require specific advice.
If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, take a second and complete this 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.
When buying insurance it’s important to understand some of the things that aid in calculating your premiums. When you understand what determines base rates, this empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get lower rates. Lots of things are considered when pricing auto insurance. Some factors are common sense like your driving record, but other criteria are less obvious such as your marital status or how safe your car is.
Consumers can’t get away from all the ads for the lowest price insurance coverage from companies such as Allstate and Progressive. All the ads make the point that you’ll save big if you switch your coverage.
It sounds good, but how can they all claim to save you money? Here is the trick they use.
All companies have specific guidelines for the type of driver that makes them money. One example of a profitable risk profile might be over the age of 50, has never had a policy lapse, and chooses high deductibles. Any driver who matches that profile will qualify for the lowest prices and will save when switching.
Potential insureds who fall short of those standards will probably be forced to pay a higher rate which results in business going elsewhere. The trick is to say “people that switch” not “everyone who quotes” will save that much if they switch. That’s why companies can make claims like that.
This emphasizes why drivers should quote coverage with many companies. It’s not possible to predict which insurance companies will be your best fit.
Understanding the coverages of your insurance policy can help you determine the best coverages and proper limits and deductibles. The terms used in a policy can be confusing and coverage can change by endorsement. Listed below are typical coverage types found on the average insurance policy.
Uninsured or underinsured coverage – Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle when other motorists either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. This coverage pays for injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Since a lot of drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage should not be overlooked. Normally your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are set the same as your liablity limits.
Medical expense coverage – Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP provide coverage for immediate expenses for things like doctor visits, prosthetic devices and chiropractic care. They can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance program or if there is no health insurance coverage. Coverage applies to not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and also covers if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal injury protection coverage is not an option in every state and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Collision – This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision coverage pays for claims such as sideswiping another vehicle, damaging your car on a curb, sustaining damage from a pot hole and crashing into a building. This coverage can be expensive, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are older. You can also increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.
Comprehensive protection – Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for things such as fire damage, a tree branch falling on your vehicle and damage from getting keyed. The maximum payout you’ll receive from a claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.
Coverage for liability – Liability coverage provides protection from injuries or damage you cause to people or other property that is your fault. This coverage protects you from legal claims by others, 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 injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have policy limits of 100/300/100 that translate to $100,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $300,000, and property damage coverage for $100,000. Another option is a combined limit which provides one coverage limit without having the split limit caps.
Liability can pay for things such as structural damage, emergency aid, medical expenses and bail bonds. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is up to you, but consider buying higher limits if possible.
While you’re price shopping online, it’s not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are a lot of situations where an insured dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to find out that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The aim is to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.
Lower-priced 2012 Volvo XC70 insurance is attainable from both online companies as well as from insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who may not have online quoting and many times these smaller providers only sell through independent agencies.
Lashell Manning
Will Progressive raise rates for a windshield claim?
Delta Scott
Will Allstate raise rates after an accident?
Evelynn Blackburn
I’m in the suburbs of Little Rock, AR. Got car insurance quotes from American Family, Farmers, and Safeco for my 2012 Volvo XC70 and I think I cut my rates about $60 each month. God forbid I actually have a claim.
Denae Haley
Cheap is not always the best policy. I’m just south of Juneau, Alaska. Got prices from Auto-Owners, Encompass, and Safeco for my XC70 and saved $474 a year. Left Hanover to switch. Still almost need a second mortgage.
Natalya Foreman
When do I drop full coverage?
Ingeborg Mclaughlin
Just my two cents. I’m in Huntington, West Virginia. Got car insurance prices from Amica, Safeco, and Travelers for my XC70 and saved about $550 a year. They have a lot of discounts available. :P
Lorrie Sosa
I’m looking for cheaper coverage. I’m in Hartford, Connecticut. I got free quotes with American Family, Safeco, and Travelers for my 2012 Volvo XC70 and I think I saved about $20 each month.
Patricia Wooten
I went with Progressive at renewal. Best rates in Missoula, Montana. Not sure if rates are cheaper online or not.
Soledad Norris
Will 21st Century give discounts for good grades?
Drusilla Ryan
I was with GMAC last year but switched to Allstate. I live west of Baltimore, Maryland. Left GMAC to switch. Even increased coverage a bit.
Tessie Sharpe
I live on the south side of Paterson, New Jersey. I quoted with Travelers, Amica, Hanover, and Nationwide for my 2012 Volvo XC70 and saved $546 a year.