How to Know You're Throwing Money Away for Auto Insurance in Winfield

Are you tired of not being able to afford each month for car insurance? Your situation is no different than many other drivers in Kansas. Consumers have many to buy insurance from, and although it's nice to have a selection, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

Finding affordable coverage in Winfield is quite easy. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will be able to lower your premiums substantially using this information. Kansas drivers only need an understanding of the most effective way to compare rates over the internet.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Companies offering auto insurance do not list every discount very clearly, so we took the time to find some of the best known as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving. If you're not getting every credit available, you're paying more than you need to.

Drivers Education - Have your child successfully complete driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
No Accidents - Claim-free drivers can save substantially when compared to bad drivers.
Paperwork-free - A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 simply for signing over the internet.
Homeowners Pay Less - Simply owning a home can save you money due to the fact that maintaining a home is proof that your finances are in order.
Employee of Federal Government - Being employed by or retired from a federal job may qualify you for a discount with a few auto insurance companies.
Multiple Policy Discount - When you combine your home and auto insurance with one company you will save approximately 10% to 15%.
Theft Prevention System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
Payment Method - By paying your policy upfront instead of paying each month you may reduce your total bill.

Consumers should know that some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. Some only apply to individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. So despite the fact that it appears all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies don't profit that way.

To see a list of insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Kansas, click here.

Cheap Winfield Auto Insurance Comparisons

Finding cheaper auto insurance prices can be relatively painless. Consumers just need to invest a few minutes to compare rate quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

The best way to find the lowest comparison rates is a comparison rater form click to view form in new window. This type of form eliminates the need for separate quotes to each individual auto insurance company. In just a few minutes this one form gets you price quotes instantly.
A harder way to shop for auto insurance online requires visiting the website of each company and fill out their own quote form. For sake of this example, we'll pretend you want rates from , and . To find out each rate you need to spend time on each company's site and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is more popular.

For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Winfield, click here.
The most time-consuming way to get comparison rates is driving to and from local Winfield insurance agencies. Buying insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you require the professional guidance only provided by licensed Winfield agents. It is possible to obtain prices from the web but buy from a local insurance agent and we'll touch on that later.

However you get your quotes, ensure you're using identical quote information for every quote you compare. If each company quotes mixed coverages it will be impossible to determine the best price in Winfield.

You have some control over your rates

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the factors that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to big savings.

The following are a few of the "ingredients" auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

High numbers of claims are not good - Companies in Kansas generally give lower rates to policyholders who are claim-free. If you file claims often, you can expect either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Insurance coverage is intended to be relied upon for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
Occupation reflects on rates - Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Careers like lawyers, social workers and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of job stress and lots of time spent at work. Conversely, occupations like farmers, engineers and performers receive lower rates.
Being married is a good thing - Having a spouse can get you a discount on auto insurance. Having a significant other means you're more mature and responsible and it's proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
Bump up deductibles to save - The deductibles define the amount you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, covers damage that occurs to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply are running into the backend of another car, damage caused by hail, and rolling your vehicle. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
Where you live is a factor - Being located in less populated areas can save you money when buying auto insurance. Urban drivers have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accidents.
Your car's features help determine rates - Driving a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all hinder auto theft.
Do you need the policy add-ons? - There are a ton of extra bells and whistles that can waste your money if you aren't careful. Coverages for vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and term life insurance are some examples. They may seem good when you first buy your policy, but if they're wasting money eliminate them to save money.
Mature drivers pay less - Teenage drivers in Kansas are known to be careless and easily distracted in a vehicle so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Mature drivers are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and are safer drivers.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Kansas drivers can't get away from ads for the lowest price auto insurance by State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all have a common claim of big savings after switching to their company.

How does each company say the same thing?

All the different companies can use profiling for the driver that is profitable for them. For example, a driver they prefer might be profiled as a mature driver, is a homeowner, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A propective insured that hits that "sweet spot" will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't qualify for these standards will be quoted higher prices and this can result in business not being written. The ad wording is "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That's why insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It's not possible to predict the company that will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Best coverage at the best price

Cost effective auto insurance can be sourced on the web and also from your neighborhood Winfield agents, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. Some auto insurance companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

When shopping online for auto insurance, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Learn more today

More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the Kansas Insurance Department website. Kansas drivers can download brochures, read industry bulletins, get help finding coverage, and report car insurance fraud.