Compare Affton Car Insurance Prices With These Methods

Are you intimidated by the sheer number of car insurance choices in Affton? Many other drivers are as well. There are so many choices that it can turn into a big hassle to find better rates.

Buying car insurance in Affton is quite easy. If you have car insurance now, you will be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. Nevertheless, Missouri car owners do need to know the way insurance companies sell online and use this information to your advantage.

Save big with these discounts

Companies don't always advertise every discount very clearly, so we break down some of the more common and the more hidden discounts you could be receiving.

  • Pay Now and Pay Less - By paying your policy upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Belonging to a qualifying organization may earn a discount when shopping for car insurance.
  • Multiple Cars - Insuring all your vehicles on one policy could earn a price break for each car.
  • New Car Discount - Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
  • Discount for Good Grades - Performing well in school can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.
  • 55 and Retired - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may receive better car insurance rates.
  • No Accidents - Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially when compared to drivers who are more careless.

It's important to understand that some credits don't apply to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So when the math indicates all the discounts add up to a free policy, it doesn't quite work that way.

compare Affton car insurance rates

Affton Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that play a part in calculating your car insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to lower car insurance prices.

Shown below are a few of the "ingredients" car insurance companies consider when setting prices.

  • Car features impact rates - Choosing a vehicle that has an advanced theft prevention system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Theft prevention devices like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can thwart auto theft.
  • Protect yourself with liability coverage - Your policy's liability coverage provides coverage when you are found to be at fault for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It will provide for a legal defense starting from day one. Liability insurance is quite affordable as compared to coverage for physical damage, so do not skimp.
  • Do you know your deductibles? - The deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, covers damage that occurs to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply are running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, and windstorm damage. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your car insurance will be.
  • Older drivers pay less - Young drivers in Missouri have a tendency to be careless and easily distracted when behind the wheel so they pay higher car insurance rates. Older insureds are more cautious drivers, tend to file fewer claims and receive fewer citations.
  • How's your driving record? - A bad driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Careful drivers receive lower rates than their less careful counterparts. Even a single citation can boost insurance rates forty percent or more. If you have dangerous violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to file a SR-22 with their state motor vehicle department in order to prevent a license revocation.
  • Males pay more for insurance - Statistics demonstrate that women are safer drivers than men. Now that doesn't mean men are worse drivers. Women and men tend to get into accidents in similar percentages, but the men tend to have more serious accidents. Men also statistically get more serious tickets such as reckless driving.

Car insurance ads bend the truth

Car insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO consistently run ads on TV and radio. They all have a common claim of big savings if you change to their company. How does each company make the same claim?

All companies are able to cherry pick for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer could be a mature driver, has no driving citations, and chooses high deductibles. A customer that hits that "sweet spot" is entitled to the best price and most likely will save when switching.

Consumers who fall outside these standards will be quoted higher rates and this can result in business going elsewhere. The ads state "people who switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That's the way insurance companies can confidently state the savings. This emphasizes why drivers should compare many company's rates. Because you never know which car insurance company will give you the biggest savings.

Learn more about Missouri car insurance

More tips and info about car insurance can be found at the Missouri Department of Insurance website. Consumers can view a list of available companies, find out which companies have the most complaints, and report car insurance fraud.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

Drivers leave their current company for many reasons like extreme rates for teen drivers, questionable increases in premium, lack of trust in their agent and even not issuing a premium refund. Whatever your reason, finding the right car insurance provider is less work than it seems.

Low-cost car insurance can be sourced from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Affton agents, and you need to price shop both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

When buying insurance coverage, it's very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where someone sacrificed uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The proper strategy is to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.