Tightwads Instructions on Saving on Afton Car Insurance

Nobody I know likes paying for car insurance, particularly when the cost is way too high.

Lots of contend for your business, and it can be difficult to compare rates and get the definite lowest rate

It's important to do rate comparisons occasionally due to the fact that insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best price last year a different company probably has better rates today. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because I'm going to let you in on the secrets to the fastest and easiest way to lower your rates without sacrificing coverage.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies don't always advertise every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so we took the time to find both the well known as well as the least known ways to save on car insurance.

Braking Control Discount - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes prevent accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Multi-policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
Accident Free - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially compared to drivers who are more careless.
Defensive Driving Course - Completing a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more if you qualify.
Resident Student - Any of your kids who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a vehicle on campus can be insured at a reduced rate.
Anti-theft Discount - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems can help prevent theft and will save you 10% or more.

As a disclaimer on discounts, many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, car insurance companies aren't that generous.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Afton

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. Understanding what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get lower car insurance prices.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine your rates.

Your credit rating is important - Your credit rating is a important factor in determining your rates. Drivers with excellent credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than drivers who have lower credit scores. If your credit score can use some improvement, you could potentially save money when insuring your by repairing your credit.
Multiple policies with one company can save - The majority of car insurance companies give discounts to insureds who consolidate policies with them. It's known as a multi-policy discount. This can amount to ten or even up to twenty percent in some cases. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to compare other company rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Occupations like lawyers, executives and accountants tend to pay higher rates than average because of high stress levels and lengthy work days. On the flip side, occupations such as scientists, athletes and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
Add-on coverages can add up - There are a lot of additional coverages you can purchase when buying car insurance. Coverages like rental car reimbursement, better glass coverage and motor club memberships may be wasting your money. These may sound like a good investment when you first buy your policy, but if you don't need them get rid of them and save.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no perfect coverage plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so this has to be addressed. For instance, these questions might point out whether you would benefit from professional advice.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
What are Minnesota no-fault laws?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you know they apply to you, you might consider talking to an agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area.

How can Allstate and Progressive save drivers who switch?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive regularly use ads on television and other media. All the ads make the same claim about savings if you move to them. How do they all claim to save you money?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk might be a mature driver, owns a home, and drives newer vehicles. Any driver who matches those parameters gets the lowest rates and as a result will probably cut their rates substantially.

Drivers who are not a match for the "perfect" profile will be charged a higher premium which leads to the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save money. That is how companies can truthfully claim big savings. That is why drivers should compare many company's rates. You cannot predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

For more Minnesota car insurance information

Even more information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, read industry bulletins, and discover disciplinary actions.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

When trying to cut insurance costs, you should never skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. The aim is to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Cheap car insurance is definitely available both online and with local Afton insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best selection. A few companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.