Compare Albert Lea Auto Insurance Prices With These Tricks

Are you overwhelmed by the number of auto insurance choices in Albert Lea? Lot's of other consumers are too. Drivers have so many options available that it can turn into a ton of work to find lower rates.

It's important to get comparison quotes at least once a year because insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best deal a couple years back a different company probably has better rates today. So block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you're about to learn the proper way to save on auto insurance.

Save big with these discounts

Car insurance is not cheap, but companies offer discounts to help offset the cost. Some discounts apply automatically when you complete an application, but some must be asked about before they will apply. If you don't get every credit possible, you are throwing money away.

Anti-theft System - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and will save you 10% or more.
Low Mileage - Keeping the miles down can qualify you for better rates on cars that stay parked.
Military Discounts - Having a family member in the military can result in better rates.
Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts of 20% or more.
Federal Government Employee - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with certain companies.
Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for a discount up to 10%.

As a disclaimer on discounts, many deductions do not apply the the whole policy. A few only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like you could get a free auto insurance policy, auto insurance companies aren't that generous. Any amount of discount will help reduce your overall premium however.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

One company can mean more discounts - The majority of auto insurance companies give discounts to customers who carry more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to compare other company rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. Consumers may find a better deal by insuring with multiple companies.
Safer occupants lowers premiums - Safer cars tend to have better insurance rates. Safer cars have better occupant injury protection and lower injury rates means lower claim amounts passed on to you as lower rates.
Traffic violations increase rates - Your driving record has a big impact on rates. Even a single speeding ticket may increase your cost forty percent or more. Drivers with clean records have lower premiums than people who have multiple driving citations. Drivers who get severe violations such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to file a SR-22 with their state DMV in order to drive a vehicle legally.
Small claims can cost you - Insurance companies in Minnesota give discounts to insureds who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can look forward to higher rates. Car insurance is designed for the large, substantial claims.
Big city or small town - Choosing to live in a small town has it's advantages when insuring your vehicles. Drivers in populated areas tend to have congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Less people living in that area means reduced accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
Sex matters - Statistics demonstrate women tend to be less risk to insure than men. However, don't assume that men are WORSE drivers than women. Men and women tend to get into accidents at about the same rate, but men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also have more aggressive citations such as DWI and reckless driving.
Proper usage rating affects rates - The more you drive in a year the higher your rates will be. The majority of insurers apply a rate based upon how you use the vehicle. Autos that are left in the garage can get a lower rate than those used for commuting. Verify your auto insurance policy properly reflects the correct driver usage, because it can save money.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Minnesota consumers get pounded daily by advertisements that promise big savings from companies such as Allstate and Progressive. All the ads make the same claim about savings if you move your policy.

But how can every company make almost identical claims?

Different companies are able to cherry pick for the right customer that earns them a profit. An example of a preferred risk could possibly be over the age of 50, has no tickets, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A driver who matches those parameters receives the best rates and most likely will save a lot of money.

Consumers who fall outside this ideal profile will be charged higher rates which leads to the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that kind of money. That's the way companies can truthfully advertise the way they do.

That is why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. It is impossible to predict which auto insurance company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Additional information is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website located here. Minnesota consumers can read consumer alerts, find disaster information, and file complaints about a company.

Also read more on BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this Albert Lea agent directory.

And the best car insurance company is...

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, don't be tempted to skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, an insured dropped liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that the savings was not a smart move. The aim is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Cheap auto insurance is possible online in addition to many Albert Lea insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to get a complete price analysis. Some auto insurance companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

Insureds who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as policy non-renewal, delays in responding to claim requests, unfair underwriting practices and even poor customer service. Whatever your reason, choosing a new insurance company is less work than it seems.