Easy Methods to Spend Less on Bartlett Auto Insurance

Are you overwhelmed by the dozens of auto insurance company choices in Bartlett? Many other drivers are as well. There are so many options that it can turn into a ton of work to locate the lowest price.

Finding the best rates in Bartlett is easy if you know what you're doing. Just about every driver who is required by state law to have auto insurance should be able to reduce their rates. But Tennessee consumers do need to know how insurance companies price online insurance because it can help you find the best coverage.

How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that go into determining the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

  • Your job and insurance rates - Did you know your occupation can influence how much you pay for auto insurance? Careers like judges, architects and financial analysts have higher average rates because of stressful work requirements and long work days. Conversely, occupations such as actors, engineers and homemakers get better rates.
  • Extra coverages can waste money - There are many extra coverages that can waste your money when buying auto insurance. Coverages for rental car reimbursement, accident forgiveness and additional equipment coverage are examples of these. They may seem like a good idea when you first buy your policy, but now you might not need them so eliminate them to save money.
  • Do you know you're credit rating? - Having a bad credit score is a important factor in calculating your auto insurance rates. If your credit score is lower than you'd like, you could save money insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit. People with high credit scores tend to be more responsible as compared to drivers with poor credit.
  • Pleasure use saves money - The more miles you rack up on your car in a year the higher your rate. Almost all companies charge to insure your cars based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles used primarily for pleasure use receive lower rates than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Double check that your auto insurance policy shows how each vehicle is driven, because improper ratings can cost you money.
  • Your spouse saves you money - Having a wife or husband can actually save you money when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other translates into being more mature than a single person and it's proven that being married results in fewer claims.
  • Don't sacrifice liability coverage - Liability insurance provides coverage when you are found liable for personal injury or accident damage. Liability provides legal defense which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to physical damage coverage, so buy as much as you can afford.
  • Claim-free discounts can add up - If you tend to file frequent claims, you can pretty much guarantee either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Companies in Tennessee provide lower rates to people who do not file claims often. Your insurance policy is intended for the large, substantial claims.

These discounts can lower your rates

Companies don't list every discount very clearly, so we researched both the well known as well as the least known auto insurance savings.

  • Claim Free - Drivers with accident-free driving histories pay much less when compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Defensive Driver - Successfully completing a defensive driving course could possibly earn you a 5% discount if your company offers it.
  • Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase life insurance.
  • Paperwork-free - A few companies may give you up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
  • Organization Discounts - Being a member of a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break when shopping for auto insurance.
  • Federal Government Employee - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Cars that have air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems may earn rate discounts of more than 20%.
  • Low Mileage Discounts - Driving fewer miles could be rewarded with lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
  • Homeowners Discount - Simply owning a home may trigger a auto insurance policy discount because owning a home shows financial diligence.

Drivers should understand that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. Most only reduce individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies wouldn't make money that way.

To choose insurance companies offering auto insurance discounts in Tennessee, follow this link.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Auto insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO constantly bombard you with ads on television and other media. They all say the same thing that you'll save big if you switch your coverage to them. How does each company claim to save you money?

Insurance companies are able to cherry pick for the type of customer that makes them money. For instance, a driver they prefer might be over the age of 50, has no tickets, and has excellent credit. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Drivers who are not a match for these standards will be quoted higher premiums which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much money. That's the way companies can make those claims. This emphasizes why you should compare many company's rates. It's impossible to know which auto insurance company will have the lowest rates.

Find out more about auto insurance

More detailed Tennessee auto insurance information is located at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance website. Visitors are able to read industry bulletins, discover disciplinary actions, and find out industry alerts.

Other informative sites include this online resource for auto insurance quotes in Tennessee and this list of insurance agents in Bartlett.

auto insurance in Bartlett

Shop smart and save

Consumers switch companies for a number of reasons such as high rates after DUI convictions, questionable increases in premium, policy cancellation or even delays in paying claims. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be found both online as well as from independent agents in Bartlett, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some companies don't offer online price quotes and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.

While you're price shopping online, make sure you don't buy poor coverage just to save money. There are too many instances where an insured dropped collision coverage and learned later they didn't purchase enough coverage. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.