Lower Online Bethlehem Auto Insurance Prices With These Methods

If you've never shopped for auto insurance online, it's easy to get overwhelmed because of the huge number of auto insurance companies all offering big savings in Bethlehem.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Companies do not advertise every discount very clearly, so we break down both the well known and the harder-to-find ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Anti-theft System - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Safety Course Discount - Taking a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more if you qualify.
  • Auto/Life Discount - Some companies give a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.
  • Homeowners Savings - Simply owning a home may earn you a small savings because maintaining a house is proof that your finances are in order.

Keep in mind that many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. Just because you may think you would end up receiving a 100% discount, it just doesn't work that way.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

Shown below are a few of the "ingredients" that factor into prices.

  • You might want pay the small claims yourself - If you frequently file small claims, you can look forward to either higher rates or even cancellation. Companies in New Hampshire give lower rates to drivers who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Car insurance is intended for larger claims.
  • Multi-policy discounts can save money - Some auto insurance companies provide better rates to insureds who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, it's in your best interest to compare other company rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
  • Don't get talked into coverage you don't need - There are quite a few additional coverages that can waste your money when buying auto insurance. Coverages for personal injury protection, accident forgiveness and membership fees may be wasting your money. These coverages may sound good when talking to your agent, but your needs may have changed so eliminate them to save money.
  • Drive less and save money - The higher the mileage driven each year the higher your rate. The majority of insurers charge to insure your cars based on their usage. Autos that are left in the garage qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Verify your auto insurance declarations sheet shows the correct usage for each vehicle.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Every insured's situation is different.

Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether or not you would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
  • What are the financial responsibility laws in New Hampshire?
  • Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
  • Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
  • Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you don't have a local agent, complete this form.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Auto insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO consistently run ads in print and on television. They all make the same claim that you can save if you change your policy. How does each company claim to save you money? This is how they do it.

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer might be between 25 and 40, owns a home, and chooses high deductibles. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters will get very good rates and therefore will save when switching.

Drivers who don't measure up to these standards will be quoted a higher premium which leads to the customer not buying. The ads say "drivers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That is how insurance companies can state the savings. This emphasizes why drivers should compare many company's rates. It's impossible to know which company will give you the biggest savings.

Additional detailed information can be found at the New Hampshire Insurance Department website. Visitors are able to download brochures, read consumer alerts, and discover disciplinary actions.

Also read more on this online resource for auto insurance quotes in New Hampshire and this list of insurance agents in Bethlehem.

Bethlehem auto insurance quote

Do the work, save more money

Insureds leave their current company for any number of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, policy non-renewal, delays in responding to claim requests and even delays in paying claims. Regardless of your reason, switching auto insurance companies is less work than it seems.

When buying insurance coverage, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your strategy should be to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

Affordable auto insurance is attainable both online in addition to many Bethlehem insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.