How to Find Low-Cost Bonney Lake Car Insurance

Buying the lowest cost Bonney Lake car insurance on the internet is intimidating for beginners to shopping for insurance online. Since there are so many online companies, how can consumers effectively compare every one to find the lowest price?

It's important to take a look at other company's rates yearly since rates are constantly changing. Just because you had the best price last year a different company probably has better rates today. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because you're about to learn the proper way to eliminate unnecessary coverages and save money.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance is not cheap, but you can get discounts that you may not even be aware of. Some trigger automatically when you quote, but a few need to be asked for before you get the savings. If you don't get every credit you deserve, you are throwing money away.

  • Anti-lock Brake Discount - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Multi-policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you could get a discount of 10% to 20% off each policy.
  • Early Signing - Some companies give discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. This can save 10% or more.
  • Resident Student - Children who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have a car may be able to be covered for less.
  • Government Employees - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with certain companies.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a break if you buy life insurance from them.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, car insurance companies aren't that generous. Any amount of discount will help reduce your premiums.

Bonney Lake car insurance quote

Bonney Lake Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that go into determining your car insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels enables informed choices that can help you get better car insurance rates.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" car insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

  • Credit scores impact car insurance rates - Your credit score is a big factor in determining what you pay for car insurance. Therefore, if your credit rating is lower than you'd like, you could potentially save money when insuring your by improving your rating. Drivers who have good credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers who have poor credit.
  • Big city or small town - Residing in a small town has it's advantages when it comes to car insurance. City drivers tend to have congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Fewer people translates into fewer accidents.
  • What type of vehicle do you drive? - The performance of the car you drive makes a big difference in your rates. The lowest base rates are generally reserved for lower performance four cylinder passenger vehicles, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
  • Tickets mean higher rates - Careful drivers get better rates than bad drivers. Just one moving violation can boost insurance rates by as much as thirty percent. Drivers who get serious violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state motor vehicle department in order to continue driving.
  • Bundling policies can get discounts - Most companies give discounts to policyholders who buy several policies from them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount it's still a good idea to compare other company rates to ensure the best deal.

It's not one size fits all

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no "perfect" insurance plan. Every situation is different.

Here are some questions about coverages that can help discover if you would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
  • What are the best liability limits?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Washington?
  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
  • Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and you can get the answers you need.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for car insurance savings by Allstate and Progressive. All the ads say the same thing about savings if you switch to their company.

But how can every company make the same claim? It's all in the numbers.

Different companies have a preferred profile for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk could be between 25 and 40, has no prior claims, and has great credit. Any new insured who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and therefore will save a lot of money.

Drivers who do not match this ideal profile will be charged a higher premium which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. The ads state "customers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. This is how companies can truthfully advertise the savings.

That is why drivers should compare as many rates as you can. It's just too difficult to predict which insurance companies will give you the biggest savings.

Additional information can be found on the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website found here. Consumers can find out industry alerts, view agent and company licensing information, and learn about specific coverages.

Also read more on BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Bonney Lake insurance agents.

Washington car insurance quotes

And the best car insurance company is...

As you prepare to switch companies, don't be tempted to skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

You just learned a lot of tips how to reduce car insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more quotes you get, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Drivers may discover the most savings is with some of the smallest insurance companies.

Consumers switch companies for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, policy non-renewal, high prices and even not issuing a premium refund. It doesn't matter why you want to switch finding a new car insurance company is less work than it seems.