Bridgeport Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

Are you overwhelmed by the crazy number of auto insurance options in Bridgeport? You're not the only one! People have so many options available that it can turn into more work than you anticipated to find lower rates.

Compare the Market for Auto Insurance in Bridgeport

The are a couple different ways to compare rate quotes from auto insurance companies in your area. The recommended way to find the cheapest insurance rates consists of shopping online. This can be accomplished in several different ways.

The first (and easiest) way to get quotes is a comparison rater form click here to open form in new window. This type of form eliminates the need for separate quotes for each company. Completing one form gets you price quotes instantly. This is by far the quickest method.

A harder way to shop for auto insurance online requires a trip to the website of each company and request a quote. For example, let's assume you want to compare rates from , and . You would have to visit each site to input your insurance information, which is why the first method is more popular.

For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Bridgeport, click here.

The most time-consuming method of getting rate comparisons is to waste gas driving to and from local Bridgeport insurance agencies. The internet makes this process obsolete unless you require the trained guidance of a licensed agent. It is possible to compare the best prices online but buy from a local insurance agent and we'll touch on that later.

Whichever method you choose, compare apples-to-apples quote information with every price quote. If you compare mixed coverages it's impossible to find the best deal in Bridgeport. Slightly different coverages can make a big difference in price. Just keep in mind that quoting more provides better odds of finding a better price.

What determines how much you pay?

It's important that you understand the factors that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

Shown below are a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine prices.

  • Do you work long hours in a high stress job? - Careers like lawyers, social workers and stock brokers tend to pay the highest rates because of high stress levels and long work hours. On the other hand, occupations like actors, students and retirees have the lowest average rates.
  • High crash test scores lower rates - Safer cars get lower rates. The safest vehicles result in less severe injuries and better occupant protection means lower claim amounts passed on to you as lower rates.
  • Adjust deductibles and save - The deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. Coverage for physical damage, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims are running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, and rolling your vehicle. The higher the amount you're willing to pay, the less your auto insurance will be.
  • Consolidate policies to earn discounts - Some insurance companies provide better rates to people who have multiple policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal. Drivers may still find a better deal by insuring with multiple companies.
  • You might want pay the small claims yourself - Companies in Michigan generally give discounts to insureds who file claims infrequently. If you file claims often, you can expect either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Car insurance is intended to be relied upon for the large, substantial claims.
  • A clean driving record saves money - A bad driving record has a big impact on rates. Even one moving violation can increase rates twenty percent or more. Good drivers have lower premiums than their less careful counterparts. If you have dangerous violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may find they need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with the DMV in their state in order to prevent a license revocation.
  • Having a spouse can save you money - Having a spouse helps lower the price on auto insurance. Having a significant other is viewed as being more responsible and it's proven that being married results in fewer claims.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Auto insurance companies do not list every discount very well, so we took the time to find some of the best known as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving.

  • Accident Free - Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially when compared to frequent claim filers.
  • Low Mileage Discounts - Low mileage vehicles can earn a substantially lower rate.
  • Multiple Cars - Buying insurance for all your vehicles on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - When you have multiple policies with one company you may save 10% to 20% off each policy.
  • Federal Government Employee - Simply working for the federal government can earn a discount up to 10% with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Discount for Good Grades - Getting good grades can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.

As a disclaimer on discounts, some credits don't apply the the whole policy. Most cut individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So even though it sounds like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, auto insurance companies aren't that generous.

For a list of insurance companies with discount auto insurance rates in Michigan, click here.

Even more information can be found at the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation website. Michigan drivers can read industry bulletins, find disaster information, and report car insurance fraud.

Other useful links include this online resource for auto insurance quotes in Michigan and this list of insurance agents in Bridgeport.

auto insurance in Bridgeport

Final considerations

Drivers leave their current company for a number of reasons such as high rates after DUI convictions, delays in responding to claim requests, lack of trust in their agent and policy non-renewal. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new insurance company is not as hard as you think.

Cheap auto insurance can be sourced on the web and with local Bridgeport insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some auto insurance companies do not offer online quoting and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

When shopping online for auto insurance, do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There are too many instances where an insured dropped physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your strategy should be to purchase plenty of coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.