Tightwads Guide to Saving on Brookfield Auto Insurance

Scraping up a payment for overpriced auto insurance can empty your personal savings and put the squeeze on your family's finances. Doing a price comparison is free and is an excellent way to cut your insurance bill.

Since consumers have many online and local companies to choose from, it's nearly impossible to find the most cost effective company.

The purpose of this article is to teach you the most effective way to quote insurance. If you currently have car insurance, you should be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. But Connecticut consumers do need to know the methods companies use to sell online.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Brookfield

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

Shown below are some of the items companies use to determine prices.

You might want pay the small claims yourself - If you frequently file small claims, you can expect either higher rates or even cancellation. Companies in Connecticut give discounts to people who file claims infrequently. Car insurance is intended for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.
Please use or commuting - The higher the mileage driven in a year's time the higher your rate. Most companies charge to insure your cars based on how the vehicle is used. Autos that are left in the garage get more affordable rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Verify your auto insurance declarations sheet properly reflects the correct usage for each vehicle.
Higher deductibles cost less - Physical damage deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. Insurance for physical damage to your car, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, insures against damage to your car. Examples of covered claims would be running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, or theft. The more expense you're willing to pay, the bigger discount you will receive.
Cautious drivers pay less - Good drivers get better rates than their less careful counterparts. Only having one ticket can increase rates by as much as thirty percent. If you have dangerous violations such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may find they need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) to the state department of motor vehicles in order to prevent a license revocation.
Males pay more for insurance - Statistics have proven women tend to be less risk to insure than men. Now that doesn't mean women are better drivers. Men and women cause accidents at a similar rate, but the men tend to have more serious accidents. Men also statistically have more aggressive citations like DUI and reckless driving.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but you may find discounts that you may not know about. Most are applied when you quote, but some may not be applied and must be manually applied prior to getting the savings.

Government Employees - Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% with a few auto insurance companies.
Auto/Life Discount - Select insurance companies reward you with a break if you buy life insurance from them.
Own a Home - Simply owning a home may earn you a small savings because maintaining a house demonstrates responsibility.
Good Student Discount - This discount can save 20 to 25%. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.
Accident Waiver - Some insurance companies allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if your claims history is clear for a certain period of time.
Multiple Policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with the same insurance company you could get a discount of 10% to 20% off each policy.
Accident Free - Drivers who don't have accidents pay less when compared to accident-prone drivers.
Low Mileage Discounts - Low mileage vehicles could qualify for better rates on cars that stay parked.
Safety Course Discount - Taking a defensive driving course could cut 5% off your bill if your company offers it.
Anti-theft System - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and earn discounts up to 10%.

Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. Just because you may think you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will help reduce your premiums.

To choose insurance companies with discount auto insurance rates in Connecticut, click this link.

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'll save big if you change to them. But how can every company claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

Different companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that makes them money. A good example of a driver they prefer might be over the age of 40, has no prior claims, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters is entitled to the best price and therefore will save a lot of money.

Potential customers who don't measure up to this ideal profile will be quoted a higher premium which leads to the customer not buying. The ads state "customers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. This is how companies can advertise the way they do.

This emphasizes why you should compare many company's rates. It's impossible to know which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When buying coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's so this has to be addressed. Here are some questions about coverages that can help discover whether or not you could use an agent's help.

Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Connecticut?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

Much more information about auto insurance in Connecticut can be read on the website for the Connecticut Insurance Department found here. Visitors are able to download brochures, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, report car insurance fraud, and file complaints about a company.

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

Shop smart and save

When shopping online for auto insurance, don't be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice collision coverage and discovered at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your strategy should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be sourced both online and with local Brookfield insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best rate selection. Some auto insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.