How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in Centerville

Nobody I know looks forward to paying for auto insurance, especially knowing the cost is too high. Big-name insurance companies like GEICO and Progressive all claim big savings with TV and radio ads and it is difficult to sift through the bull and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.

It's important to shop coverage around occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the best rates a year ago you may be paying too much now. You'll find quite a bit of inaccurate information about auto insurance online but we're going to give you some great ways to slash your auto insurance rates.

If you have a current auto insurance policy or need new coverage, you can use these techniques to find the best rates while maximizing coverage. Finding affordable coverage in Centerville is easy if you know what you're doing. Tennessee vehicle owners just need to know the most effective way to compare prices over the internet.

Automobile Insurance Quotes in Centerville, TN

Effectively comparing auto insurance prices can be a lot of work if you don't know the most efficient way. You could spend your day talking about coverages with insurance agencies in Centerville, or you could save time and use the internet to get rate comparisons in just a few minutes.

All the larger companies are enrolled in a marketplace that allows shoppers to enter their coverage request one time, and each company can give them a price based on that data. This prevents consumers from doing quote requests for each company you want a rate for.

To submit your quote information now, click here (opens in new window).

The one disadvantage to pricing coverage this way is you are unable to specify which companies you want to price. If you would rather choose specific providers to compare, we have a page of auto insurance companies in Tennessee. Click to view list.

Whichever method you choose, make absolute certain that you use exactly the same coverage information with every price quote. If you have unequal deductibles or liability limits it's not possible to find the best deal in Centerville.

Tips to Get Lower Centerville Rates

It's important that you understand the factors that help determine auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.

High credit ratings translate to low rates - Your credit history is a important factor in determining your rates. If your credit is not that good, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your credit score. People with high credit scores tend to be more responsible as compared to drivers with lower credit scores.
How many coverages with the same company - Many insurance companies give discounts to people who have multiple policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can add up to 10 percent or more. Even though this discount sounds good, you still need to shop around to verify if the discount is saving money.
Men pay higher rates - Statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, this does not mean women are BETTER drivers than men. Women and men have accidents at a similar rate, but men have costlier accidents. Men also get more serious tickets like reckless driving and DUI. Teenage male drivers are most likely to cause an accident and thus pay the highest rates.
Your auto insurance rates can be influenced by your job - Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Occupations like real estate brokers, social workers and dentists have the highest average rates because of stressful work requirements and lengthy work days. Other occupations like scientists, historians and performers get better rates.

How much can you save with discounts?

Auto insurance companies don't list every available discount in a way that's easy to find, so the following is a list of some of the best known as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving. If you aren't receiving every discount you qualify for, you're just leaving money on the table.

Anti-lock Brakes - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more.
Senior Discount - Older drivers may be able to get a small decrease in premiums.
Drivers Ed for Students - Require your teen driver to take driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
Driver Safety - Completing a course teaching defensive driving skills can save you 5% or more depending on where you live.
New Vehicle Savings - Adding a new car to your policy can save up to 30% since new cars are generally safer.
Lower Rates for Military - Being deployed with a military unit may qualify for rate reductions.
Good Student - Getting good grades can get you a discount of up to 25%. The good student discount can last well after school through age 25.
Federal Employees - Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% with certain companies.
Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts can qualify for discounts of more than 20%.

Consumers should know that some credits don't apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, companies don't profit that way.

For a list of providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Centerville, click here.

How much car insurance do I need?

When it comes to choosing coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs and your policy should reflect that. For example, these questions might point out if your insurance needs would benefit from professional advice.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Tennessee?
Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?
Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?

If you can't answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It's fast, free and can help protect your family.

More detailed Tennessee auto insurance information can be read at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance website. Tennessee drivers can find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, learn about insurance regulations, and read industry bulletins.

And the best car insurance company is...

While you're price shopping online, it's a bad idea to reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, an insured cut full coverage and found out when filing a claim they didn't purchase enough coverage. The aim is to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Discount auto insurance can be bought on the web as well as from independent agents in Centerville, and you need to price shop both to have the best rate selection. Some companies don't offer online quoting and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.