How to Get Cheap Chatfield Auto Insurance

If you are a novice to online auto insurance shopping, it's easy to get confused by the vast number of auto insurance companies offering coverage in Chatfield.

It's important to shop coverage around occasionally because prices are constantly changing. If you had the best price last year you can probably find a better price now. Ignore everything you know about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate one of the easiest ways to reduce your cost while improving coverage.

Pricing affordable auto insurance coverage in Chatfield is quite easy. In a nutshell, everyone who is required by state law to have auto insurance will most likely be able to reduce their rates. But Minnesota drivers do need to know the way insurance companies determine prices and apply this information to your search.

Tips to Get Lower Chatfield Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

  • Sex matters - Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that women are BETTER drivers than men. Both sexes have accidents in similar percentages, but the males cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. They also receive more costly citations such as DWI and reckless driving.
  • Bundling policies can get discounts - The majority of insurers will give a discount to customers who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, you still need to comparison shop to verify if the discount is saving money.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Owning a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system can help prevent car theft.
  • Proper usage rating affects rates - The more you drive each year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Almost all companies apply a rate based on how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks used primarily for pleasure use qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Double check that your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, buy you may qualify for discounts to help offset the cost. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at quote time, but less common discounts must be asked for in order for you to get them.

  • Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies will forgive one accident before hitting you with a surcharge as long as you don't have any claims for a set time period.
  • Theft Prevention Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you could save up to 5%.
  • Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase life insurance.
  • Organization Discounts - Participating in a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates on auto insurance.
  • Drive Less and Save - Keeping the miles down can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
  • Lower Rates for Military - Being on active duty in the military can result in better rates.
  • Defensive Driving Course - Successfully completing a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver complete a driver education course in high school.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. So when it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will bring down the amount you have to pay.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Minnesota, click here to view.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Auto insurance companies such as State Farm, GEICO and Progressive regularly use television and radio advertisements. They all seem to make an identical promise that you'll save big if you move your coverage to them. How does each company make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that makes them money. For example, a desirable insured could possibly be a mature driver, owns a home, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for these standards will have to pay more money and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ad wording is "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much money. That is how companies can advertise the savings.

Because of the profiling, you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which company will give you the biggest savings.

Insurance agents can help

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Everyone's situation is a little different.

For example, these questions might point out whether your personal situation would benefit from professional advice.

  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
  • Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
  • Are rental cars covered under my policy?
  • Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
  • Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

For more Minnesota car insurance information

Much more information about auto insurance in Minnesota can be found on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website located here. Minnesota consumers can learn about insurance regulations, read consumer alerts, and view a list of available companies.

Other informative sites include this site for Minnesota auto insurance information and see this list of insurance agents in Chatfield.

Chatfield auto insurance quote

Affordable insurance is out there

Discount auto insurance is possible online as well as from independent agents in Chatfield, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who don't offer online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

As you prepare to switch companies, make sure you don't buy poor coverage just to save money. In many cases, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford.

People who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as denial of a claim, policy non-renewal, unfair underwriting practices or even delays in paying claims. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.