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

I can't think of anyone who looks forward to paying for auto insurance, especially knowing the price is too high.

Companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive all promote huge savings with ad campaigns and consumers find it hard to sift through the bull and find the best price available.

It's important to compare prices occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best deal six months ago you may be paying too much now. Starting right now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the proper way to find lower rates on auto insurance.

If you currently have car insurance, you will be able to save some money using these methods. Buying car insurance in Clayville is easy if you know what you're doing. But New York vehicle owners do need to know how the larger insurance companies determine prices and take advantage of how the system works.

Finding Auto Insurance in Clayville, NY

There are several ways to compare rate quotes from different Clayville insurance companies. The recommended way to find competitive insurance rates is simply to get online rate quotes. This can be accomplished in several different ways.

The first (and easiest) way to compare a lot of rates at once is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This type of form saves time by eliminating boring form submissions for each company. A single form will return price quotes from all major companies.

A harder way to get quotes online consists of visiting the website for each individual company to complete a price quote. For examples sake, we'll assume you want to compare , and . You would have to take the time to go to each site to enter your coverage information, and that's why the first method is more popular. To view a list of companies in Clayville, click here.

The most time-consuming method of comparing rate quotes is to spend your day driving to and from local Clayville insurance agencies. Shopping for auto insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you have a need for the personal advice of a licensed agent. It is possible to compare the best prices online and still use a local agent and we'll touch on that later.

Whichever method you choose, make absolute certain that you use exactly the same deductibles and coverage limits with each company. If you use different values for each quote you will not be able to make an equal comparison in Clayville. Slightly different insurance coverages can result in a big premium difference. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that comparing a large number of companies will increase your chances of finding better pricing.

How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

It's important that you understand the factors that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

Your location affects your rates - Living in a small town can be a good thing when buying auto insurance. Lower population means a lower chance of having an accident and also fewer theft and vandalism claims. Urban drivers tend to have much more traffic to deal with and much longer commute distances. Longer commute distances means more change of being in an accident.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - The majority of insurance companies will give a discount to people who carry more than one policy such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can be 10 percent or more. Even though this discount sounds good, it's in your best interest to shop around to verify if the discount is saving money.
Small claims can cost you - Car insurance companies in New York generally give cheaper rates to people who do not file claims often. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can look forward to higher rates. Car insurance is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.
Rates may be lower depending on your job - Jobs such as doctors, social workers and dentists have the highest average rates in part from stressful work requirements and long work hours. Other professions such as scientists, historians and the unemployed get better rates.

Save big with these discounts

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but discounts can save money and there are some available to help offset the cost. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at the time of quoting, but some must be requested specifically before you will receive the discount.

Bundle and Save - When you have multiple policies with the same company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
Anti-theft System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems help deter theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Drivers Ed for Students - Require your teen driver to complete a driver education course in high school.
Claim Free - Good drivers with no accidents can earn big discounts as compared to frequent claim filers.
Lower Rates for Military - Being deployed with a military unit can result in better rates.
Seat Belt Usage - Buckling up and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could save 15% off your medical payments premium.
Federal Employees - Simply working for the federal government can earn a discount up to 10% with select insurance companies.
Sign Early and Save - Select companies give a discount for signing up before your current policy expires. It can save you around 10%.
Good Student - Getting good grades can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts up to age 25.
New Vehicle Savings - Adding a new car to your policy can save up to 30% compared to insuring an older model.

Drivers should understand that some credits don't apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. So even though they make it sound like you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will reduce your overall premium however.

For a list of companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Clayville, click here.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Every insured's situation is different and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions might point out if your situation will benefit from professional help.

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?

If you can't answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

Much more information about auto insurance in New York is available on the website for the New York Department of Financial Services. Click here for link. New York drivers can view agent and company licensing information, read consumer alerts, download brochures, and read industry bulletins.

Affordable insurance is out there

As you restructure your insurance plan, it's not a good idea to reduce needed coverages to save money. In many instances, an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that they should have had better coverage. The ultimate goal is to buy a smart amount of coverage for the lowest price.

Budget-conscious auto insurance is possible on the web as well as from independent agents in Clayville, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies don't offer online quoting and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.