Top 7 Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance in Collinwood

Expensive car insurance can dwindle your savings account and force you to make sacrifices. Shopping your coverage around is free, only takes a few minutes, and is a good way to tighten up your finances.

Because you have many different company options, it is hard for the average consumer to choose the lowest price car insurance company.

It's important to take a look at other company's rates yearly since rates are constantly changing. Even if you think you had the best deal a few years ago you may be paying too much now. So ignore everything you know about car insurance because we're going to show you the proper way to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.

Where Can I Get Cheap Collinwood Car Insurance?

The are a couple different ways to get quotes from local Collinwood car insurance companies. The recommended way to compare insurance prices involves getting comparison quotes online. This can be accomplished using a couple different methods.

The first (and easiest) way to get quotes for comparison is a comparison rater form (click to open form in new window). This easy form saves time by eliminating repetitive form entry for every car insurance company. A single, simple form will get you price quotes direct from many companies.

A more time consuming way to shop for car insurance online requires a visit to the website for each individual company to complete a price quote. For instance, let's assume you want comparison quotes from , and . To get rate quotes you would need to go to every website to input your insurance information, which is why the first method is more popular.

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

The least recommended way of getting rate comparisons is to waste gas driving to insurance agents' offices. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you require the professional advice of a local Collinwood agent. However, consumers can compare the best prices online but buy from a local insurance agent and we'll cover that in a bit.

It's up to you which method you use, but make sure you use apples-to-apples coverage limits with each company. If you are comparing differing limits it's impossible to make an equal comparison in Collinwood. Quoting even small variations in limits may cause a big price difference. And when comparing car insurance rates, know that obtaining a wide range of quotes gives you a better chance of getting better pricing.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Companies that sell car insurance don't always advertise every available discount very well, so here is a list both the well known as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using.

Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can avoid accidents and will save you 10% or more.
Life Insurance - Some companies give a break if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
Safety Course Discount - Completing a defensive driving course could cut 5% off your bill depending on where you live.
Good Student Discount - Getting good grades can get you a discount of up to 25%. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
Senior Citizens - Older drivers may receive better car insurance rates.
Accident Waiver - Some insurance companies will forgive one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free prior to the accident.
Multi-policy Discount - When you have multiple policies with one company you could get a discount of up to 20% off your total premium.

It's important to note that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you're out of luck.

For a list of providers with discount car insurance rates in Tennessee, click here to view.

Insurance agents can help

When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no "best" method to buy coverage. Everyone's situation is a little different so your insurance should reflect that For example, these questions can help discover whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
Should I buy only the required Tennessee minimum liability coverage?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?

If you're not sure about those questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area.

Additional detailed information is available at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, discover disciplinary actions, and file complaints about a company.

Other useful links include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Collinwood insurance agents.

Affordable insurance is out there

As you shop your coverage around, don't be tempted to reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Lower-priced car insurance is attainable both online and also from your neighborhood Collinwood agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers may not provide online quoting and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.