How to Find Cheaper Cottage Grove Car Insurance

Searching for the lowest cost Cottage Grove car insurance on the internet is intimidating for beginners to shopping for insurance online. Since there are so many insurance companies available, how can consumers even start to compare every one to find the lowest rates?

If you are insured now or need new coverage, you can learn to shop for the lowest rates while maintaining coverages. Finding the cheapest car insurance coverage in Cottage Grove is not that difficult. Minnesota consumers only need to know the proper methods to compare company rates online.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but companies offer discounts that can drop the cost substantially. A few discounts will automatically apply at quote time, but lesser-known reductions have to be inquired about in order for you to get them. If they aren't giving you every credit you deserve, you are throwing money away.

  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
  • Own a Home - Simply owning a home may trigger a car insurance policy discount because of the fact that having a home is proof that your finances are in order.
  • No Claims - Drivers who don't have accidents can save substantially when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Defensive Driving Course - Taking a defensive driving course could cut 5% off your bill if you qualify.
  • Senior Citizens - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for a discount up to 10%.
  • Government Employees - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with a few car insurance companies.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with one company you could get a discount of 10% to 20% off each policy.

A little note about advertised discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given to all coverage premiums. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. So despite the fact that it appears you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will cut the amount you have to pay.

compare Cottage Grove car insurance rates

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. Understanding what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to better car insurance rates.

  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Purchasing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can save you a little every year. Anti-theft devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all aid in stopping your car from being stolen.
  • High deductibles save money - Your deductibles define the amount you are required to spend out-of-pocket before a claim is paid by your company. Coverage for physical damage, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, is used to repair damage to your car. Some examples of claims that would be covered would be running into the backend of another car, vandalism, or theft. The higher the amount the insured has to pay upfront, the bigger discount you will receive.
  • Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Careers like lawyers, architects and accountants are shown to have higher rates than average due to high stress levels and long work hours. On the flip side, occupations like pilots, athletes and the unemployed pay the least.
  • Do you need the policy add-ons? - There are a lot of add-on coverages that can waste your money when buying car insurance. Coverages like vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and membership fees are examples of these. These may sound like a good investment initially, but your needs may have changed so get rid of them and save.
  • Men fork out a little more - Statistics have proven that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, don't assume that men are WORSE drivers than women. Men and women have accidents in similar percentages, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically get cited for more serious violations like DUI and reckless driving.
  • You might want pay the small claims yourself - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can expect either higher rates or even cancellation. Companies in Minnesota provide better rates to insureds who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Car insurance is intended for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.

Is there truth in advertising?

Consumers in Minnesota get pounded daily by advertisements for car insurance savings from companies such as State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing about savings if you move your policy.

How do they all claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

Different companies have a preferred profile for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer might be between 30 and 50, insures multiple vehicles, and has great credit. Any driver who fits that profile will get very good rates and is almost guaranteed to cut their rates substantially.

Potential insureds who don't measure up to the "perfect" profile will be quoted more money which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that kind of money. This is how companies can truthfully advertise the savings.

This emphasizes why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. You cannot predict which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

Additional information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website found here. Visitors are able to view a list of available companies, report car insurance fraud, and read industry bulletins.

And the best car insurance company is...

Consumers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including unfair underwriting practices, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, high rates after DUI convictions and even delays in responding to claim requests. Regardless of your reason, finding a new car insurance company is less work than it seems.

The cheapest car insurance is definitely available both online in addition to many Cottage Grove insurance agents, so compare prices from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

When you buy insurance online, you should never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.