Top 9 Ways You Can Buy Car Insurance for Less in Darien

No one in their right mind likes having to buy car insurance, particularly when the cost is way too high. Consumers have many to pick from, and although it's nice to have multiple companies, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

It's important to compare rates occasionally since rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the best price a couple years back you will most likely find a better rate today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because we're going to demonstrate how to use online quotes to properly buy coverages while reducing your premium.

Save big with these nine discounts

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, but there could be available discounts that you may not know about. Certain discounts will be applied when you purchase, but less common discounts must be asked about before being credited. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies allow you one accident before your rates go up as long as you don't have any claims for a certain period of time.
Anti-theft System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Life Insurance - Some companies give a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.
Bundle and Save - If you have multiple policies with the same company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
Drivers Education - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to complete a driver education course if it's offered in school.
Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with select insurance companies.
Passive Restraints - Factory air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts up to 30%.
College Student - Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may qualify for this discount.

It's important to note that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most cut specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So even though it sounds like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you're out of luck. But any discount will bring down your overall premium however.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a "best" method to buy coverage. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's so your insurance should reflect that These are some specific questions might point out if your situation might need an agent's assistance.

Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?

If you're not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and you can get the answers you need.

Car insurance ads bend the truth

Consumers in Wisconsin get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by State Farm, GEICO and Progressive. They all seem to make an identical promise that you can save after switching to their company.

How does each company claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a desirable insured might be between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. Any new insured who meets those qualifications gets the lowest rates and most likely will save when switching.

Consumers who fall outside these standards will have to pay higher prices and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say "customers who switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That is how insurance companies can advertise the way they do.

Because of the profiling, you should compare many company's rates. It's just too difficult to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

More information can be found on the website for the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance found here. Visitors are able to learn about insurance regulations, read consumer alerts, get help finding coverage, and view agent and company licensing information.

Also read more on this site for Wisconsin car insurance information and see this list of insurance agents in Darien.

Best coverage at the best price

Lower-priced car insurance can be sourced both online and also from your neighborhood Darien agents, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some car insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, make sure you don't buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many cases, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to discover later that the savings was not a smart move. Your aim should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price.