Quote Floyd Auto Insurance Prices With These Techniques

Finding lower rates for Floyd auto insurance is hard for consumers new to buying insurance online. Drivers have so many options available that it can be a challenge to compare prices in Floyd.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don't always list every discount very clearly, so the following is a list of both the well known as well as the least known auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit available, you are throwing money away.

  • Drivers Education - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver's ed class if offered at their school.
  • No Accidents - Claim-free drivers pay less when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Multiple Cars - Having all your vehicles on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
  • Paperwork-free - Certain companies may give you up to $50 for buying your policy over the internet.
  • Distant Student - Children living away from home attending college and don't have a car may be able to be covered for less.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.

A little note about advertised discounts, most credits do not apply to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Even though it may seem like it's possible to get free car insurance, you won't be that lucky.

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Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels enables informed choices that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

  • An active claims history can cost you - If you frequently file small claims, you can definitely plan on either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Companies in Virginia provide lower rates to insureds who are claim-free. Auto insurance is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Do you work long hours in a high stress job? - Careers like real estate brokers, architects and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of high stress levels and lengthy work days. Conversely, jobs such as farmers, engineers and retirees receive lower rates.
  • Liability coverage is cheap - Your policy's liability coverage will protect you when you are found liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. Liability insurance provides you with a defense in court starting from day one. Liability insurance is quite affordable as compared to coverage for physical damage, so buy as much as you can afford.
  • Marriage brings a discount - Getting married helps lower the price when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other means you're more responsible and it's proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Older drivers pay less - Youthful drivers in Virginia have a tendency to be careless and easily distracted in a vehicle so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Mature drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.
  • Rate your vehicle for proper use - The higher the mileage driven every year the higher your rate. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Vehicles left parked in the garage get more affordable rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Make sure your auto insurance declarations sheet shows the correct usage for each vehicle.
  • Bump up deductibles to save - Your deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. Insurance for physical damage to your car, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply would be running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, or theft. The more expense you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
  • Males pay more for insurance - The statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. Now that doesn't mean men are worse drivers. Women and men cause accidents at a similar rate, but the men tend to have more serious accidents. Men also statistically get cited for more serious violations like DUI and reckless driving.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Consumers in Virginia get pounded daily by advertisements for the lowest price auto insurance by State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing about savings if you change to their company.

How does each company claim to save you money?

All companies can use profiling for the driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a driver they prefer might be a mature driver, is a homeowner, and drives newer vehicles. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and therefore will save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't measure up to these standards will be quoted more money which usually ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. That's why companies can truthfully claim big savings. This emphasizes why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. It's impossible to know the company that will give you the biggest savings.

Even more information can be read at the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website. Visitors are able to download brochures, read industry bulletins, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

A tidy conclusion

Consumers leave their current company for a number of reasons such as extreme rates for teen drivers, high rates after DUI convictions, lack of trust in their agent and even an unsatisfactory settlement offer. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new insurance company is less work than it seems.

Cheaper auto insurance can be sourced both online and also from your neighborhood Floyd agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.

When trying to cut insurance costs, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced collision coverage and discovered at claim time that it was a big mistake. The proper strategy is to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.