Easy Techniques to Pay Less on Forest Grove Auto Insurance

If you are a novice to online auto insurance shopping, it's easy to get confused by the vast number of auto insurance companies offering insurance in Forest Grove.

Auto Insurance Comparison Rates in Forest Grove, OR

The are a couple different ways of comparing rate quotes from different Forest Grove insurance companies. The recommended way to find the cheapest insurance rates is to perform an online rate comparison. This can be accomplished using a couple different methods.

The first (and easiest) way to get quotes is a comparison rater form like this one (opens in new window). This easy form eliminates the need for repetitive form entry for every auto insurance company. Just one form will get you price quotes direct from many companies. It's definitely the quickest method.

A less efficient way to shop for auto insurance online requires a visit to the website of each company to complete their respective quote request forms. For instance, let's assume you want to compare , and . To get rate quotes you would need to go to every website to input your insurance information, and that's why the first method is more popular. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Forest Grove, click here.

It's your choice how you get your quotes, but be sure to compare identical coverage limits on every quote you get. If you use differing limits you will not be able to determine which rate is truly the best in Forest Grove. Quoting even small variations in coverages can make a big difference in price. Keep in mind that quoting more helps you find better pricing.

What determines how much you pay?

It's important that you understand the different types of things that play a part in calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

Shown below are a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine prices.

Safer cars cost less to insure - Cars with high safety ratings can get you lower premiums. The safest vehicles result in less severe injuries and lower injury rates means less money paid by your insurance company and thus lower rates.
Traffic violations increase rates - Even one moving violation can increase rates by twenty percent. Good drivers tend to pay less for car insurance than their less careful counterparts. If you have dangerous violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may find they need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state DMV in order to prevent a license revocation.
Don't get talked into coverage you don't need - There are quite a few additional coverages that can waste your money on your auto insurance policy. Coverages for vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and motor club memberships may be costing you every month. These may sound like a good investment when talking to your agent, but if you don't need them eliminate them to save money.
Drive less and save money - The higher the mileage driven each year the higher your rate. Most companies apply a rate based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars and trucks left parked in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance declarations sheet shows the correct usage for each vehicle.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but there are discounts available to help bring down the price. Certain discounts will be applied when you quote, but less common discounts must be manually applied prior to getting the savings.

Military Rewards - Being on active duty in the military could be rewarded with lower premiums.
Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of 20% or more.
Safety Course Discount - Completing a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more depending on where you live.
Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
Discount for Swiching Early - Select companies give a discount for switching policies before your current policy expires. The savings is around 10%.
Federal Employees - Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. Just because you may think all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will bring down the amount you have to pay.

For a list of insurance companies with discount auto insurance rates in Oregon, click here to view.

Insurance agents can help

When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Every insured's situation is different.

For example, these questions may help highlight whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form.

Additional information can be found on the Oregon Insurance Division website. Click here for link. Oregon consumers can find disaster information, file complaints about a company, and discover disciplinary actions.

Other useful links include this page for auto insurance prices in Oregon and this page of Forest Grove insurance agents.

Affordable insurance is out there

People leave their current company for any number of reasons including unfair underwriting practices, poor customer service, delays in responding to claim requests and delays in paying claims. No matter why you want to switch, switching auto insurance companies is not as hard as you think.

In this article, we presented many tips how you can lower your auto insurance rates. It's most important to understand that the more providers you compare, the higher the chance of saving money. Consumers could even find that the lowest rates come from a lesser-known regional company.

Cheaper auto insurance is attainable online and with local Forest Grove insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance providers do not offer online quoting and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.