How to Get Cheaper Freeport Auto Insurance

Comparing Freeport auto insurance rates online can seem like an uphill battle if you are a beginner to quoting online. But relax because finding affordable coverage online is easier than you think.

If you are insured now or are looking for a new policy, you can learn to find the best rates while maximizing coverage. This information will familiarize you with how to effectively get price quotes and some tips to save money. Minnesota drivers only need an understanding of the proper way to find the lowest price online.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but discounts can save money and there are some available that can drop the cost substantially. Some trigger automatically when you complete an application, but less common discounts must be asked for before they will apply. If they aren't giving you every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

  • Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts can get savings of up to 25% or more.
  • Claim Free - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Affiliation with certain professional organizations could qualify you for a break when shopping for auto insurance.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.
  • More Vehicles More Savings - Having multiple cars or trucks on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
  • Anti-lock Brake Discount - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes prevent accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So when it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don't profit that way. Any qualifying discounts will cut your premiums.

How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Understanding what determines base rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" used by your company to calculate prices.

  • Claim-free discounts can add up - Companies in Minnesota provide better rates to policyholders who do not file claims often. If you frequently file small claims, you can expect higher rates. Your insurance policy is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.
  • Do you know you're credit rating? - Having a bad credit rating is a important factor in determining your rates. People with high credit scores tend to be more responsible than drivers with lower credit scores. Therefore, if your credit can use some improvement, you could potentially save money when insuring your by repairing your credit.
  • Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Careers like lawyers, architects and accountants have higher rates than average because of job stress and long work days. On the flip side, jobs such as scientists, athletes and the unemployed get better rates.
  • Protect your assets with liability insurance - The liability section of your policy is the coverage that protects you when a jury decides you are liable for personal injury or accident damage. Liability insurance provides for a legal defense which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so buy as much as you can afford.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different.

Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight whether or not you would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
  • Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
  • Am I getting all the discounts available?
  • Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
  • Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can help protect your family.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Minnesota drivers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance from the likes of Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing of big savings if you move your coverage to them.

How do they all say the same thing?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer might be profiled as between 25 and 40, a clean driving record, and drives newer vehicles. A propective insured who fits that profile receives the best rates and therefore will cut their rates substantially.

Consumers who don't measure up to the "perfect" profile will be quoted higher rates which usually ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much money. That is how insurance companies can confidently claim big savings.

This emphasizes why drivers should compare as many rates as you can. It's not possible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

Additional Minnesota consumer information

Additional auto insurance information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website located here. Minnesota drivers can download brochures, find out industry alerts, and read industry bulletins.

Minnesota auto insurance

Best coverage at the best price

Consumers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as extreme rates for teen drivers, poor customer service, high rates after DUI convictions and even questionable increases in premium. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new insurance company is less work than it seems.

In this article, we covered a lot of tips how to reduce auto insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more price quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. Drivers may discover the most savings is with a small local company.

Cost effective auto insurance is definitely available on the web as well as from independent agents in Freeport, so you should compare both to get a complete price analysis. A few companies don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.