Tightwads Tips for Saving on Great Falls Auto Insurance

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me when I say you are not the only one feeling buyer's remorse. You have so many to pick from, and although it's a good thing to be able to choose, lots of choices makes it harder to compare rates.

Buying car insurance in Great Falls is quite easy. If you have a current auto insurance policy or are looking for a new policy, you will benefit by learning to find the best rates while maximizing coverage. Montana drivers only need an understanding of the proper methods to get comparison quotes over the internet.

Tips to Get Lower Great Falls Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

Your car's features help determine rates - Choosing a vehicle with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system can thwart your car from being stolen.
Extra add-on coverages are wasting money - There are a ton of extra coverages that can waste your money if you aren't careful. Coverages for roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and additional equipment coverage are examples of these. They may seem good when you first buy your policy, but now you might not need them so eliminate them to save money.
Marriage brings a discount - Getting married can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other translates into being more mature and responsible and it's proven that being married results in fewer claims.
Proper usage rating affects rates - Driving more miles in a year the higher your rate. Almost all companies price each vehicle's coverage determined by how the vehicle is used. Vehicles left parked in the garage get more affordable rates than those used for commuting. Make sure your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
Occupation reflects on rates - Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Careers like real estate brokers, architects and financial analysts have higher average rates because of job stress and lengthy work days. Conversely, professions such as actors, engineers and performers get better rates.
Multiple policies with one company can save - Many companies provide better rates to people who carry more than one policy in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you still need to comparison shop to verify if the discount is saving money. You may still find a better deal by buying auto insurance from a different company.
Adjust deductibles and save - Your deductibles define the amount you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. Insurance for physical damage to your car, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, covers damage that occurs to your car. A few examples of covered claims are running into the backend of another car, damage caused by hail, and rolling your vehicle. The more expense you have to pay, the less your auto insurance will be.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance companies don't always list every discount very clearly, so the following is a list of some of the best known as well as the least known auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit possible, you are paying more than you should be.

Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver successfully complete driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
Low Mileage Discounts - Fewer annual miles could qualify for lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
No Charge for an Accident - Certain companies will forgive one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if your claims history is clear prior to the accident.
New Vehicle Savings - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can cost up to 25% less since new cars are generally safer.
Claim Free - Drivers with accident-free driving histories pay less when compared to accident-prone drivers.
Driver Safety - Completing a course teaching defensive driving skills could possibly earn you a 5% discount if your company offers it.
Anti-theft Discount - Anti-theft and alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.

It's important to understand that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. Most only reduce individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. So when the math indicates you can get free auto insurance, it doesn't quite work that way.

To choose insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Montana, follow this link.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Montana drivers can't ignore all the ads that promise big savings from the likes of State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing of big savings after switching your coverage to them.

How does each company say the same thing?

All companies are able to cherry pick for the type of customer that makes them money. A good example of a driver they prefer might be profiled as between 30 and 50, has no tickets, and drives newer vehicles. A propective insured who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and most likely will save when switching.

Potential customers who don't qualify for these standards will be quoted higher prices which usually ends up with business not being written. The ads state "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that much money. That's the way insurance companies can confidently claim big savings. This emphasizes why you should compare as many rates as you can. It's not possible to predict which auto insurance company will give you the biggest savings.

More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance website. Montana drivers can view a list of available companies, discover disciplinary actions, get help finding coverage, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Other informative sites include this site for auto insurance rates in Montana and this list of insurance agents in Great Falls, MT.

Best coverage at the best price

Low-cost auto insurance can be sourced on the web as well as from independent agents in Great Falls, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies don't offer online price quotes and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.

When trying to cut insurance costs, make sure you don't buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many situations where an insured dropped collision coverage and discovered at claim time that it was a big mistake. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.