Tightwads Tips for Saving on Greenville Auto Insurance

I can't think of anyone who likes having to buy auto insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much. Drivers have multiple to pick from, and although it's a good thing to be able to choose, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

It's important to compare prices occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the lowest price last year you can probably find a better price now. Don't believe everything you read about auto insurance on the internet, so I'm going to show you some great ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.

Finding affordable coverage in Greenville is easy if you know what you're doing. If you currently have car insurance, you stand a good chance to be able to cut costs considerably using this information. Wisconsin vehicle owners just need to know the most efficient way to compare rates online.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

The list below includes a partial list of the pieces auto insurance companies consider when setting rates.

Your location is important - Living in a small town can be a good thing when buying auto insurance. City drivers regularly have much more traffic and longer commute times. Lower population translates into fewer accidents as well as less vandalism and auto theft.
Bundling policies can get discounts - The majority of companies will give a discount to people who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it's in your best interest to comparison shop to ensure the best deal.
You might want pay the small claims yourself - Car insurance companies in Wisconsin provide lower rates to people who are claim-free. If you file claims often, you can pretty much guarantee higher rates. Car insurance is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.
Drive less and save money - The more you drive each year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most insurance companies price each vehicle's coverage based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles that are left in the garage receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. Verify your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Car insurance companies don't necessarily list all their discounts very clearly, so we researched some of the best known and the harder-to-find auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Bundle and Save - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% with select insurance companies.
No Accidents - Good drivers with no accidents pay much less as compared to accident-prone drivers.
Sign Online - Some insurance companies give back up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
Senior Discount - If you're over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for better auto insurance rates.
Drive Less and Save - Keeping the miles down could be rewarded with lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
Service Members Pay Less - Having a deployed family member can result in better rates.
Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.
Anti-theft System - Anti-theft and alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.

Consumers should know that most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. So when the math indicates you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies don't profit that way.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Wisconsin, follow this link.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Wisconsin drivers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all seem to say the same thing that you'll save big if you move to their company.

How does each company say the same thing? This is how they do it.

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. For instance, a desirable insured might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and has great credit. A propective insured who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Drivers who don't qualify for these standards will have to pay higher premiums which usually ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say "drivers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That is how companies can advertise the savings. Because of the profiling, you should compare as many rates as you can. It's not possible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

Insurance agents can help

When buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Every insured's situation is different so your insurance needs to address that. For example, these questions might point out whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
Should I buy additional glass protection?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It is quick, free and may give you better protection.

More detailed Wisconsin auto insurance information is located at the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance website. Wisconsin drivers can view agent and company licensing information, read consumer alerts, download brochures, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Other informative sites include Wikipedia and this Greenville agent directory.

A tidy conclusion

As you prepare to switch companies, make sure you don't buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, an insured cut collision coverage and learned later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price.

Discount auto insurance is definitely available on the web and also from your neighborhood Greenville agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. There are still a few companies who may not provide online price quotes and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.