How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Car Insurance in Hamden

I can't think of a single person who looks forward to buying car insurance, especially when the cost is too high. Drivers have multiple to buy insurance from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

It's important to compare prices occasionally because rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the best rates on your last policy a different company probably has better rates today. There is too much inaccurate information about car insurance online but we're going to give you some great ways to find cheap car insurance.

These discounts can lower your rates

Car insurance can cost a lot, but you can get discounts that you may not know about. Certain discounts will be applied at the time of quoting, but some may not be applied and must be inquired about before you will receive the discount. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Discount for Swiching Early - A few companies offer discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. The savings is around 10%.
Anti-theft Discount - Anti-theft and alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Multiple Cars - Buying coverage for all your vehicles on one policy could earn a price break for each car.
New Car Discount - Insuring a new car is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
Good Student - Performing well in school can get you a discount of up to 25%. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.

It's important to note that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. Just because you may think you can get free auto insurance, you're out of luck. But any discount will bring down the cost of coverage.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that play a part in calculating your car insurance rates. Knowing what influences your rates enables informed choices that can help you get lower car insurance prices.

Shown below are some of the items car insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

How's your driving record? - Careful drivers receive lower rates than their less careful counterparts. Just one speeding ticket can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Drivers who get dangerous violations such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to submit a SR-22 form with their state motor vehicle department in order to prevent a license revocation.
More than one policy can earn a discount - Some companies give discounts to policyholders who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, you may still want to compare other company rates to ensure the best deal.
Lower deductibles cost more - Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, protects your car from damage. Some instances where coverage would apply are colliding with a building, damage caused by hail, and rolling your vehicle. Your deductibles are the amount of money you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. The more expense you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the lower your rates will be.
Older drivers pay less - Young drivers in Connecticut have a tendency to be less responsible behind the wheel so they pay higher car insurance rates. Adding a teenage driver to your car insurance policy can break the bank. Older drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and get fewer tickets.

Different people need different coverages

When it comes to buying coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a best way to insure your cars. Each situation is unique and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For instance, these questions might point out whether you might need an agent's assistance.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Connecticut?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but one or more may apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by State Farm and Allstate. All the ads say the same thing that you can save if you change to their company.

How does each company make the same claim?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a preferred risk could be between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and has great credit. A customer who fits that profile will qualify for the lowest rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Potential insureds who are not a match for these standards will be charged more money which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. The ad wording is "people who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can advertise the savings.

That is why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. Because you never know which company will fit your personal profile best.

More information can be read on the website for the Connecticut Insurance Department through this link. Consumers can file complaints about a company, read consumer alerts, report car insurance fraud, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Best coverage at the best price

We just showed you a lot of information how to reduce car insurance prices online. It's most important to understand that the more you quote, the higher the chance of saving money. Consumers could even find that the lowest rates come from a company that doesn't do a lot of advertising. Regional companies often have lower prices on specific markets than the large multi-state companies such as .

When you buy insurance online, it's very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many cases where an insured cut full coverage and found out when filing a claim that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

Lower-priced car insurance can be sourced from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Hamden 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 you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.