How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in Hampton Bays

Nobody I know looks forward to buying auto insurance, especially knowing the price is too high. There are many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have a choice, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to check auto insurance prices periodically since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best deal a year ago you may be paying too much now. Starting right now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the proper way to save money, get proper coverage and the best rates.

Finding the best rates in Hampton Bays is quite easy. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to save some money using this strategy. New York drivers only need an understanding of the proper way to shop for auto insurance over the internet.

Hampton Bays Auto Insurance Comparisons

Most major insurance companies like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm quote prices for coverage on the web. Getting online quotes is fairly straightforward as you just type in your personal and coverage information as detailed in the form. Behind the scenes, their system will obtain information on your driving record and credit history and gives you a price quote. Being able to quote online makes comparing rates easy, but the process of having to visit a lot of sites and fill out multiple forms is not the best way to spend an afternoon. But it's very important to compare as many rates as possible if you are searching for better auto insurance pricing.

A less time-consuming method to compare rates requires only one form that gets price quotes from several companies at one time. The form is fast, requires much less work on your part, and makes online shopping much easier to do. After your information is entered, it is quoted and you can select any one of the returned quotes. If a lower price is quoted, you can click and sign and purchase coverage. It only takes a few minutes and may result in a nice savings.

To quickly find out what other companies charge, click here to open in new window and enter your vehicle and coverage information. If you have a policy now, it's recommended you copy identical to your current policy. This way, you will be getting a fair comparison based on similar coverages.

Hampton Bays auto insurance comparison

What determines how much you pay?

It's important that you understand the different types of things that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with big savings.

The following are some of the factors companies use to determine rates.

  • Older drivers save more - Teenage drivers in New York are known to be more careless behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Parents adding a young driver to your policy can be quite pricey. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, file fewer claims and get fewer tickets.
  • A clean driving record saves money - Just one speeding ticket can increase rates by twenty percent. Good drivers have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who have flagrant citations such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to submit a SR-22 form with the DMV in their state in order to keep their license.
  • Where you live is a factor - Living in less populated areas can be a good thing when buying auto insurance. Drivers who live in large cities have to deal with much more traffic and longer commute times. Less people living in that area means fewer accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
  • Do men or women drive better? - Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. However, this does not mean women are better drivers. They both are in accidents at about the same rate, but the males have costlier accidents. They also receive more costly citations like reckless driving and DUI. Male drivers age 16 to 19 are most likely to cause an accident and thus pay the highest rates.

These discounts can lower your rates

Car insurance companies don't necessarily list all their discounts very clearly, so here is a list some of the best known as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you're just leaving money on the table.

  • New Vehicle Savings - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can save up to 30% due to better safety requirements for new cars.
  • Good Student - Getting good grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
  • Life Insurance - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • Senior Discount - Older drivers may be able to get reduced rates.
  • Federal Employees - Simply working for the federal government may qualify you for a discount with select insurance companies.
  • Military Rewards - Being on active duty in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
  • Seat Belts Save - Using a seat belt and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could save 15% off your medical payments premium.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Factory air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies don't profit that way.

For a list of companies who offer auto insurance discounts in New York, click here to view.

Different people need different coverages

When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions may help highlight whether you would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
  • Should I buy only the required New York minimum liability coverage?
  • When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
  • Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It's fast, free and can help protect your family.

More tips and info about auto insurance is available at the New York Department of Financial Services website. New York drivers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, file complaints about a company, view agent and company licensing information, and learn about insurance regulations.

New York auto insurance

And the best car insurance company is...

While you're price shopping online, it's very important that you do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There are many occasions where someone dropped liability limits or collision coverage only to find out they didn't purchase enough coverage. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford.

Throughout this article, we presented many tips how you can lower your auto insurance rates. The most important thing to understand is the more times you quote, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may even find the most savings is with the least-expected company. Smaller companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than the large multi-state companies such as .