Comparing Cheap Hanover Car Insurance

Tired of robbing Peter to pay Paul each month for car insurance? Your situation is no different than many other drivers in Minnesota.

Consumers have many to pick from, and even though it's nice to have a choice, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

It's important to compare rates once or twice a year due to the fact that insurance rates are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the lowest rates on your last policy you may be paying too much now. So forget all the misinformation about car insurance because I'm going to teach you the tricks you need to know to properly buy coverages and cut your premium.

How to Compare Car Insurance Costs in Hanover

There are several ways of comparing rates and find the best price. The recommended way to compare insurance prices is to get quotes online. This can be accomplished using a couple different methods.

The first (and easiest) way to find the lowest comparison rates is to use a rate comparison form click to view form in new window. This easy form eliminates the need for separate quote forms for every car insurance company. Taking the time to complete one form will get you rate comparisons from many national carriers.

A slightly less efficient method to compare rate quotes requires you to visit the website for each individual company and fill out their own quote form. For examples sake, let's assume you want rates from , and . To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is more popular. To view a list of companies in Hanover, click here.

The least recommended way to get comparison rates to insurance agents' offices. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you require the professional advice of a local Hanover agent. However, consumers can compare the best prices online and still use a local agent and you'll learn how to do that later.

It's your choice how you get your quotes, but double check that you are using identical coverage information for every quote you compare. If you use unequal deductibles or liability limits it's not possible to determine the best price in Hanover. Quoting even small variations in limits may result in a large different in cost. It's important to know that getting more free quotes helps you find the best offered rates.

You have some control over your rates

It's important that you understand the different types of things that help determine the rates you pay for car insurance. Knowing what influences your rates enables informed choices that can help you get lower car insurance prices.

The following are a few of the "ingredients" car insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

More than one policy can earn a discount - Many insurers give discounts to insureds who carry more than one policy in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, you still need to shop around to ensure the best deal. You may still find better rates by splitting coverages up.
Your car's features help determine rates - Driving a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Theft prevention features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all hinder car theft.
Older drivers save more - Youthful drivers in Minnesota are known to be less responsible in a vehicle so they pay higher car insurance rates. Mature drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and receive fewer citations.
Where you live - Being located in a rural area has it's advantages when talking about car insurance. Drivers who live in large cities have to deal with congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accidents.
Rate your vehicle for proper use - Driving more miles every year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars based on their usage. Cars and trucks left parked in the garage qualify for better rates than those used for commuting. Make sure your car insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
Low deductibles can be expensive - Coverage for physical damage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, protects your car from damage. Some instances where coverage would apply would be a windshield shattered by a rock, damage caused by hail, and windstorm damage. Deductibles for physical damage are the amount of money you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
Bad driving skills means higher rates - Your driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Careful drivers have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Even one speeding ticket can boost insurance rates by twenty percent. Drivers who get flagrant violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to keep their license.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance is not cheap, but there could be available discounts to cut the cost considerably. Most are applied at the time of purchase, but lesser-known reductions have to be inquired about prior to receiving the credit.

Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
Payment Method - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time rather than paying monthly you may reduce your total bill.
Resident Student - Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may qualify for this discount.
Life Insurance - Some companies give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
Save with a New Car - Insuring a new car can save up to 30% since new cars are generally safer.

Keep in mind that most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, it just doesn't work that way. But any discount will bring down your overall premium however.

For a list of providers who offer car insurance discounts in Minnesota, click here to view.

More information can be found on the website for the Minnesota Department of Commerce located here. Visitors are able to read consumer alerts, view a list of available companies, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and view agent and company licensing information.

Other useful links include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this Hanover agent directory.

Affordable insurance is out there

When you buy insurance online, make sure you don't reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, an insured dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Affordable car insurance can be bought both online and also from your neighborhood Hanover agents, and you need to comparison shop both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who may not provide online quoting and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.