Hickory Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

Finding lower rates for Hickory auto insurance is hard for consumers new to comparing rates online. There are so many options available that it can easily become a challenge to locate the lowest price in Hickory.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies don't necessarily list all available discounts very clearly, so we researched both the well known and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using. If you're not getting every credit available, you are throwing money away.

  • Military Discounts - Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Active or retired federal employment may qualify you for a discount depending on your company.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
  • Student in College - Kids in college who are attending college and do not have a car can receive lower rates.
  • Homeowners Pay Less - Owning a home in Hickory can help you save on auto insurance because owning a home shows financial diligence.

Keep in mind that most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Some only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So when the math indicates having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it just doesn't work that way.

auto insurance in Hickory

Learn How to Buy Auto Insurance Cheaper

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that go into determining the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that could result in big savings.

Listed below are a partial list of the pieces that factor into premiums.

  • Safer cars are cheaper to insure - Vehicles with good safety scores can get you lower premiums. Safe vehicles have better occupant injury protection and any reduction in injury severity translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims and thus lower rates.
  • More claims means more premium - If you tend to file frequent claims, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Auto insurance companies in North Carolina award lower rates to drivers who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Insurance coverage is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Discounts for multiple policies - Most insurers will award you with lower prices to insureds who have multiple 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 confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. You may still be able to find better rates by splitting coverages up.
  • Older drivers pay less - Youthful drivers in North Carolina are statistically proven to get distracted easily in a vehicle so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Mature drivers are more responsible, file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
  • Pay less after the wedding - Having a wife or husband can actually save you money on your policy. Having a spouse usually means you are more mature and it's statistically proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Driving a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft features such as vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all hinder car theft.
  • Where you live - Being located in less populated areas is a positive aspect when talking about auto insurance. Drivers who live in large cities tend to have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Fewer drivers means reduced accidents as well as less vandalism and auto theft.
  • More miles equals more premium - The more miles you rack up on your car every year the more you'll pay to insure your vehicle. The majority of insurers charge to insure your cars based on their usage. Cars and trucks not used for work or commuting receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your auto insurance policy shows how each vehicle is driven, because improper ratings can cost you money.

Is there truth in advertising?

Consumers in North Carolina get pounded daily by advertisements for the lowest price auto insurance from companies such as 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm. All the companies make an identical promise that you can save if you switch your policy.

How does each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies can use profiling for the right customer that earns them a profit. For instance, a profitable customer might be between 25 and 40, is a homeowner, and has a short commute. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't measure up to these standards must pay more money and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that kind of money. That's why insurance companies can make the claims of big savings. This illustrates why drivers should compare many company's rates. It's impossible to know the company that will fit your personal profile best.

Learn more today

Additional detailed information is located at the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to find disaster information, download brochures, and read consumer alerts.

And the best car insurance company is...

Affordable auto insurance can be found both online in addition to many Hickory insurance agents, so you should compare both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

People switch companies for many reasons like delays in responding to claim requests, extreme rates for teen drivers, policy cancellation and even not issuing a premium refund. Regardless of your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is less work than it seems.

As you shop your coverage around, it's very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are a lot of situations where an accident victim reduced collision coverage and learned later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.