Tightwads Tips for Saving on Hobart Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind cherishes buying auto insurance, particularly when their premiums are through the roof.

There is such a variety of to buy insurance from, and although it's nice to have a selection, so many choices can make it hard to compare rates.

It's important to get comparison quotes occasionally because prices are constantly changing. If you had the lowest rates a few years ago the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. Starting now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the tricks you need to know to save on auto insurance.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Companies do not advertise all their discounts very clearly, so we break down both the well known as well as the least known auto insurance savings.

  • College Student - Children who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a vehicle on campus can receive lower rates.
  • Bundle and Save - When you combine your home and auto insurance with one company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
  • No Claims - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially as compared to bad drivers.
  • Sign Online - Certain companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application over the internet.
  • Homeowners Savings - Owning a house in Hobart may trigger a auto insurance policy discount because of the fact that having a home is proof that your finances are in order.

Keep in mind that most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. So even though it sounds like it's possible to get free car insurance, it just doesn't work that way.

To see a list of companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Oklahoma, follow this link.

Hobart auto insurance comparison

Finding Auto Insurance in Hobart, OK

The are a couple different ways of comparing rates from different Hobart insurance companies. The best method to find competitive insurance rates is to get quotes online. This can be done using a couple different methods.

  • The best way consumers can analyze rates is a comparison rater form like this one (opens in new window). This method saves time by eliminating separate quotes for every auto insurance company. A single form gets you coverage quotes instantly.
  • A slightly less efficient method to shop for auto insurance online consists of going to each company's website to complete a price quote. For example, we'll assume you want to compare , and . To get rate quotes you would need to visit each site to enter your coverage information, which is why the first method is more popular.

    For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Hobart, click here.
  • The least efficient method of comparing rate quotes is driving to insurance agents' offices. The ability to buy insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you require the professional advice of a local Hobart agent. You can, however, obtain prices from the web but buy from a local insurance agent. We'll cover that shortly.

Whichever way you use, make absolute certain that you use identical coverages with each company. If you have different limits and deductibles on each one it's impossible to make an equal comparison in Hobart. Just a small difference in limits could mean much higher rates. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that having more price comparisons helps locate lower pricing.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

An important part of buying insurance is that you know some of the elements that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" that factor into rates.

  • Mature drivers pay less - Youthful drivers in Oklahoma tend to be more careless behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Adding a youthful driver onto your auto insurance can break the bank. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
  • Consolidate policies to earn discounts - The majority of companies will give a discount to insureds who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, you still need to compare rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
  • Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Jobs such as lawyers, architects and financial analysts are shown to have higher average rates because of high stress and lengthy work days. Conversely, occupations like scientists, engineers and the unemployed pay the least.
  • Marriage pays dividends - Having a spouse actually saves money when buying auto insurance. It usually means you are more mature and it's proven that married couples file fewer claims.

Insurance agents can help

When choosing adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Everyone's situation is a little different so your insurance needs to address that. For example, these questions might point out whether your personal situation would benefit from professional advice.

  • What are Oklahoma no-fault laws?
  • Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
  • Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
  • Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
  • Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
  • Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
  • I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you don't have a local agent, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Auto insurance companies such as Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm regularly use television and radio advertisements. They all seem to say the same thing that you can save if you move your policy. How does each company claim to save you money?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that is profitable for them. For example, a desirable insured might be a mature driver, owns a home, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile will get very good rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for these standards will have to pay more money which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that kind of money. That is how insurance companies can advertise the way they do. Because of the profiling, drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Final considerations

When shopping online for auto insurance, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are many occasions where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford.

Affordable auto insurance is definitely available both online in addition to many Hobart insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some auto insurance companies do not provide the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

Hobart auto insurance quote

Additional detailed information can be found at the Oklahoma Insurance Department website. Visitors are able to read enforcement actions against agents and companies, read consumer alerts, read industry bulletins, and get help finding coverage.