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

Nobody I know likes having to buy car insurance, particularly when the cost is way too high.

You have multiple to pick from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, having more makes it harder to compare rates.

Finding the best rates in Hubert is quite easy. If you currently have car insurance, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using this strategy. Nevertheless, North Carolina consumers do need to know the methods companies use to compete online and apply this information to your search.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies don't always list every discount very clearly, so we took the time to find both the well known as well as the least known ways to save on car insurance.

Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with a few car insurance companies.
Braking Control Discount - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Distant Student - Any of your kids who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle can be insured at a reduced rate.
Auto/Life Discount - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.
Multiple Policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
Drivers Education - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
Senior Citizens - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get reduced rates.

It's important to understand that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Most only cut individual premiums such as comp or med pay. Just because it seems like you could get a free car insurance policy, it doesn't quite work that way.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Hubert

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that help determine the rates you pay for car insurance. Knowing what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to better car insurance rates.

The following are a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine prices.

Small claims can cost you - If you file claims often, you can look forward to either higher rates or even cancellation. Companies in North Carolina give lower rates to policyholders who file claims infrequently. Car insurance is intended for larger claims.
Discounts for multiple policies - Many car insurance companies provide better rates to insureds who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you still need to compare other company rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Older drivers pay less - Youthful drivers in North Carolina are known to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel so they pay higher car insurance rates. Parents adding a youthful driver to your policy can really hurt. Older drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets.
More people means more accidents - Living in a small town can save you money when talking about car insurance. Drivers in populated areas tend to have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Less people living in that area means fewer accidents.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so this has to be addressed. For instance, these questions might point out whether you could use an agent's help.

Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in North Carolina?
Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
What are North Carolina no-fault laws?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

How can Progressive, Allstate and GEICO save drivers who switch?

Car insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO continually stream ads on television and other media. They all make the same claim of big savings after switching to them. How does each company claim to save you money?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer might be over the age of 40, owns a home, and has a short commute. Any driver who matches those parameters will qualify for the lowest rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Potential customers who are not a match for these standards will be quoted a more expensive rate which leads to the customer not buying. The ad wording is "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save money. That is how insurance companies can confidently make the claims of big savings. This emphasizes why drivers should compare many company's rates. You cannot predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

More tips and info about car insurance can be found at the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to download brochures, read consumer alerts, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and view agent and company licensing information.

Also read more on this online resource for car insurance quotes in North Carolina and this list of insurance agents in Hubert.

Shop smart and save

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut physical damage coverage only to discover later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your strategy should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Low-cost car insurance can be bought both online and with local Hubert insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance providers do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.