Free Guide to Paying Less for Jefferson City Auto Insurance Online

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me when I say there are many people just like you. With so many auto insurance companies to choose from, it can be challenging to find the lowest cost insurance company.

It's important to take a look at other company's rates every six months since insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best rates last year you can probably find a better price now. There is a lot of wrong information about auto insurance online but I'm going to show you some great ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.

Jefferson City Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates enables informed choices that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

The list below includes some of the items auto insurance companies consider when setting rates.

  • Rate your vehicle for proper use - The more you drive in a year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most insurance companies price each vehicle's coverage based on their usage. Vehicles left parked in the garage get more affordable rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance policy properly reflects the correct driver usage.
  • Do you have enough liability coverage? - The liability section of your policy provides coverage if ever a jury decides you are liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides you with a defense in court starting from day one. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so buy as much as you can afford.
  • Frequent auto insurance claims increase rates - Car insurance companies in Tennessee provide discounts to drivers who are claim-free. If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Auto insurance is intended to be relied upon for the large, substantial claims.
  • Credit scores impact auto insurance rates - Credit rating is a important factor in calculating your auto insurance rates. Drivers who have high credit scores tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers who have lower credit ratings. If your credit can use some improvement, you could save money insuring your by improving your rating.
  • Equipment add-ons that lower auto insurance rates - Choosing a vehicle with an alarm system can help lower your rates. Anti-theft devices such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can thwart your car from being stolen.
  • With age comes lower rates - Teenage drivers in Tennessee tend to be more careless when behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Older insureds are viewed as being more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and are safer drivers.

Tennessee auto insurance quotes

Be sure to get all your discounts

Auto insurance companies don't always publicize all their discounts very well, so the following is a list of some of the best known as well as the least known auto insurance savings. If you don't get every credit possible, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Discount for Life Insurance - Some companies give a break if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
  • Organization Discounts - Affiliation with a professional or civic organization could qualify you for a break on auto insurance.
  • Federal Government Employee - Employees or retirees of the government can save as much as 8% with select insurance companies.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts up to 30%.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.

Keep in mind that most credits do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only reduce individual premiums such as collision or personal injury protection. Just because you may think all the discounts add up to a free policy, it just doesn't work that way.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Tennessee, follow this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Tennessee drivers can't ignore all the ads that promise big savings by GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all seem to say the same thing that you can save if you move to their company.

But how can every company say the same thing?

All companies are able to cherry pick for the driver that makes them money. A good example of a desirable insured might be profiled as a mature driver, has no driving citations, and drives newer vehicles. A propective insured who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to save a lot of money.

Potential customers who don't measure up to this ideal profile will have to pay a more expensive rate which usually ends up with business not being written. The ads state "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That's the way insurance companies can claim big savings. Because of the profiling, you should quote coverage with many companies. It's not possible to predict which auto insurance company will give you the biggest savings.

Learn more about Tennessee auto insurance

Additional detailed information can be read at the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance website. Tennessee drivers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, find out which companies have the most complaints, download brochures, and find out industry alerts.

Other informative sites include Auto Insurance 101 and this page where you can research Jefferson City insurance agents.

And the best car insurance company is...

When trying to cut insurance costs, don't be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, someone sacrificed full coverage and found out when filing a claim that it was a big mistake. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford.

Affordable auto insurance is definitely available on the web and also from your neighborhood Jefferson City agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best rate selection. A few companies may not provide online price quotes and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.