How to Know You're Spending Too Much for Auto Insurance in La Grange

Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can dwindle your checking account and force you to prioritize other expenses. Comparing price quotes is a great way to cut your insurance bill. There are many to pick from, and even though it's nice to have a selection, it makes it harder to compare rates.

Buying car insurance in La Grange is quite easy. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. North Carolina drivers only need an understanding of how to get comparison rates online.

Save big with these discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don't list every discount very clearly, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving. If you're not getting every credit you deserve, you're paying more than you need to.

  • Government Employees - Being employed by or retired from a federal job could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Discount for New Cars - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can be considerably cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Life Insurance Discount - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase life insurance.
  • Good Student Discount - A discount for being a good student can earn a discount of 20% or more. This discount can apply up to age 25.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - By paying your policy upfront instead of paying each month you can actually save on your bill.
  • Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Defensive Driving Course - Successfully completing a course in driver safety could cut 5% off your bill and easily recoup the cost of the course.
  • Passive Restraints - Cars that have air bags or automatic seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.

Consumers should know that some credits don't apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

To see a list of insurance companies with the best auto insurance discounts in North Carolina, click here.

How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance in La Grange, NC

Finding cheaper auto insurance prices is actually quite simple. You just have to spend a few minutes on the computer to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be done in several different ways.

  • The best way to get quotes is to use a rate comparison form (click to open form in new window). This type of form saves time by eliminating separate quote forms for each company you want a rate for. A single, simple form gets you coverage quotes from many national carriers.
  • A less efficient way to get quotes online consists of going to the website of each company to complete a price quote. For example, we'll pretend you want comparison quotes from , and . To get each rate you have to visit each site to enter your coverage information, which is why the first method is quicker.

    To view a list of companies in La Grange, click here.
  • The most time-consuming way of comparing rate quotes to local La Grange insurance agencies. The internet has reduced the need for local agents unless you want the professional guidance that only a license agent can provide. It is possible to obtain prices from the web and still use a local agent.

Whichever method you choose, make sure you use identical coverages for every company. If you have different limits and deductibles on each one you can't possibly decipher which rate is best in La Grange.

What determines how much you pay?

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine prices.

  • Claim-free discounts can add up - Companies in North Carolina generally give lower rates to policyholders who file claims infrequently. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can expect higher rates. Your insurance policy is designed for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.
  • Please use or commuting - The more you drive in a year's time the higher your rate. Most companies apply a rate determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars used primarily for pleasure use qualify for better rates than those used for commuting. Double check that your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage.
  • Add-on coverages can add up - There are a lot of add-on coverages that can waste your money on your auto insurance policy. Coverages for roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and motor club memberships are some examples. They may seem good initially, but if you don't need them eliminate them to save money.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Purchasing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all aid in stopping auto theft.
  • More than one policy can earn a discount - The majority of insurance companies provide better rates to customers who carry more than one policy in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, it's still a good idea to compare rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When choosing the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions can help discover if your situation could use an agent's help.

  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
  • Should I buy only the required North Carolina minimum liability coverage?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
  • What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?

If you can't answer these questions, you may need to chat with an agent. If you don't have a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It only takes a few minutes and you can get the answers you need.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

North Carolina consumers can't get away from ads for car insurance savings by companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all have a common claim of big savings if you move to them.

How does each company make almost identical claims? It's all in the numbers.

Insurance companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that is profitable for them. For example, a driver they prefer could possibly be over the age of 40, has no prior claims, and has great credit. A driver that hits that "sweet spot" will get very good rates and most likely will save when switching.

Potential insureds who fall outside these standards will be quoted more money and this can result in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads say "customers who switch" not "people who quote" save money. This is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the savings. This emphasizes why drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

And the best car insurance company is...

When you buy insurance online, make sure you don't reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your strategy should be to find the BEST coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.

Cost effective auto insurance is definitely available online and with local La Grange insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who do not offer the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

North Carolina auto insurance quotes

Learn more about auto insurance in North Carolina

More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. North Carolina consumers can download brochures, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, discover disciplinary actions, and view a list of available companies.

Additional helpful sites include this online resource for auto insurance quotes in North Carolina and this list of insurance agents in La Grange.