How to Find Cheaper Long Beach Auto Insurance

Are you overwhelmed by the crazy number of auto insurance options in Long Beach? You're not the only one! Drivers have so many choices that it can turn into a big hassle to locate the lowest price.

It's important to get comparison quotes at least once a year since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best price last year there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Ignore everything you know about auto insurance because I'm going to let you in on the secrets to the tricks you need to know to buy cheaper auto insurance.

If you have a current auto insurance policy or are looking for a new policy, you will benefit by learning to shop for the lowest rates while maximizing coverage. The purpose of this article is to tell you how to effectively get price quotes and some tips to save money. Mississippi vehicle owners just need to know the most effective way to compare company rates over the internet.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that help determine auto insurance rates. Understanding what controls the rates you pay helps enable you to make changes that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

The following are a few of the "ingredients" that factor into your rates.

A clean driving record saves money - Your driving record impacts your car insurance rates tremendously. Even a single moving violation may increase your cost by as much as thirty percent. Drivers with clean records tend to pay less for car insurance compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who get flagrant violations like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with the DMV in their state in order to keep their license.
Extra coverages can waste money - There are a ton of extra coverages you can purchase if you aren't careful. Coverages like vanishing deductibles, better glass coverage and membership fees are examples of these. They may seem like a good idea when talking to your agent, but your needs may have changed so get rid of them and save.
Drive less and save money - Driving more miles in a year the higher your rates will be. The majority of insurers price each vehicle's coverage based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles that are left in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Verify your auto insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage.
Don't sacrifice liability coverage - Liability coverage provides coverage in the event that a jury decides you are liable for damages caused by your negligence. It provides for a legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability is cheap when compared with rates for comp and collision, so buy as much as you can afford.
Don't let your coverage lapse - Allowing your auto insurance policy to lapse will be a fast way to pay more for auto insurance. Not only will rates go up, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance can result in a steep fine or even jail time.
Small claims can cost you - Insurance companies in Mississippi provide better rates to people who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you file claims often, you can expect either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Car insurance is intended to be relied upon for the large, substantial claims.
Your location affects your rates - Choosing to live in a small town has it's advantages when buying auto insurance. Lower population means reduced accidents. Drivers in populated Mississippi areas tend to have congested traffic and much longer commute distances. Longer commute distances means higher likelihood of an accident.

Compare the Market for Auto Insurance in Long Beach

There are several ways to compare auto insurance prices but some are easier and takes less work. You can spend your afternoon talking to insurance agencies in Long Beach, or you can stay home and use the web to accomplish the same thing much quicker.

Most of the larger companies participate in a marketplace that allows shoppers to submit one quote, and each company can provide price quotes for coverage. This eliminates the need for quote forms to each individual auto insurance company.

To submit your quote information now, click here to open in new window.

The one downside to pricing coverage this way is you are unable to specify which providers you will receive quotes from. So if you want to select individual companies to compare rates, we have a page of the cheapest auto insurance companies in Mississippi. Click to view list.

It doesn't matter which method you choose, just compare the exact same information with every price quote. If you use higher or lower deductibles you will not be able to find the best deal in Long Beach.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, but companies offer discounts to reduce the price significantly. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at the time you complete a quote, but a few need to be asked for prior to getting the savings. If they aren't giving you every credit possible, you are paying more than you should be.

Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Vehicles with factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can get savings of more than 20%.
Driver Safety - Taking a course teaching defensive driving skills could possibly earn you a 5% discount if your company offers it.
Discount for Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with lower rates if you buy life insurance from them.
Organization Discounts - Affiliation with certain professional organizations could qualify you for a break on your policy.
Use Seat Belts - Using a seat belt and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts can save up to 15% on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
Federal Government Employee - Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% with certain companies.
Multi-policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may save 10% to 20% off each policy.
Anti-theft System - Anti-theft and alarm systems can help prevent theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
No Claims - Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially compared to accident-prone drivers.
Discount for Good Grades - This discount can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply well after school through age 25.

Drivers should understand that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like medical payments or collision. So even though they make it sound like you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will cut the amount you have to pay.

To choose providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Long Beach, follow this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Mississippi drivers can't ignore all the ads that promise big savings from companies such as State Farm and Allstate. All the ads say the same thing that you'll save big after switching your policy.

How do they all say the same thing? This is how they do it.

Different companies are able to cherry pick for the right customer that makes them money. For example, a preferred risk might be profiled as a mature driver, has no tickets, and has great credit. A propective insured who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to cut their rates substantially.

Potential customers who don't measure up to the "perfect" profile will be charged a more expensive rate which usually ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say "drivers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that kind of money. That's the way companies can advertise the savings.

That is why you need to compare as many rates as you can. It's not possible to predict which auto insurance company will give you the biggest savings.

Much more information about auto insurance in Mississippi can be found on the Mississippi Insurance Department website. Click here for link. Mississippi drivers can file complaints about a company, discover disciplinary actions, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

And the best car insurance company is...

Throughout this article, we presented a lot of tips how to compare auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Drivers may discover the best price on auto insurance is with a lesser-known regional company.

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be purchased on the web in addition to many Long Beach insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best rate selection. There are still a few companies who do not provide online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.

As you prepare to switch companies, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many cases where an insured dropped physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your goal should be to buy enough coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.