How to Get Low-Cost Long Prairie Auto Insurance

If you are a novice to online auto insurance shopping, it's easy to get confused because of the huge number of auto insurance companies offering coverage in Long Prairie.

It's important to compare prices periodically because insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you had the best price last year you can probably find a better price now. Ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you're about to learn the proper way to reduce your cost while improving coverage.

Buying car insurance in Long Prairie is not that difficult. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. Although Minnesota drivers do need to know how companies sell insurance online and apply this information to your search.

How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" used by your company to calculate rates.

  • With age comes lower rates - Teen drivers in Minnesota are statistically proven to be more careless behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. If you've ever had to add a youthful driver onto a policy can be very expensive. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations.
  • The type of vehicle makes a difference - The type of car you own makes a substantial difference in the rate you pay. The lowest rates are generally reserved for economy passenger models, but the final cost of insurance is determined by many other factors.
  • Traffic violations increase rates - Just one moving violation can bump up the cost forty percent or more. Drivers who don't get tickets have lower premiums than bad drivers. Drivers who have serious citations like DUI or reckless driving may need to file a SR-22 with their state DMV in order to continue driving.
  • Bundling policies can get discounts - Most auto insurance companies will give a discount to customers who carry more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to comparison shop to verify if the discount is saving money.

Long Prairie auto insurance comparison

Take advantage of discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don't list all their discounts very well, so we took the time to find both well-publicized as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Discount for New Cars - Buying coverage on a new vehicle can cost up to 25% less because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Early Signing - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.
  • Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and will save you 10% or more.
  • Organization Discounts - Participating in a professional or civic organization could trigger savings on auto insurance.
  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with select insurance companies.
  • Defensive Driver - Successfully completing a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Sign Online - A few companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying your policy online.

A little note about advertised discounts, many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. So when it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, you won't be that lucky.

To choose companies offering auto insurance discounts in Minnesota, click this link.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Auto insurance companies such as Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm constantly bombard you with ads on TV and radio. They all seem to make the same claim about savings if you switch your coverage to them. But how can every company make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that makes them money. For example, a desirable insured could possibly be between 25 and 40, a clean driving record, and has great credit. A driver who matches those parameters is entitled to the best price and most likely will save a lot of money.

Drivers who don't qualify for this ideal profile will have to pay a higher premium which leads to the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that much money. That is how companies can truthfully advertise the savings. Because of the profiling, you should get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

How to know if you need help

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Everyone's situation is a little different.

These are some specific questions may help highlight whether your personal situation would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
  • Do I qualify for additional discounts?
  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?

If it's difficult to answer those questions then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form.

Additional Minnesota consumer information

Even more information can be found at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website. Minnesota consumers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, learn about specific coverages, and file complaints about a company.

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

Minnesota auto insurance

Shop smart and save

As you prepare to switch companies, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There are many occasions where someone dropped physical damage coverage only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.

In this article, we presented many ideas to save on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more times you quote, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. You may even discover the most savings is with some of the lesser-known companies.

The cheapest auto insurance is available online as well as from independent agents in Long Prairie, so you should compare both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who don't offer online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.