Tightwads Guide to Saving on Midlothian Auto Insurance

I can't think of anyone who enjoys paying for auto insurance, particularly when they are paying too much.

Because you have many options when it comes to auto insurance, it can be diffult for consumers to choose the lowest price provider.

It's important to check auto insurance prices occasionally because prices are constantly changing. Even if you think you had the best deal six months ago you may be paying too much now. So forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the only way to save money, get proper coverage and the best rates.

Buying affordable auto insurance in Midlothian is simple if you know the tricks. Just about everyone who is required by state law to have auto insurance will most likely be able to cut their insurance bill. But Texas consumers do need to know how insurance companies market insurance on the web and take advantage of how the system works.

Finding Auto Insurance Deals in Midlothian, TX

Most major insurance companies give prices for coverage online. This process is fairly straightforward as you just type in your coverage preferences as detailed in the form. Behind the scenes, the system will obtain information on your driving record and credit history and returns pricing information. This makes comparing rates easy, but the time it takes to visit several different sites and fill out multiple forms can be a bit tiresome and repetitive. But it's very important to compare as many rates as possible in order to get the best price on auto insurance.

The easy way to compare rates

A less time-consuming method to get multiple rate quotes uses one form that gets price quotes from several companies at one time. The form is fast, requires much less work on your part, and makes comparison shopping much more efficient. Once the form is submitted, your coverage is rated with multiple companies and you can pick any or none of the returned quotes.

If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, you simply finish the application and purchase coverage. This process takes just a few minutes to complete and may result in a nice savings.

To find out if lower rates are available, click here to open in new window and enter your information. If you have a policy now, it's recommended you input identical to your current policy. This way, you are getting comparison quotes based on similar coverages.

What determines how much you pay?

It's important that you understand the different types of things that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

Older drivers save more - Youthful drivers in Texas have a tendency to be more careless behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Having to add a young driver to your policy can break the bank. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and get fewer tickets.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - Some insurers will give a discount to insureds who consolidate policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it's in your best interest to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Little extras can really add up - There are quite a few additional coverages that you can buy when buying auto insurance. Things like rental car reimbursement, towing coverage and motor club memberships may be costing you every month. They may seem like a good idea when talking to your agent, but if you don't need them remove them from your policy.
Cautious drivers pay less - Good drivers tend to pay less for car insurance than their less careful counterparts. Even one ticket can increase rates twenty percent or more. Drivers who have dangerous citations such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to submit a SR-22 form to the state department of motor vehicles in order to prevent a license revocation.

Are you getting all your discounts?

The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but there are discounts available to help bring down the price. Some discounts apply automatically at quote time, but lesser-known reductions have to be requested specifically in order for you to get them.

College Student - Kids in college who live away from home and don't have a car can be insured at a reduced rate.
Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Safety Course Discount - Completing a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more depending on where you live.
Good Student - Getting good grades can get you a discount of up to 25%. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
Accident Forgiveness - Some insurance companies will allow you to have one accident without raising rates as long as you don't have any claims prior to the accident.
Club Memberships - Being a member of a professional or civic organization is a good way to get lower rates on auto insurance.
Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Factory air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts of more than 20%.
Driver's Ed - Require your teen driver to complete a driver education course if offered at their school.
Accident Free - Good drivers with no accidents can earn big discounts as compared to frequent claim filers.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. Just because it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will help reduce the cost of coverage.

For a list of companies with discount auto insurance rates in Texas, click here to view.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Everyone's situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions might point out whether you may require specific advice.

What are Texas no-fault laws?
Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Texas?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

Much more information about auto insurance in Texas is available on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance. Click here for link. Visitors are able to read enforcement actions against agents and companies, read consumer alerts, discover disciplinary actions, and file complaints about a company.

Other useful links include Auto Insurance 101 and this page of insurance agents in Midlothian.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

As you restructure your insurance plan, don't be tempted to reduce needed coverages to save money. There are many occasions where an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that they should have had better coverage. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price.

Discount auto insurance is attainable both online and with local Midlothian insurance agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance companies do not offer online quoting and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.

We covered many tips how you can lower your auto insurance rates. It's most important to understand that the more times you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even find the biggest savings come from a smaller regional carrier. Smaller companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than the large multi-state companies such as .