Top Ways to Save on Minneapolis Auto Insurance

No one likes having to buy auto insurance, particularly when the cost is too high.

You have so many to pick from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, lots of choices makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to shop coverage around periodically because prices are constantly changing. If you had the best rates a few years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. Don't believe everything you read about auto insurance online but I'm going to show you some great ways to put money back in your pocket.

This information will familiarize you with the most effective way to quote insurance and some money-saving tips. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to reduce your rates substantially using this strategy. Nevertheless, Minnesota consumers do need to know the methods companies use to market on the web.

Are you getting all your discounts?

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, buy you may qualify for discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Most are applied at the time of purchase, but some may not be applied and must be manually applied prior to receiving the credit.

Bundle and Save - If you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.
Air Bag Discount - Factory air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.
Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with select insurance companies.
Life Insurance Discount - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase life insurance.
Sign Online - A few companies may give you up to $50 simply for signing over the internet.
Drive Less and Save - Keeping the miles down could qualify for a substantially lower rate.
Homeowners Savings - Owning a house in Minneapolis can save you money because of the fact that having a home demonstrates responsibility.
Clubs and Organizations - Being a member of a qualifying organization may earn a discount on auto insurance.

Consumers should know that some credits don't apply to the entire policy premium. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. Just because you may think adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don't profit that way. Any qualifying discounts will bring down the cost of coverage.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to buying coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Everyone's needs are different and your policy should reflect that. For instance, these questions may help highlight whether you could use an agent's help.

What are the best liability limits?
Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
What are the financial responsibility laws in Minnesota?
Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?

If you can't answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

How can GEICO, State Farm and Progressive save drivers who switch?

Auto insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive regularly use ads on television and other media. They all seem to have a common claim of big savings if you move your coverage to them. How does each company claim to save you money?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that earns them a profit. A good example of a desirable insured might be over the age of 40, a clean driving record, and has a short commute. A customer getting a price quote that hits that "sweet spot" gets the lowest rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Potential customers who are not a match for these standards will have to pay higher prices and this can result in the customer not buying. The ads say "people who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much money. That is how insurance companies can confidently make the claims of big savings.

Because of the profiling, you should compare many company's rates. It's impossible to know which company will fit your personal profile best.

Additional Minnesota consumer information

Additional auto insurance information can be read on the website for the Minnesota Department of Commerce through this link. Visitors are able to view agent and company licensing information, find out industry alerts, download brochures, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on Wikipedia and this Minneapolis agent directory.

Do the work, save more money

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don't buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many instances, someone dropped full coverage and found out when filing a claim that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The ultimate goal is to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate.

We covered a lot of ways to reduce auto insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the higher the chance of saving money. Consumers may even find the lowest premiums are with an unexpected company. Regional companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than the large multi-state companies such as .