Proven Ways to Save on Moorhead Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind enjoys paying for auto insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much. Having so many companies to choose from, it's difficult to find the best car insurance company.

It's important to shop coverage around occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best deal a few years ago you can probably find a better price now. Starting now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the only way to find better rates and still maintain coverage.

Tips to Get Lower Moorhead Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that go into determining auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get much lower annual insurance costs.

Listed below are some of the factors used by your company to calculate your rates.

High credit ratings translate to low rates - Your credit score is a big factor in determining your rates. So if your credit is lower than you'd like, you could save money insuring your by improving your rating. People with good credit tend to be more responsible than drivers who have poor credit.
Your job and insurance rates - Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Occupations like doctors, architects and stock brokers have the highest rates due to high stress levels and long work days. On the other hand, professions such as scientists, students and homemakers get better rates.
With age comes lower rates - Teenage drivers in Minnesota are statistically proven to be less responsible behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. If you've ever had to add a young driver onto a policy can be very expensive. Older drivers tend to be more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations.
Marriage brings a discount - Being married can actually save you money when buying auto insurance. Marriage translates into being more responsible and statistics show married couples file fewer claims.

Take advantage of discounts

Companies that sell car insurance do not advertise every available discount very well, so here is a list some of the best known and also the lesser-known auto insurance savings. If you don't get every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
Passive Restraints - Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts of 20% or more.
Defensive Driver - Successfully completing a course teaching defensive driving skills can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
Resident Student - Children who live away from home and do not have a car may qualify for this discount.
E-sign - A few companies give back up to $50 for buying your policy online.
Senior Discount - If you're over the age of 55, you may qualify for a small decrease in premiums.

A little note about advertised discounts, most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like adding up those discounts means a free policy, you won't be that lucky.

To choose providers offering auto insurance discounts in Minnesota, follow this link.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Minnesota drivers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance from the likes of Allstate and Progressive. All the ads say the same thing about savings if you switch your coverage to them.

But how can every company say the same thing? It's all in the numbers.

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that makes them money. An example of a preferred risk might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and has a short commute. A propective insured who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and most likely will save a lot of money.

Consumers who don't qualify for this ideal profile will be charged higher prices which usually ends up with business not being written. The ads state "customers who switch" not "people who quote" save that much money. That is how companies can truthfully make the claims of big savings. That is why you should get quotes from several different companies. It's not possible to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

How to know if you need help

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. These are some specific questions might point out whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Moorhead?
Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?

If you don't know the answers to these questions then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It is quick, free and you can get the answers you need.

For more Minnesota car insurance information

Even more information is available at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website. Minnesota drivers can find out industry alerts, read industry bulletins, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and get help finding coverage.

Other informative sites include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Moorhead insurance agents.

A tidy conclusion

As you shop your coverage around, don't be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Throughout this article, we presented a lot of information how to save on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more quotes you get, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers could even find that the lowest rates come from a small mutual company. Some small companies may cover specific market segments cheaper than their larger competitors like .

Cheaper auto insurance can be found on the web as well as from independent agents in Moorhead, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance providers don't offer online price quotes and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.