Best Way to Find Cheaper Morehead City Auto Insurance

Are you intimidated by the dozens of auto insurance options in Morehead City? You're not alone. You have so many companies to choose from that it can turn into more work than you anticipated to compare prices.

It's important to check auto insurance prices every six months because prices are constantly changing. Just because you had the lowest price a few years ago you can probably find a better price now. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because I'm going to let you in on the secrets to the proper way to properly buy coverages while reducing your premium.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what influences your rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get big savings.

Listed below are a partial list of the pieces companies use to determine your rates.

  • Discounts for multiple policies - Most insurance companies give discounts to customers who have multiple policies with them. It's known as a multi-policy discount. Discounts can amount to 10 percent or more. Even with this discount, it's still a good idea to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal. You may still be able to find a better deal by splitting coverages up.
  • Do you know your deductibles? - Physical damage insurance, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, protects your car from damage. Examples of covered claims could be collision with another vehicle, vandalism, or theft. The deductibles are the amount of money you are willing to pay before a claim is paid by your company. The more you're willing to pay, the less your auto insurance will be.
  • Careful drivers pay lower rates - Your driving record impacts your car insurance rates tremendously. Even a single citation can increase rates twenty percent or more. Good drivers get better rates than bad drivers. Drivers who get serious violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may be required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state DMV in order to continue driving.
  • Do you have enough liability coverage? - Liability insurance provides coverage in the event that a court rules you are at fault for damages from an accident. It provides legal defense which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability is cheap compared to physical damage coverage, so do not skimp.
  • Better credit means lower rates - Your credit score is a big factor in calculating your auto insurance rates. If your credit history is lower than you'd like, you could save money insuring your by repairing your credit. Drivers with good credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than those with poor credit.
  • Do you need the policy add-ons? - There are many extra coverages you can purchase on your auto insurance policy. Coverages like vanishing deductibles, better glass coverage and motor club memberships are some examples. These coverages may sound good initially, but if you don't need them get rid of them and save.

Morehead City auto insurance quote

Be sure to get all your discounts

Car insurance companies don't always advertise every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so we researched both well-publicized and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving.

  • Theft Prevention System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Homeowners Discount - Being a homeowner can save you money because owning a home shows financial diligence.
  • Discount for Good Grades - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you until age 25.
  • Organization Discounts - Participating in certain professional organizations may earn a discount on your policy.
  • Passive Restraints - Vehicles with factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can get savings up to 30%.

Keep in mind that some of the credits will not apply to all coverage premiums. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears all those discounts means the company will pay you, it just doesn't work that way.

To choose providers offering auto insurance discounts in Morehead City, click here.

Is there truth in advertising?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive constantly bombard you with television and radio advertisements. All the ads have a common claim that you can save if you switch to them. How do they all make almost identical claims? It's all in the numbers.

All the different companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that makes them money. For instance, a preferred risk could possibly be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no driving citations, and has a short commute. A customer getting a price quote that hits that "sweet spot" will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to cut their rates substantially.

Drivers who don't measure up to the "perfect" profile will be charged a higher premium and this can result in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ad wording is "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That's the way insurance companies can make the claims of big savings. That is why you should get as many comparisons as possible. It's impossible to know which auto insurance company will fit your personal profile best.

Learn more about North Carolina auto insurance

Additional detailed information is located at the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. North Carolina consumers can read consumer alerts, report car insurance fraud, and file complaints about a company.

Shop smart and save

As you shop your coverage around, never buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, someone sacrificed liability coverage limits only to discover later 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.

Affordable auto insurance is available online and with local Morehead City insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best selection. Some insurance providers do not offer online price quotes and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

You just read a lot of techniques to save on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more quotes you get, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. You may even find the lowest rates come from a small mutual company.