Easy Ways to Pay Less on New City Auto Insurance

If you've never shopped for auto insurance online, you may be confused by the vast number of auto insurance companies offering coverage in New City.

This article will introduce you to how to get online quotes. If you have car insurance now, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using this information. New York vehicle owners just need to know how to compare prices online.

Tips to Get Lower New City Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" used by your company to calculate prices.

  • Too many auto insurance claims drive up costs - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can look forward to either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Companies in New York award lower rates to people who do not file claims often. Auto insurance is intended for larger claims.
  • One company can mean more discounts - The majority of insurers provide better rates to insureds who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it's still a good idea to comparison shop to verify if the discount is saving money.
  • Your car's features help determine rates - Owning a car with a theft deterrent system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system can help prevent car theft.
  • Pay less if you're married - Having a spouse actually saves money on your policy. Having a significant other translates into being more mature than a single person and statistics show married couples file fewer claims.

How much can you save with discounts?

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, buy you may qualify for discounts to help offset the cost. Most are applied at the time of purchase, but lesser-known reductions have to be asked about prior to receiving the credit. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you could save up to 5%.
  • Paperwork-free - Certain companies may give you up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
  • Defensive Driving Course - Completing a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Passive Restraints - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of more than 20%.
  • Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver successfully complete driver's ed class in high school.
  • Distant Student - Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a vehicle on campus can receive lower rates.
  • Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.

Consumers should know that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will bring down the amount you have to pay.

To choose insurance companies with the best auto insurance discounts in New York, click here to view.

Save 15 percent in 15 minutes? Is it for real?

Consumers in New York can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance from the likes of Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all make an identical promise that you'll save big if you move your coverage to them.

How does each company claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that makes them money. For example, a driver they prefer might be over the age of 40, owns a home, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't meet these standards will be quoted higher prices and ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much money. That is how companies can advertise the way they do.

This emphasizes why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

How much car insurance do I need?

When buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's.

For example, these questions might point out if your insurance needs could use an agent's help.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
  • What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
  • Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
  • Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
  • Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It is quick, free and you can get the answers you need.

Much more information about auto insurance in New York can be found on the New York Department of Financial Services website found here. Visitors are able to download brochures, read consumer alerts, and view a list of available companies.

New City auto insurance quote

A tidy conclusion

People who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, policy non-renewal, unfair underwriting practices or even an unsatisfactory settlement offer. It doesn't matter what your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is easier than you think.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, never buy poor coverage just to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the savings was not a smart move. Your strategy should be to buy enough coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.

Discount auto insurance is possible both online as well as from independent agents in New City, and you need to comparison shop both so you have a total pricing picture. Some auto insurance companies don't offer online price quotes and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.