Easy Techniques to Pay Less on New Fairfield Auto Insurance

Finding better rates for New Fairfield auto insurance is nearly impossible for consumers new to comparison shopping online. Drivers have so many companies to choose from that it can be a challenge to find lower rates in New Fairfield.

More discounts equal less premium

Auto insurance companies don't list every discount very clearly, so we researched both well-publicized and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using.

  • Drivers Education - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver's ed class if offered at their school.
  • Pay Now and Pay Less - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
  • Multiple Cars - Having all your vehicles on one policy qualifies for this discount.
  • Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
  • Safety Course Discount - Completing a course in driver safety could save 5% or more if you qualify.
  • Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. Just because you may think all the discounts add up to a free policy, auto insurance companies aren't that generous.

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Why some people pay less for insurance in New Fairfield

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that play a part in calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

  • Frequent auto insurance claims increase rates - Companies in Connecticut award lower rates to insureds who file claims infrequently. If you frequently file small claims, you can pretty much guarantee either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Auto insurance is designed for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Driving a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention devices like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all hinder car theft.
  • Low deductibles can be expensive - Deductibles for physical damage define the amount you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. Physical damage insurance, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims could be running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, and burglary. The more you're willing to pay, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
  • Drive less and save money - The higher the mileage driven every year the higher your rate. Most companies apply a rate based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars and trucks left parked in the garage receive lower rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Make sure your auto insurance declarations sheet shows the correct usage for each vehicle, because improper ratings can cost you money.
  • Don't get talked into coverage you don't need - There are quite a few extra bells and whistles that can waste your money on your auto insurance policy. Coverages for personal injury protection, accident forgiveness and motor club memberships may be costing you every month. These may sound like a good investment when talking to your agent, but if you don't need them eliminate them to save money.
  • Multiple policies with one company can save - Some insurers provide better rates to customers who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount it's in your best interest to compare other company rates to make sure you are getting the best deal. Drivers may still find better rates by insuring with multiple companies.
  • Your credit rating is important - Having a bad credit score is a huge factor in your rate calculation. Drivers with high credit ratings tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than drivers who have lower ratings. Therefore, if your credit history is low, you could potentially save money when insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO consistently run ads in print and on television. They all make an identical promise about savings if you change to them. How does each company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

All companies can use profiling for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a driver they prefer could possibly be a mature driver, has no tickets, and drives newer vehicles. A driver who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and therefore will save when switching.

Drivers who do not match these standards will be quoted a higher premium and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "drivers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. That's why companies can truthfully claim big savings. This emphasizes why drivers should quote coverage with many companies. It is impossible to predict the company that will give you the biggest savings.

More Connecticut auto insurance information

Even more information is located at the Connecticut Insurance Department website. Connecticut consumers can download brochures, view a list of available companies, and report car insurance fraud.

Also read more on this site for auto insurance rates in Connecticut and this list of insurance agents in New Fairfield, CT.

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The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

People leave their current company for any number of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, lack of trust in their agent, questionable increases in premium and even policy cancellation. It doesn't matter why you want to switch switching auto insurance companies is less work than it seems.

Cheap auto insurance can be sourced online and with local New Fairfield insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best selection. A few companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.

When trying to cut insurance costs, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where an insured dropped liability coverage limits only to discover later that it was a big mistake. The proper strategy is to buy enough coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.