How to Know You're Wasting Money for Auto Insurance in Osseo

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me when I say you're not alone.

Insurance companies such as State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive promote their brand names with ad campaigns and consumers find it hard to sift through the bull and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.

It's important to compare rates at least once a year because insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest rates last year there is a good chance you can find better rates now. So block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you're about to learn the tricks you need to know to properly buy coverages and cut your premium.

You have some control over your rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates enables informed choices that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" auto insurance companies consider when setting rates.

Please use or commuting - The more miles you rack up on your car in a year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most insurance companies apply a rate based on their usage. Cars left parked in the garage qualify for better rates than those used for commuting. Make sure your auto insurance policy is rated on how each vehicle is driven.
Little extras can really add up - There are many extra coverages that you can buy on your auto insurance policy. Insurance for roadside assistance, towing coverage and term life insurance are some examples. These coverages may sound good initially, but if they're wasting money eliminate the coverages to reduce your premium.
Multiple policies with one company can save - Most insurance companies will give a discount to customers who carry more than one policy such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. This can amount to 10 percent or more. Even with this discount, it's still a good idea to comparison shop to ensure the best deal. You may still be able to find a better deal by splitting coverages up.
Your car's features help determine rates - Choosing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can thwart auto theft.
Higher safety ratings means cheaper insurance - Cars with high safety ratings get lower rates. These vehicles reduce injuries and lower injury rates means lower claim amounts and more competitive rates for policyholders.
Adjust deductibles and save - Insurance for physical damage to your car, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply could be collision with another vehicle, damage caused by hail, and windstorm damage. The deductibles are how much you are willing to pay before your auto insurance pays a claim. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your auto insurance will be.
How credit affects auto insurance rates - Credit score is a big factor in calculating your auto insurance rates. So if your credit history is lower than you'd like, you could save money insuring your by improving your credit score. Drivers who have good credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than those with poor credit.

How to Compare Osseo Auto Insurance Costs

There are several ways of comparing rate quotes from auto insurance companies in your area. One of the best ways to find competitive insurance rates involves getting comparison quotes online. This is very easy and can be done using a couple different methods.

The fastest way to find the lowest comparison rates is to use a rate comparison form click here to open form in new window. This type of form eliminates the need for separate quotation requests for every auto insurance company. Completing one form compares rates from auto insurance companies with the best prices.
A less efficient way to compare rate quotes is going to the website for each individual company and fill out their own quote form. For examples sake, we'll assume you want to compare rates from , and . To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site and enter your information, which is why the first method is quicker.

To view a list of companies in Osseo, click here.
The most time-consuming method to compare rates is driving to local insurance agencies. Buying insurance online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you want the professional advice of a local agent. It is possible to find lower rates online and still use a local agent.

However you get your quotes, compare exactly the same coverage limits and deductibles for every quote you compare. If you use different liability limits you can't possibly determine the best price in Osseo. Slightly different limits may result in a large different in cost. Just keep in mind that getting more free quotes will increase your chances of finding the best rates.

Take advantage of discounts

Companies don't always advertise all their discounts in a way that's easy to find, so we break down both well-publicized and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving.

Life Insurance Discount - Some companies give better rates if you take out a life insurance policy as well.
Defensive Driver - Completing a course in driver safety could possibly earn you a 5% discount if your company offers it.
Anti-theft Discount - Vehicles with anti-theft systems help deter theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Drivers Ed for Students - Cut your cost by having your teen driver complete a driver education course in school.
Drive Less and Save - Driving fewer miles can earn a substantially lower rate.

It's important to note that some of the credits will not apply the the whole policy. Most only apply to specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, you're out of luck.

To choose companies offering auto insurance discounts in Osseo, click here.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Auto insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive constantly bombard you with ads on TV and radio. They all seem to have a common claim that you can save if you switch to their company. How can each company make almost identical claims? It's all in the numbers.

All companies are able to cherry pick for the driver that makes them money. For example, a desirable insured could possibly be a mature driver, has no tickets, and drives newer vehicles. A driver that hits that "sweet spot" is entitled to the best price and most likely will save when they switch companies.

Potential customers who don't qualify for the requirements will have to pay higher prices and this can result in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "customers who switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That's the way insurance companies can claim big savings. Because of the profiling, you need to get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which auto insurance company will give you the biggest savings.

Additional detailed information can be found at the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance website. Wisconsin consumers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, discover disciplinary actions, read consumer alerts, and view a list of available companies.

Do the work, save more money

When trying to cut insurance costs, it's not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many instances, an insured dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that it was a big mistake. The ultimate goal is to buy a smart amount of coverage at the best price.

Lower-priced auto insurance can be found online and also from your neighborhood Osseo agents, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies may not provide online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.