Proven Ways to Save on Pampa Auto Insurance

Nobody looks forward to buying auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are through the roof. There are many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have a selection, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to check auto insurance prices periodically since insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the lowest rates a few years ago the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. Starting now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the tricks you need to know to save money, get proper coverage and the best rates.

Buying car insurance in Pampa is quite easy. If you currently have car insurance, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. Texas drivers only need an understanding of how to get comparison quotes on the web.

Take advantage of discounts

Companies do not advertise every available discount very clearly, so we break down some of the best known and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you're paying more than you need to.

Discount for Swiching Early - Some companies give discounts for signing up before your current expiration date. The savings is around 10%.
Good Student - A discount for being a good student can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.
Multiple Cars - Insuring all your vehicles on the same auto insurance policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
Senior Discount - Mature drivers may receive reduced rates.
Federal Employees - Being employed by or retired from a federal job can earn a discount up to 10% with certain companies.
Life Insurance - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.
Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies allow you one accident before raising your premiums if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
Passive Restraints - Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. Even though it may seem like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies don't profit that way.

To see a list of providers with discount auto insurance rates in Texas, click here to view.

How to Get Pampa Auto Insurance Comparison Quotes

Finding cheaper auto insurance prices is actually quite simple. Just invest a few minutes getting comparison quotes from different insurance companies. This can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

The best way to get quotes is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This easy form keeps you from doing separate quotes for each company. Just one form gets you price quotes instantly.
A harder way to compare rate quotes requires a trip to each company website and fill out their own quote form. For sake of this example, we'll assume you want to compare , and . You would have to spend time on each company's site to input your insurance information, which is why the first method is quicker.

To view a list of companies in Pampa, click here.
The least recommended method of getting rate comparisons to and from local Pampa insurance agencies. The internet has reduced the need for local agents unless you want the professional guidance of a licensed agent. However, consumers can obtain prices from the web and still use a local agent and we'll touch on that later.

It's your choice how you get your quotes, but be sure to compare identical quote information for each comparison quote. If each company quotes mixed coverages then you won't be able to determine the lowest rate in Pampa.

What determines how much you pay?

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

Shown below are a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine your rates.

High performance equals high price - The type of car you drive makes a significant difference in the rate you pay. The lowest base rates are for economy passenger cars, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
A clean driving record saves money - Even a single moving violation can increase rates by twenty percent. Good drivers get better rates than their less careful counterparts. Drivers who get dangerous violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may be required to file a SR-22 with the DMV in their state in order to prevent a license revocation.
What are your deductibles? - Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, protects your car from damage. Examples of covered claims are collision with another vehicle, collision with an animal, and windstorm damage. Deductibles for physical damage are the amount of money you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. The higher the amount you're willing to pay, the lower your rates will be.
Males pay more for insurance - Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. Now that doesn't mean women are better drivers. Men and women tend to get into accidents in similar percentages, but men tend to have more serious accidents. Men also receive more costly citations like reckless driving and DUI.

How to know if you need help

When choosing adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Every situation is different so your insurance should reflect that These are some specific questions may help highlight whether your personal situation could use an agent's help.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Should I buy only the required Texas minimum liability coverage?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and you can get the answers you need.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Texas drivers can't get away from ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like State Farm and Allstate. All the ads make an identical promise of big savings if you change to them.

How does each company say the same thing? It's all in the numbers.

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that is profitable for them. For example, a preferred risk might be profiled as over the age of 40, a clean driving record, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and most likely will save when switching.

Consumers who don't qualify for these standards will be charged higher prices and ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is "customers who switch" not "people who quote" save money. That is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do. That is why drivers must compare many company's rates. It's not possible to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

And the best car insurance company is...

Throughout this article, we presented many tips how you can compare auto insurance prices online. It's most important to understand that the more you quote, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers may even find the lowest premiums are with some of the smallest insurance companies. These smaller insurers may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than their larger competitors like .

Cost effective auto insurance can be sourced on the web and with local Pampa insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some auto insurance companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.

More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas drivers can learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, report car insurance fraud, and learn about insurance regulations.