Tightwads Tips for Saving on Port Jefferson Auto Insurance

Expensive auto insurance can dwindle your bank account and force you to prioritize other expenses. Comparison shopping is free and is an excellent way to tighten up your finances. Drivers have multiple to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have multiple companies, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Car insurance companies don't always advertise every discount very clearly, so we break down some of the best known as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance. If you're not getting every credit you deserve, you are throwing money away.

No Accidents - Drivers who don't have accidents can save substantially when compared to drivers who are more careless.
Own a Home - Simply owning a home may earn you a small savings because of the fact that having a home is proof that your finances are in order.
Government Employees - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with a few auto insurance companies.
Senior Discount - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for better auto insurance rates.
Pay Upfront and Save - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
Distant Student - Any of your kids who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a vehicle on campus may be able to be covered for less.

As a disclaimer on discounts, many deductions do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So when it seems like you could get a free auto insurance policy, auto insurance companies aren't that generous.

Port Jefferson Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Knowing what impacts premium levels enables informed choices that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Careers like lawyers, executives and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of high stress levels and long work hours. Conversely, jobs such as pilots, engineers and the unemployed receive lower rates.
High deductibles save money - Physical damage deductibles define the amount you are required to spend out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, is used to repair damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply are running into the backend of another car, vandalism, and rolling your vehicle. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the bigger discount you will receive.
Men fork out a little more - Statistics have proven that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that men are worse drivers. Men and women cause accidents in similar percentages, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically have more aggressive citations like reckless driving and DUI.
Older drivers pay less - Teenage drivers in New York tend to be careless and easily distracted when driving so they pay higher auto insurance rates. If you've ever had to add a youthful driver to your auto insurance policy can really hurt. More mature drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to cause fewer accidents and tend to be better behind the wheel.
Discounts for multiple policies - The majority of auto insurance companies provide better rates to people who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to compare other company rates to ensure the best deal.
Higher safety ratings means cheaper insurance - Safer cars tend to have better insurance rates. The safest vehicles reduce injuries and better occupant protection translates into savings for insurance companies and thus lower rates.

The auto insurance bait and switch

New York drivers get pounded daily by advertisements for car insurance savings by Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all make the same claim about savings if you move to their company.

How does each company say the same thing?

Different companies have a preferred profile for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, insures multiple vehicles, and has a short commute. A propective insured who matches those parameters is entitled to the best price and therefore will save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't measure up to these standards will be quoted more money which leads to business not being written. The ads state "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. This is how companies can truthfully make the claims of big savings. This emphasizes why drivers should get as many comparisons as possible. It's not possible to predict which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

Even more information can be found at the New York Department of Financial Services website. New York drivers can read industry bulletins, report car insurance fraud, learn about insurance regulations, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Best coverage at the best price

Cheap auto insurance is definitely available on the web and also from your neighborhood Port Jefferson agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

As you shop your coverage around, it's very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where drivers have reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your strategy should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.