Easy Tips to Save Money on Raymond Auto Insurance

If you're new to shopping for auto insurance online, you may be confused by the hoards of auto insurance companies offering coverage in Raymond.

It's important to shop coverage around periodically because prices are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the best deal six months ago you can probably find a better price now. Starting now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the proper way to find better rates and still maintain coverage.

Buying the cheapest protection in Raymond is simple if you know the tricks. If you have a current auto insurance policy or need a new policy, you will benefit by learning to find the best rates while maintaining coverages. Washington vehicle owners just need to know the proper methods to get comparison rates over the internet.

Tips to Get Lower Raymond Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

  • With age comes lower rates - Youthful drivers in Washington are known to be more careless behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Having to add a young driver onto a policy can really hurt. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations.
  • Cautious drivers pay less - Drivers who don't get tickets receive lower rates compared to drivers with tickets. Even a single ticket can bump up the cost twenty percent or more. Drivers who have flagrant citations such as DUI or reckless driving may need to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to keep their license.
  • Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - Many insurance companies will give a discount to insureds who carry more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, you may still want to comparison shop to verify if the discount is saving money.
  • Do you need the policy add-ons? - There are a ton of additional coverages that you can buy when buying auto insurance. Things like roadside assistance, towing coverage and additional equipment coverage are some examples. They may seem like a good idea at first, but now you might not need them so remove them from your policy.

Raymond auto insurance comparison

Save big with these discounts

The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, buy you may qualify for discounts to cut the cost considerably. A few discounts will automatically apply when you complete an application, but some must be requested specifically before they will apply. If you don't get every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Save with a New Car - Adding a new car to your policy can cost up to 25% less compared to insuring an older model.
  • Good Student - This discount can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
  • College Student - Youth drivers who live away from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may qualify for this discount.
  • Anti-theft System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Sign Online - Some insurance companies may give you up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up online.
  • Driver Safety - Taking a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Air Bag Discount - Factory air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts of more than 20%.
  • Organization Discounts - Being a member of a professional or civic organization may earn a discount on auto insurance.
  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% with select insurance companies.
  • Anti-lock Brakes - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.

Drivers should understand that some of the credits will not apply to the entire policy premium. Some only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will help reduce your overall premium however.

To choose companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Washington, click here.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Consumers in Washington can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance from the likes of Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. They all seem to have a common claim that you'll save big after switching your coverage to them.

But how can every company claim to save you money?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that makes them money. An example of a desirable insured might be between 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and has a high credit rating. A customer getting a price quote that hits that "sweet spot" will get very good rates and most likely will save a lot of money.

Consumers who fall outside this ideal profile will have to pay higher rates and this can result in the customer not buying. The ads say "people who switch" not "people who quote" save that much money. That is how companies can state the savings.

Because of the profiling, you should compare many company's rates. It's impossible to know which company will have the lowest rates.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Everyone's needs are different.

These are some specific questions may help highlight if your situation might need professional guidance.

  • Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
  • Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Washington?
  • What are Washington no-fault laws?
  • Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
  • Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?

If you can't answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, take a second and complete this form. It is quick, free and can provide invaluable advice.

Much more information about auto insurance in Washington is available on the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website through this link. Visitors are able to read enforcement actions against agents and companies, file complaints about a company, and read consumer alerts.

Other informative sites include Auto Insurance 101 and this page where you can research Raymond insurance agents.

Washington auto insurance

A tidy conclusion

As you restructure your insurance plan, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There are many occasions where someone dropped liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that they should have had better coverage. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate.

We covered a lot of techniques to save on auto insurance. The most important thing to understand is the more times you quote, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Consumers may even find the best prices are with an unexpected company.

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be bought both online as well as from independent agents in Raymond, so compare prices from both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance companies don't offer online price quotes and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.