Easy Tips to Save Money on Reno Auto Insurance

Finding the best price on Reno auto insurance can be complicated if you have never used online rate quotes. But don't be discouraged because we're going to show you how.

It's important to do rate comparisons occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you had the lowest price a few years ago you can probably find a better price now. Don't believe everything you read about auto insurance online, so I'm going to show you some great ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.

Finding affordable coverage in Reno is quite easy. In a nutshell, everyone who has to buy auto insurance will be able to save money. Nevertheless, Nevada vehicle owners do need to know the way insurance companies sell insurance online because it can help you find the best coverage.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Reno

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that go into determining auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

Where you live is a factor - Living in a small town can be a good thing when buying auto insurance. Drivers who live in large cities regularly have much more traffic and longer commute times. Fewer drivers means fewer accidents as well as less vandalism and auto theft.
Your credit rating is important - Credit score is a large factor in determining your rates. If your credit is lower than you'd like, you could save money insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit. Drivers with excellent credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than drivers with poor credit.
A clean driving record saves money - Just one citation can increase rates by twenty percent. Good drivers receive lower rates than bad drivers. Drivers who have serious citations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with the DMV in their state in order to continue driving.
More miles equals more premium - The more miles you rack up on your car each year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most companies price each vehicle's coverage determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks that are left in the garage receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. Verify your auto insurance policy shows how each vehicle is driven, because improper ratings can cost you money.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Auto insurance companies don't always advertise all their discounts very clearly, so we researched some of the best known and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using.

Bundle and Save - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
Good Student - This discount can save 20 to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you until age 25.
New Vehicle Savings - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can cost up to 25% less compared to insuring an older model.
Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% with select insurance companies.
Anti-theft System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies permit an accident before hitting you with a surcharge as long as you don't have any claims for a certain period of time.
Air Bag Discount - 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 your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. So despite the fact that it appears you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies don't profit that way.

To choose companies offering auto insurance discounts in Nevada, click here to view.

Is there truth in advertising?

Auto insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive constantly bombard you with television and radio advertisements. They all seem to make an identical promise of big savings if you switch to them. How does each company say the same thing?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that makes them money. For instance, a desirable insured might be profiled as a mature driver, owns a home, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A propective insured who meets those qualifications gets the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Consumers who don't measure up to these standards will have to pay higher prices and ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do. Because of the profiling, you should quote coverage with many companies. It's not possible to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Each situation is unique.

For example, these questions might point out whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
Should I buy only the required Nevada minimum liability coverage?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.

More tips and info about auto insurance is located at the Nevada Division of Insurance website. Nevada drivers can view agent and company licensing information, find out industry alerts, and file complaints about a company.

Other informative sites include Wikipedia and this Reno agent directory.

Final considerations

When shopping online for auto insurance, make sure you don't buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, an insured cut collision coverage and learned later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate.

Throughout this article, we presented many tips how you can save on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more rate quotes you have, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Drivers may discover the best price on auto insurance is with a company that doesn't do a lot of advertising.

People switch companies for many reasons like policy non-renewal, policy cancellation, high prices or even delays in paying claims. Regardless of your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is easier than you think.