Free Guide to Spending Less for Rising Star Auto Insurance Online

Are you sick and tired of not being able to afford each month for car insurance? Your situation is no different than the majority of other car owners in Texas. There is such a variety of to pick from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, so many choices can make it hard to compare rates.

More discounts equal less premium

Companies don't always advertise every discount very clearly, so the following is a list of both well-publicized and the harder-to-find auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit available, you are throwing money away.

  • Use Seat Belts - Using a seat belt and requiring all passengers to use their safety belts could cut 10% or more off your PIP or medical payments premium.
  • No Claims - Claim-free drivers pay less when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • One Accident Forgiven - Certain companies will allow you to have one accident before your rates go up if your claims history is clear prior to the accident.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Participating in a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break when shopping for auto insurance.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.

A little note about advertised discounts, most credits do not apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. Just because you may think you can get free auto insurance, you won't be that lucky.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

The following are some of the items that factor into prices.

  • Always keep insurance in force - Allowing your auto insurance policy to lapse will be a guaranteed way to bump up your auto insurance costs. And not only will insurance be more expensive, failure to provide proof of insurance will get you a steep fine or even jail time.You may need to submit proof of financial responsibility or a SR-22 with the Texas motor vehicle department to get your license reinstated.
  • Occupation reflects on rates - Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Careers like real estate brokers, architects and financial analysts are shown to have higher average rates in part from high stress levels and lengthy work days. Conversely, jobs such as farmers, engineers and performers pay the least.
  • Your spouse saves you money - Getting married can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other usually means you are more responsible it has been statistically shown that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Drive less and save money - Driving more miles every year the higher your rate. The majority of insurers apply a rate based upon how you use the vehicle. Vehicles left parked in the garage get more affordable rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Make sure your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
  • Liability coverage is cheap - Liability coverage will protect you when a court rules you are at fault for damages caused by your negligence. Liability insurance provides you with a defense in court starting from day one. Liability insurance is quite affordable when compared with rates for comp and collision, so buy as much as you can afford.
  • Women pay lower rates - The statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. However, this does not mean men are WORSE drivers than women. Women and men cause accidents at a similar rate, but the men have costlier accidents. Men also statistically get cited for more serious violations such as DWI and reckless driving. Youthful male drivers tend to get in the most accidents and therefore are the most expensive to insure.
  • Older drivers pay less - Teen drivers in Texas are known to be careless and easily distracted in a vehicle so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Mature drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.
  • Don't get talked into coverage you don't need - There are a ton of extra bells and whistles that can waste your money on your auto insurance policy. Coverages for personal injury protection, accident forgiveness and membership fees are examples of these. These may sound like a good investment when talking to your agent, but your needs may have changed so eliminate them to save money.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Texas consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for the lowest price auto insurance from companies such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing about savings after switching your policy.

How does each company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

All companies can use profiling for the right customer that earns them a profit. A good example of a driver they prefer could possibly be a mature driver, is a homeowner, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile receives the best rates and therefore will save when switching.

Potential customers who do not match these standards will be quoted a higher premium which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "drivers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That's why companies can truthfully advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why drivers should compare many company's rates. It's impossible to know the company that will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Even more information can be read at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, read industry bulletins, get help finding coverage, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on this site for auto insurance information in Texas and this list of agents in Rising Star, TX.

A tidy conclusion

Cheaper auto insurance can be sourced online in addition to many Rising Star insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best rate selection. Some auto insurance companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where an accident victim reduced full coverage and found out when filing a claim that the savings was not a smart move. Your strategy should be to buy enough coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.