How to Get Cheaper River Oaks Auto Insurance

Searching for affordable River Oaks auto insurance over the internet is rather challenging for people who are new to online price comaprisons. When there are so many insurers available, how can consumers even start to compare them all to find the lowest rates?

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

The list below includes some of the items companies use to determine prices.

  • Theft deterrents lower rates - Purchasing a vehicle that has an advanced theft prevention system can save you a little every year. Anti-theft devices like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all aid in stopping car theft.
  • Men fork out a little more - Statistics have proven that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, don't assume that women are better drivers. Both sexes have accidents at a similar rate, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically receive more costly citations such as DWI and reckless driving.
  • Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Careers like real estate brokers, business owners and accountants tend to pay higher rates than average attributed to high stress levels and long work days. On the flip side, occupations like pilots, athletes and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
  • Liability coverage is cheap - The liability section of your policy is the protection when a court rules you are at fault for damages from an accident. It provides you with a defense in court which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
  • Increase deductibles and save - Deductibles for physical damage define the amount you are required to spend out-of-pocket before a claim is paid by your company. Insurance for physical damage to your car, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims could be running into the backend of another car, vandalism, and burglary. The more expense you're willing to pay, the bigger discount you will receive.

compare River Oaks auto insurance rates

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don't list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so the following is a list of both well-publicized and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using. If they aren't giving you every credit you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you can actually save on your bill.
  • Save over 55 - If you're over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
  • Accident Free - Drivers who don't have accidents pay less when compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Organization Discounts - Participating in certain professional organizations is a good way to get lower rates when shopping for auto insurance.
  • Own a Home - Simply owning a home can help you save on auto insurance because of the fact that having a home demonstrates responsibility.
  • Sign Early and Save - A few companies offer discounts for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. It can save you around 10%.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to the overall cost of the policy. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. Just because you may think all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky.

To choose insurance companies with the best auto insurance discounts in River Oaks, click here to view.

Is there truth in advertising?

Texas consumers can't ignore all the ads for car insurance savings by companies like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all make an identical promise about savings if you move to them.

How do they all make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that makes them money. A good example of a driver they prefer could possibly be between the ages of 30 and 50, insures multiple vehicles, and chooses high deductibles. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to cut their rates substantially.

Drivers who don't measure up to the "perfect" profile will be quoted higher premiums and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. This is how companies can truthfully state the savings. This emphasizes why you should get as many quotes as possible. It's impossible to know which insurance companies will give you the biggest savings.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying coverage for your personal vehicles, there is no cookie cutter policy. Each situation is unique.

For example, these questions may help you determine whether or not you might need an agent's assistance.

  • What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
  • Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
  • Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
  • Are rental cars covered under my policy?
  • When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to an agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It is quick, free and can provide invaluable advice.

More sites with auto insurance information

Even more information can be read at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas consumers can view a list of available companies, learn about insurance regulations, and read industry bulletins.

River Oaks auto insurance comparison

In the end, you save

People who switch companies do it for many reasons like unfair underwriting practices, denial of a claim, high rates after DUI convictions or even questionable increases in premium. Regardless of your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is easier than you think.

When buying insurance coverage, never buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced full coverage and found out when filing a claim that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The proper strategy is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

Cheaper auto insurance is definitely available online and with local River Oaks insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.