Tightwads Tips for Saving on Sacred Heart Auto Insurance

Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can dwindle your checking account and make it impossible to make ends meet. Comparing price quotes is free, only takes a few minutes, and is a good way to slash your bill and have more diposable income.

You have so many to buy insurance from, and though it is a good thing to have a choice, lots of choices makes it harder to compare rates.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Sacred Heart is quite easy. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. Nevertheless, Minnesota consumers do need to know the methods companies use to price insurance differently.

Where Can I Get Cheap Sacred Heart Auto Insurance?

There are multiple methods to compare auto insurance quotes, but one way is less time-consuming than others. You could spend your day talking about coverages with agents in Sacred Heart, or you can stay home and use online quotes to achieve your goal.

All the larger companies are enrolled in a marketplace that enables customers to enter their policy data once, and every company returns a rated price based on that information. This saves time by eliminating quote requests to each individual auto insurance company.

To submit your quote information now, click here (opens in new window).

The one disadvantage to using this type of form is that you can't choose which companies you want pricing from. If you wish to select from a list of companies for rate comparison, we have a listing of the cheapest auto insurance companies in Minnesota. Click to view list.

It's up to you which method you use, but make sure you use identical information with each company. If the quotes have higher or lower deductibles you will not be able to make an equal comparison in Sacred Heart. Quoting even small variations in coverage limits may result in large price differences. And when comparing auto insurance rates, know that comparing more company's prices helps locate the best price.

Learn How to Buy Auto Insurance Cheaper

It's important that you understand the different types of things that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that could result in much lower annual insurance costs.

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

Higher deductibles cost less - Deductibles for physical damage represent how much money you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. Insurance for physical damage to your car, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, covers damage that occurs to your car. Some examples of claims that would be covered would be colliding with a building, damage caused by hail, or theft. The more expense the insured has to pay upfront, the bigger discount you will receive.
More people means more accidents - Residing in small towns and rural areas is a positive aspect when talking about auto insurance. Drivers who live in large cities have to deal with more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Lower population means reduced accidents and a lower car theft rate.
Drive less and save money - Driving more miles in a year's time the more you'll pay to insure your vehicle. The majority of insurers charge to insure your cars determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks used primarily for pleasure use get more affordable rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Double check that your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
Pay less if you're married - Getting married can get you a discount on your policy. Having a spouse usually means you are more mature and responsible it has been statistically shown that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
Claim-free discounts can add up - If you file claims often, you can expect either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Auto insurance companies in Minnesota award lower rates to policyholders who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Your insurance policy is intended for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don't always list all available discounts very clearly, so the following is a list of both the well known and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using.

Multiple Vehicles - Having multiple vehicles on one policy qualifies for this discount.
Life Insurance - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase life insurance.
Paperless Signup - A few companies may give you up to $50 simply for signing over the internet.
Drivers Education - Require your teen driver to enroll in driver's education if it's offered in school.
No Claims - Drivers who don't have accidents pay less when compared with frequent claim filers.
Driver Safety - Successfully completing a defensive driving course could cut 5% off your bill depending on where you live.
Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Vehicles equipped with air bags or automatic seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.

It's important to understand that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. Just because it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, it doesn't quite work that way.

For a list of insurers who offer auto insurance discounts in Minnesota, click here to view.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to choosing coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Every insured's situation is different so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that can help discover whether or not you could use an agent's help.

Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
What are the financial responsibility laws in Minnesota?
Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Minnesota Department of Commerce website. Visitors are able to report car insurance fraud, view agent and company licensing information, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and get help finding coverage.

Shop smart and save

Low-cost auto insurance can be purchased both online in addition to many Sacred Heart insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some auto insurance companies do not provide online quoting and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, never reduce needed coverages to save money. In too many instances, consumers will sacrifice collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.