6 Discounts Salem Consumers Forget when Quoting Car Insurance

Consumers who are new to the process of buying insurance online might discover finding low-cost Salem car insurance to be a formidable task.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance companies don't always advertise every discount very clearly, so here is a list some of the more common and the more hidden discounts you could be receiving.

  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with a few car insurance companies.
  • Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - By paying your policy upfront instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.
  • Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies permit an accident before hitting you with a surcharge if your claims history is clear for a set time period.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.
  • No Claims - Good drivers with no accidents can earn big discounts when compared to accident-prone drivers.

As a disclaimer on discounts, some credits don't apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Just because it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, car insurance companies aren't that generous.

To choose insurance companies with the best car insurance discounts in Virginia, click here.

Are car insurance companies telling the truth?

Car insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO regularly use ads on TV and radio. They all have a common claim about savings if you move your policy. How does each company make the same claim?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that makes them money. An example of a driver they prefer could be between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives newer vehicles. Any new insured that hits that "sweet spot" is entitled to the best price and most likely will save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for these standards will be quoted more money and this can result in business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "people who switch" not "people who quote" save that kind of money. That is how companies can truthfully claim big savings. This emphasizes why you should compare as many rates as you can. It's just too difficult to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

How to know if you need help

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a "perfect" insurance plan. Everyone's needs are different.

These are some specific questions might point out whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
  • What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
  • Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?

If you can't answer these questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form.

For more Virginia car insurance information

Even more information is available at the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website. Consumers can download brochures, read consumer alerts, and view a list of available companies.

Salem car insurance quote

Do the work, save more money

Drivers who switch companies do it for many reasons like extreme rates for teen drivers, policy non-renewal, unfair underwriting practices or even denial of a claim. No matter why you want to switch, finding the right car insurance provider is easier than you think.

When trying to cut insurance costs, never buy poor coverage just to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your strategy should be to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

Cheap car insurance is possible from both online companies in addition to many Salem insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies do not provide online price quotes and these smaller companies work with independent agents.