Easy Methods to Cut Costs on Shelton Car Insurance

Are you intimidated by the dozens of car insurance companies in Shelton? You're not alone. Drivers have so many choices that it can turn into more work than you anticipated to find lower rates.

It's important to check car insurance prices every six months because rates are constantly changing. If you had the lowest price two years ago a different company probably has better rates today. Don't believe everything you read about car insurance online, so we're going to give you some great ways to find cheap car insurance.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance can cost a lot, but there are discounts available that can drop the cost substantially. Certain discounts will be applied when you complete an application, but a few must be specially asked for before they will apply. If you're not getting every credit possible, you are throwing money away.

Discount for Good Grades - Performing well in school can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you up to age 25.
Clubs and Organizations - Belonging to a qualifying organization may earn a discount on your policy.
Federal Government Employee - Active or retired federal employment may qualify you for a discount with certain companies.
Multi-policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you may save approximately 10% to 15%.
Sign Early and Save - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. It can save you around 10%.

Keep in mind that some credits don't apply to all coverage premiums. A few only apply to individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So even though it sounds like all those discounts means the company will pay you, it just doesn't work that way. But any discount will bring down your premiums.

What determines how much you pay?

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that come into play when calculating your car insurance rates. Knowing what influences your rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get big savings.

The list below includes a partial list of the pieces companies use to determine your rates.

How's your driving record? - Your driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Good drivers have lower premiums than people who have multiple driving citations. Even a single speeding ticket can increase rates forty percent or more. Drivers who get severe violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may be required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state motor vehicle department in order to drive a vehicle legally.
Do you have enough liability coverage? - The liability section of your policy provides coverage in the event that you are found to be at fault for damages from an accident. Liability insurance provides legal defense which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability is cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not skimp.
High numbers of claims are not good - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can pretty much guarantee higher rates. Insurance companies in Nebraska generally give lower rates to drivers who file claims infrequently. Insurance coverage is meant to be used in the event of the large, substantial claims.
Where you live - Choosing to live in less populated areas has it's advantages when it comes to car insurance. Urban drivers tend to have congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Less people living in that area means fewer accidents as well as less vandalism and auto theft.
Performance makes a difference - The performance level of the vehicle you drive makes a big difference in your rates. The lowest rates are usually for low performance passenger cars, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
Older drivers pay less - Young drivers in Nebraska tend to be less responsible when behind the wheel so they pay higher car insurance rates. Older insureds tend to be more responsible, file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements that promise big savings by companies like State Farm and Allstate. All the ads have a common claim that you can save if you move to them.

How does each company make the same claim?

All the different companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a preferred risk could be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no driving citations, and chooses high deductibles. A customer that hits that "sweet spot" receives the best rates and therefore will save when switching.

Consumers who do not match these standards will be charged higher rates and this can result in business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. That's the way insurance companies can state the savings.

That is why drivers should get as many comparisons as possible. Because you never know which car insurance company will give you the biggest savings.

Learn more about Nebraska car insurance

More information is located on the Nebraska Department of Insurance website located here. Consumers can file complaints about a company, find out which companies have the most complaints, and download brochures.

Also read more on NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of insurance agents in Shelton Nebraska.

A tidy conclusion

We just showed you a lot of ways to reduce car insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more you quote, the better your comparison will be. You may even find the lowest rates come from some of the lesser-known companies.

Affordable car insurance is definitely available from both online companies and with local Shelton insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

Drivers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as poor customer service, questionable increases in premium, high rates after DUI convictions and even policy non-renewal. It doesn't matter why you want to switch choosing a new insurance company is less work than it seems.