Free Guide to Spending Less for Springfield Auto Insurance Online

Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can overdraw your checking account and put a big crunch on your finances. Comparing price quotes is a smart way to slash your bill and have more diposable income. Drivers have multiple to pick from, and even though it's nice to have multiple companies, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Springfield is quite easy. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you stand a good chance to be able to lower your premiums substantially using these techniques. Missouri drivers only need an understanding of the proper way to find the lowest price over the internet.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don't always list every discount very clearly, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and the harder-to-find auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit you deserve, you are throwing money away.

  • Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Paperwork-free - A few companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks simply for signing over the internet.
  • Distant Student - Children who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may be able to be covered for less.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase life insurance.
  • Multiple Vehicles - Having multiple vehicles on one policy qualifies for this discount.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you could get a discount of at least 10% off all policies.
  • 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 Accidents - Drivers who don't have accidents can save substantially when compared to drivers who are more careless.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. So even though they make it sound like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

compare Springfield auto insurance rates

Springfield Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are a few of the "ingredients" auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping your car from being stolen.
  • Marriage brings a discount - Having a spouse can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other means you're more mature and responsible it has been statistically shown that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
  • Older drivers pay less - Teen drivers in Missouri are known to be careless and easily distracted when driving so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Parents adding a youthful driver to your auto insurance policy can be very expensive. More mature drivers are more cautious drivers, statistically cause fewer accidents and tend to be better behind the wheel.
  • Drive less and save money - Driving more miles in a year's time the higher your rate. Most insurance companies apply a rate determined by how the vehicle is used. Vehicles used primarily for pleasure use qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Double check that your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
  • High deductibles save money - Your deductibles define the amount you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, covers damage that occurs to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply could be running into the backend of another car, damage caused by hail, and burglary. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the bigger discount you will receive.
  • Consolidate policies to earn discounts - Many companies provide better rates to customers who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, it's in your best interest to compare other company rates to ensure the best deal.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Missouri consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for car insurance savings by State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing of big savings after switching to their company.

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

Insurance companies have a preferred profile for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer could possibly be between 25 and 40, insures multiple vehicles, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and therefore will save when switching.

Drivers who don't measure up to these standards will be quoted a higher premium which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "drivers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. This is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why drivers should get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.

For more Missouri auto insurance information

More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the Missouri Department of Insurance website. Missouri consumers can view a list of available companies, get help finding coverage, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on this site for auto insurance rates in Missouri and this list of insurance agents in Springfield, MO.

Best coverage at the best price

Cost effective auto insurance can be bought online and also from your neighborhood Springfield agents, so you should compare both to have the best selection. Some auto insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

When shopping online for auto insurance, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced physical damage coverage only to discover later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The proper strategy is to buy a smart amount of coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.