Easy Ways to Save Money on Swannanoa Auto Insurance

If you're new to shopping for auto insurance online, you may be confused by the hoards of auto insurance companies offering insurance in Swannanoa.

It's important to price shop coverage occasionally because prices are constantly changing. If you had the best deal a year ago you may be paying too much now. Starting now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the proper way to lower your annual insurance bill.

Buying car insurance in Swannanoa is not that difficult. If you currently have car insurance, you will be able to save some money using these methods. North Carolina consumers only need to know the most effective way to get comparison rates online.

Finding Auto Insurance in Swannanoa, NC

Getting better auto insurance pricing can be surprisingly simple. You just have to take a few minutes to compare quotes from different insurance companies. This can be done using a couple different methods.

The first (and easiest) way consumers can make multiple comparisons is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This type of form keeps you from doing repetitive form submissions for each company. A single form will return price quotes from multiple companies. It's definitely the quickest method.

A slightly less efficient method to get quotes online consists of visiting the website for each individual company and fill out their own quote form. For instance, let's say you want to compare , and . You would have to go to every website to enter your coverage information, which is why the first method is quicker.

To view a list of companies in Swannanoa, click here.

The most time-consuming method of comparing rate quotes is driving to insurance agents' offices. The ability to buy insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you want the trained guidance of a licensed agent. It is possible to compare the best prices online and still use a local agent. We'll cover that shortly.

However you get your quotes, make absolute certain that you use identical deductibles and coverage limits for each comparison quote. If you use different values for each quote you can't possibly determine the lowest rate in Swannanoa.

Learn How to Buy Auto Insurance Cheaper

It's important that you understand the factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

The list below includes some of the factors that factor into your rates.

Better credit scores mean better rates - Your credit rating is a big factor in determining your rates. Consumers who have good credit tend to be less risk to insure than those with poor credit. So if your credit score can use some improvement, you could be paying less to insure your by spending a little time repairing your credit.
How many coverages with the same company - The majority of insurance companies give discounts to insureds who carry more than one policy in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount it's still a good idea to shop around to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
Optional equipment can affect rates - Owning a car with a theft deterrent system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems can help prevent auto theft.
Please use or commuting - The more you drive each year the higher your rates will be. The majority of insurers charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars that are left in the garage can get a lower rate than those used for commuting. Verify your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage, because it can save money.

Save big with these discounts

Car insurance companies don't always publicize every available discount very clearly, so here is a list both the well known and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you're just leaving money on the table.

Anti-lock Brakes - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems prevent accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
Anti-theft System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Pay Upfront and Save - By paying your policy upfront rather than paying monthly you could save 5% or more.
Life Insurance Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.
Homeowners Savings - Being a homeowner can save you money because of the fact that having a home requires personal responsibility.
Save with a New Car - Buying coverage on a new vehicle can save up to 30% compared to insuring an older model.
Sign Early and Save - Some companies give discounts for buying a policy before your current policy expires. It can save you around 10%.

A little note about advertised discounts, some of the credits will not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free auto insurance policy, you won't be that lucky.

For a list of providers with the best auto insurance discounts in North Carolina, click here.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's.

These are some specific questions might point out if your situation would benefit from professional advice.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
What are the financial responsibility laws in North Carolina?
Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?

If you can't answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It's fast, free and you can get the answers you need.

Even more information is available at the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, and view a list of available companies.

Other useful links include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Swannanoa insurance agents.

A tidy conclusion

While you're price shopping online, make sure you don't reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage only to find out they didn't purchase enough coverage. The aim is to buy enough coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Drivers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, policy non-renewal, unfair underwriting practices and delays in paying claims. Whatever your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is not as hard as you think.

The cheapest auto insurance is possible both online in addition to many Swannanoa insurance agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some companies do not provide online quoting and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.