Compare Trumbull Car Insurance Prices With These Methods

Are you intimidated by the crazy number of car insurance choices in Trumbull? You're not the only one! There are so many options that it can turn into a real challenge to locate the lowest price.

If you are insured now or need new coverage, you will benefit by learning to shop for the lowest rates and still get good coverage. Pricing the cheapest car insurance coverage in Trumbull is quite easy. Connecticut vehicle owners just need to know the proper methods to get comparison quotes online.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that come into play when calculating your car insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay helps enable you to make changes that could result in lower car insurance prices.

  • Don't sacrifice liability coverage - The liability section of your policy provides coverage if you are found to be at fault for damages caused by your negligence. It will provide for a legal defense starting from day one. Carrying liability coverage is mandatory and cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not skimp.
  • Never let your coverage lapse - Driving your car without having proper coverage is illegal and as a result your rates will increase for letting your insurance lapse. Not only will you pay more, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance will get you a license revocation or jail time.
  • Clean credit earns discounts - A driver's credit rating is a important factor in calculating your car insurance rates. Consumers who have good credit tend to be less risk to insure than drivers who have lower credit scores. So if your credit rating can use some improvement, you could save money insuring your by improving your credit score.
  • Too many car insurance claims drive up costs - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can pretty much guarantee either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Auto insurance companies in Connecticut generally give cheaper rates to people who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Auto insurance is meant to be used in the event of the large, substantial claims.
  • Your location affects your rates - Choosing to live in a rural area is a positive aspect when it comes to car insurance. Less people living in that area means reduced accidents. Drivers in populated Connecticut areas have to deal with more traffic problems and much longer commute distances. More time on the road means more change of being in an accident.
  • Men fork out a little more - Statistics demonstrate women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, don't assume that men are WORSE drivers than women. Women and men tend to get into accidents in similar percentages, but the male of the species cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also tend to get more serious tickets such as reckless driving.

Take advantage of discounts

Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but companies offer discounts that can drop the cost substantially. A few discounts will automatically apply at the time you complete a quote, but a few need to be requested specifically prior to getting the savings. If you aren't receiving every discount possible, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Organization Discounts - Belonging to a civic or occupational organization may earn a discount when buying car insurance.
  • Seat Belt Usage - Buckling up and requiring all passengers to use a seat belt can save 10% or more on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles equipped with air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can qualify for discounts of more than 20%.
  • Federal Government Employee - Employees or retirees of the government can save as much as 8% depending on your company.
  • Life Insurance Discount - Select insurance companies reward you with better rates if you take out a life insurance policy as well.
  • 55 and Retired - If you're over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for a discount up to 10%.
  • Defensive Driving Course - Completing a driver safety course could possibly earn you a 5% discount if your company offers it.
  • Anti-lock Brakes - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control prevent accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Student in College - Youth drivers who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a vehicle on campus may qualify for this discount.
  • Auto/Home Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you may save up to 20% off your total premium.

Drivers should understand that some of the credits will not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only reduce individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. Even though it may seem like you can get free auto insurance, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will reduce your overall premium however.

To choose insurers with the best car insurance discounts in Trumbull, click here.

Are car insurance companies telling the truth?

Consumers can't ignore all the ads that promise big savings from companies such as Allstate, GEICO and Progressive. All the companies have a common claim that you'll save big if you move your policy.

How can each company make the same claim?

All companies are able to cherry pick for the right customer that makes them money. For example, a profitable customer could be between 30 and 50, has no driving citations, and has a high credit rating. A customer that hits that "sweet spot" will get the preferred rates and most likely will save when they switch companies.

Potential customers who don't qualify for the requirements must pay a more expensive rate and this can result in business going elsewhere. The ads state "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that kind of money. That's the way companies can state the savings.

This illustrates why you should quote coverage with many companies. Because you never know which car insurance company will have the lowest rates.

Much more information about car insurance in Connecticut can be found on the Connecticut Insurance Department website located here. Consumers can find out which companies have the most complaints, find a variety of consumer forms, and find out industry alerts.

And the best car insurance company is...

Budget-conscious car insurance is definitely available from both online companies in addition to many Trumbull insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance companies do not provide online price quotes and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

Drivers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as questionable increases in premium, being labeled a high risk driver, poor customer service or even high rates after DUI convictions. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.

We just showed you a lot of techniques to save on car insurance. The key concept to understand is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Drivers may discover the best prices are with the least-expected company.