Lower Online Washington Auto Insurance Prices With These Tips

If you are a novice to online auto insurance shopping, it's easy to get confused due to the large number of auto insurance companies all offering big savings in Washington.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance companies don't list every discount very well, so we researched both well-publicized as well as the least known auto insurance savings.

Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment may qualify you for a discount with a few auto insurance companies.
Anti-lock Brake Discount - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Discount for New Cars - Insuring a new car is cheaper due to better safety requirements for new cars.
Passive Restraint Discount - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts up to 30%.
Driver Safety - Taking part in a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more if you qualify.

It's important to note that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to individual premiums such as comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you're out of luck.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Washington

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to big savings.

High numbers of claims are not good - Companies in Missouri provide discounts to drivers who file claims infrequently. If you frequently file small claims, you can pretty much guarantee either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Insurance coverage is designed for larger claims.
Multiple policies with one company can save - Many companies provide better rates to customers who buy several policies from them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, you still need to compare other company rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Older drivers pay less - Teen drivers in Missouri are known to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Adding a teen driver to your policy can be quite pricey. Older drivers are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.
Traffic violations increase rates - Even one citation can increase rates by as much as thirty percent. Good drivers have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. If you have flagrant violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may find they need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state DMV in order to keep their license.

It's not one size fits all

When it comes to buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different.

Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if you would benefit from professional advice.

Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Missouri?
Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?

If you don't know the answers to these questions then you might want to talk to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Auto insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO continually stream ads in print and on television. They all say the same thing that you can save after switching to them. But how can every company make almost identical claims?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a driver they prefer could possibly be a mature driver, owns a home, and drives newer vehicles. A driver who fits that profile will qualify for the lowest rates and therefore will save a lot of money.

Drivers who do not match this ideal profile will be quoted a higher premium which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ad wording is "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. That is how insurance companies can claim big savings. This emphasizes why drivers should compare as many rates as you can. It is impossible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

For more Missouri car insurance information

Additional detailed information is located at the Missouri Department of Insurance website. Missouri consumers can download brochures, read consumer alerts, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Also read more on this online resource for auto insurance quotes in Missouri and this list of insurance agents in Washington.

Shop smart and save

Consumers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as extreme rates for teen drivers, policy cancellation, not issuing a premium refund and even poor customer service. It doesn't matter why you want to switch choosing a new insurance company is less work than it seems.

When trying to cut insurance costs, don't be tempted to skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that it was a big mistake. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

In this article, we presented a lot of information how to reduce auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Drivers may discover the best price on auto insurance is with a small local company.