How to Find Cheap Washingtonville Car Insurance

Finding better rates for Washingtonville car insurance is hard for consumers new to comparison shopping online. Drivers have so many options available that it can turn into a challenge to find lower rates in Washingtonville.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance companies don't necessarily list all available discounts very clearly, so the following is a list of both the well known and the harder-to-find car insurance savings.

  • Clubs and Organizations - Being a member of a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break when buying car insurance.
  • Accident Free - Claim-free drivers pay less when compared with drivers who are more careless.
  • Paperless Signup - Some insurance companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application over the internet.
  • Student in College - Children living away from home attending college and do not have access to a covered vehicle may be able to be covered for less.
  • Military Rewards - Having a deployed family member may qualify for rate reductions.

Keep in mind that most of the big mark downs will not be given to the entire cost. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. Just because you may think you would end up receiving a 100% discount, it just doesn't work that way.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Washingtonville

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that help determine the rates you pay for car insurance. Knowing what influences your rates allows you to make educated decisions that could result in better car insurance rates.

The following are some of the items companies use to determine premiums.

  • Do you have enough liability coverage? - Liability coverage will protect you if you are found liable for damages from an accident. Liability insurance provides you with a defense in court up to the limits shown on your policy. Carrying liability coverage is mandatory and cheap when compared with rates for comp and collision, so buy as much as you can afford.
  • Occupation reflects on rates - Did you know your occupation can influence how much you pay for car insurance? Occupations such as real estate brokers, architects and financial analysts tend to pay higher average rates in part from high stress and long work hours. Conversely, jobs such as farmers, engineers and performers have the lowest average rates.
  • Marriage pays dividends - Getting married can get you a discount when buying car insurance. Having a spouse is viewed as being more mature it has been statistically shown that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Older drivers pay less - Youthful drivers in New York are known to get distracted easily in a vehicle so they pay higher car insurance rates. Mature drivers are more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents and tend to be better behind the wheel.
  • Save money with special equipment - Driving a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Theft prevention features such as GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all hinder your car from being stolen.
  • Bundling policies can get discounts - Many companies will award you with lower prices to insureds who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, it's in your best interest to compare other company rates to make sure you are getting the best deal. You may still find better rates by splitting coverages up.
  • Drive a safer car and pay less - Safer cars are cheaper to insure. Safe vehicles result in less severe injuries and any reduction in injury severity translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims and thus lower rates.
  • Where you live - Being located in a small town is a positive aspect when talking about car insurance. City drivers tend to have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Lower population means fewer accidents and a lower car theft rate.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Allstate, GEICO and Progressive continually stream ads in print and on television. All the companies say the same thing that you can save after switching to them. How does each company claim to save you money? This is how they do it.

Different companies can use profiling for the type of driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a profitable customer might be between the ages of 30 and 50, is a homeowner, and has great credit. Any driver who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and therefore will save when switching.

Potential insureds who do not match these standards must pay more money which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state "drivers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. That's why insurance companies can advertise the savings. This illustrates why drivers should compare as many rates as you can. You cannot predict the company that will give you the biggest savings.

Additional detailed information can be read at the New York Department of Financial Services website. Visitors are able to find out which companies have the most complaints, read industry bulletins, and get help finding coverage.

Affordable insurance is out there

Affordable car insurance can be sourced both online and with local Washingtonville insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. There are still a few companies who do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

Consumers change insurance companies for any number of reasons including questionable increases in premium, high rates after DUI convictions, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and even not issuing a premium refund. It doesn't matter why you want to switch switching car insurance companies is less work than it seems.

As you prepare to switch companies, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In too many instances, an accident victim reduced full coverage and found out when filing a claim that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.