Free Guide to Paying Less for Winslow Auto Insurance Online

I can't think of anyone who looks forward to paying for auto insurance, especially knowing the cost is way too high. Big-name insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive all promote huge savings with fancy advertisements and it is challenging if not impossible to sift through the bull and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.

It's important to compare rates periodically since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best price last year there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you're about to find out the tricks you need to know to find the best coverage while lowering your premiums.

If you have a current auto insurance policy or are shopping for new coverage, you will benefit by learning to find better prices while maximizing coverage. Finding affordable coverage in Winslow is easy if you know what you're doing. Illinois vehicle owners just need to know the proper methods to compare prices over the internet.

You have some control over your rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that help determine auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

  • Do men or women drive better? - Statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Women and men have accidents in similar percentages, but the males have costlier accidents. They also get cited for more serious violations like reckless driving and DUI. Teenage male drivers tend to get in the most accidents and are penalized with high auto insurance rates.
  • A clean driving record saves money - Just one moving violation can boost insurance rates by as much as thirty percent. Careful drivers tend to pay less for car insurance compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who have flagrant citations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with the DMV in their state in order to keep their license.
  • Lower miles equals lower premium - Driving more miles each year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most insurance companies price each vehicle's coverage based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles left parked in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance coverage is rated on the proper vehicle usage.
  • Too many auto insurance claims drive up costs - Car insurance companies in Illinois provide cheaper rates to people who are claim-free. If you file claims often, you can expect either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Auto insurance is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.

Winslow Auto Insurance Comparisons

Effectively comparing auto insurance prices can take hours if you don't understand the best way to get rate quotes. You can spend your afternoon talking to local insurance agents in Winslow, or you can stay home and use the web to get rates in a matter of minutes.

Most of the larger companies belong to an insurance system that allows shoppers to submit their information once, and each company then gives them pricing based on the submitted data. This eliminates the need for quote forms for each company you want a rate for.

To submit your quote information now, click here to open in new window.

One minor caviat to comparing rates this way is that consumers can't choose which providers you want pricing from. So if you prefer to choose specific providers to request quotes from, we have a page of the cheapest auto insurance companies in Illinois. Click to view list.

It doesn't matter which method you choose, just be sure to compare exactly the same information on every quote you get. If each company quotes higher or lower deductibles it will be very difficult to determine which rate is truly the best in Winslow.

How much can you save with discounts?

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, but there could be available discounts to reduce the price significantly. A few discounts will automatically apply when you quote, but less common discounts must be asked for prior to getting the savings. If you aren't receiving every discount you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Accident Forgiveness - A handful of insurance companies will allow you to have one accident before hitting you with a surcharge as long as you don't have any claims prior to the accident.
  • Good Student - This discount can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply well after school through age 25.
  • New Vehicle Savings - Adding a new car to your policy can cost up to 25% less since new cars are generally safer.
  • Drivers Ed for Students - Cut your cost by having your teen driver complete a driver education course if it's offered in school.
  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government can save as much as 8% with select insurance companies.
  • Bundle and Save - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
  • No Accidents - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially as compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.
  • College Student - Children who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle can receive lower rates.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will reduce the amount you have to pay.

To choose companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Winslow, follow this link.

Save 15 percent in 15 minutes? Is it for real?

Illinois drivers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by State Farm, GEICO and Progressive. They all seem to say the same thing that you'll save big after switching to their company.

How can each company say the same thing? This is how they do it.

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. For example, a desirable insured might be profiled as between 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and has great credit. A propective insured who fits that profile will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when they switch companies.

Potential customers who don't meet the requirements will have to pay a higher premium which usually ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is "drivers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That is how companies can advertise the savings.

Because of the profiling, you need to get as many quotes as possible. It's not possible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

How much car insurance do I need?

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Everyone's situation is unique and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For example, these questions may help highlight if your insurance needs might need professional guidance.

  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Should I buy only the required Illinois minimum liability coverage?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
  • Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It is quick, free and may give you better protection.

Much more information about auto insurance in Illinois can be found on the website for the Illinois Department of Insurance. Click here for link. Illinois drivers can learn about insurance regulations, file complaints about a company, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and download brochures.

Illinois auto insurance

Best coverage at the best price

Discount auto insurance can be purchased on the web and also from your neighborhood Winslow agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. There are still a few companies who may not provide online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

Throughout this article, we presented a lot of tips how to compare auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more rate comparisons you have, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may be surprised to find that the best prices are with a smaller regional carrier. These smaller insurers may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates compared to the large companies like .

As you prepare to switch companies, it's not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many cases, someone dropped physical damage coverage only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price.