Alabama Auto Insurance For Less Than You’re Paying Now

Consumers not familiar with comparing rates online will find shopping for cheap Alabama auto insurance quotes difficult. There is just so much information out there to sift through and many companies to choose from.

It’s important to do rate comparisons yearly since rates go up and down regularly. Just because you found the best price last year you can probably find a lower rate today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because we’re going to demonstrate the right way to eliminate unnecessary coverages and save money.

If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to cut costs considerably using this information. Finding the lowest cost coverage is easy if you know what you’re doing. But Alabama drivers must know the way insurance companies price insurance differently and take advantage of how the system works.

Vehicle Insurance Comparison

There are several ways to compare rates from different insurance companies. One of the best ways to find the lowest rates is to perform an online rate comparison. This can be done using a couple different methods.

1. The recommended way to get the best comparison quotes is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This easy form prevents you from having to do multiple quote forms for every auto insurance company. One simple form compares rates from multiple low-cost companies. Just one form and you’re done.
2. Another way to get quotes online is to take the time to go to each company’s website and request a quote. For examples sake, let’s say you want rates from Nationwide, Progressive and GEICO. To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site and enter your information, which is why most consumers use the first method. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in your area, click here.
3. The most time-consuming method to get comparison rates is to spend your day driving to local insurance agencies. Shopping for auto insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you have a need for the personal advice of a local agent. However, consumers can compare online quotes and still use a local agent and we’ll talk about that later.

However you get your quotes, make sure you use the exact same information for each comparison quote. If you have higher or lower deductibles then you won’t be able to make a fair comparison. Quoting even small variations in insurance coverages may cause a big price difference. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that getting more free quotes helps you find the best price.

Lots of discounts mean lots of savings

Car insurance in Alabama can cost a lot, but you may find discounts that you may not even be aware of. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically when you purchase, but a few need to be asked for prior to getting the savings.

• Lower Rates for Military – Being on active duty in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
• E-sign – Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up on their website.
• Drive Safe and Save – Safe drivers may receive a discount up to 45% less than less cautious drivers.
• Low Mileage – Fewer annual miles could be rewarded with discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
• Discount for New Cars – Adding a new car to your policy can be considerably cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
• Early Switch Discount – Select companies give a discount for switching policies before your current expiration date. It’s a savings of about 10%.
• Student Driver Training – Have your child take driver’s ed class if it’s offered in school.
• Multiple Vehicles – Insuring multiple vehicles on the same auto insurance policy qualifies for this discount.
• Good Student – A discount for being a good student can get you a discount of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you well after school through age 25.
• Homeowners Savings – Being a homeowner can help you save on auto insurance due to the fact that maintaining a home shows financial diligence.

Keep in mind that some of the credits will not apply to the entire policy premium. Some only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like medical payments or collision. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free auto insurance policy, you won’t be that lucky.

Many Things Influence your Rates

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.

Having a spouse can save you money – Having a wife or husband can get you a discount on your policy. Marriage translates into being more mature than a single person it has been statistically shown that married couples file fewer claims.

Better credit means lower rates – Your credit history is a huge factor in determining your rates. So if your credit history is not that good, you could pay less to insure your by repairing your credit. People with high credit ratings tend to be more responsible as compared to drivers with lower credit scores.

Car features impact rates – Owning a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention features such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system can help prevent car theft.

How many coverages with the same company – Many insurers give discounts to customers who carry more than one policy. It’s known as a multi-policy discount. Discounts can amount to five, ten or even twenty percent. Even though this discount sounds good, it’s in your best interest to compare rates to verify if the discount is saving money.

Older drivers save more – Older drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and receive fewer citations. Teen drivers are known to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel therefore auto insurance rates are much higher.

Where you live – Living in a rural area has it’s advantages when insuring your vehicles. Lower population means a lower chance of having an accident as well as less vandalism and auto theft. Urban drivers regularly have congested traffic and much longer commute distances. Higher commute times means more change of being in an accident.

Are you male or female? – Statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, this does not mean women are BETTER drivers than men. Women and men tend to get into accidents in similar numbers, but men have costlier accidents. Men also receive more costly citations such as DWI and reckless driving. Teenage male drivers tend to get in the most accidents and therefore have the most expensive auto insurance rates.

What happened to insurance agents?

A small number of people would rather visit with an insurance agent and that is a personal choice. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from small agencies is especially important if you live in a smaller city or town. But buying auto insurance in Montgomery, Birmingham, Mobile, or another larger Alabama city may be easier if you do it online.

After completing this quick form, your information is submitted to local insurance agents who will return price quotes to get your business. You won’t need to even leave your home because quoted prices will be sent to your email. You can find better rates and an insurance agent to talk to.

Much more information about auto insurance in Alabama is located on the Alabama Department of Insurance website. Click here for link. Alabama consumers can file complaints about a company, learn about specific coverages, get help finding coverage, and find disaster information. Additional helpful sites include NAIC.org’s Understanding your Policy and Insure.com’s car insurance basics.

Compare but don’t skimp

As you restructure your insurance plan, do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits only to find out that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The aim is to purchase plenty of coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.

People change insurance companies for any number of reasons including poor customer service, unfair underwriting practices, denial of a claim or lack of trust in their agent. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is easier than you think.

You just learned a lot of ways to compare prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. Consumers could even find that the lowest priced auto insurance comes from some of the lesser-known companies in Alabama.