Tightwads Tips for Saving on Alpine Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind cherishes buying auto insurance, in particular when their premiums are too high.

Drivers have multiple to buy insurance from, and although it's a good thing to be able to choose, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

It's important to compare prices occasionally because prices are constantly changing. If you had the lowest price a few years ago there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate the fastest and easiest way to reduce your cost while improving coverage.

Buying car insurance in Alpine is easy if you know what you're doing. Basically, everyone who is required by state law to have auto insurance stands a good chance to be able to lower their premiums. But California drivers do need to know how big insurance companies market on the web because it can help you find the best coverage.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.

  • Poor credit can mean higher rates - Your credit rating is a important factor in determining your rates. Drivers who have excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers who have lower ratings. So if your credit history can use some improvement, you could save money insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit.
  • Discounts for multiple policies - The majority of auto insurance companies give discounts to customers who carry more than one policy in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, you still need to comparison shop to ensure the best deal.
  • Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Occupations like judges, executives and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of stressful work requirements and lengthy work days. Conversely, professions such as scientists, engineers and the unemployed receive lower rates.
  • Discounts for married couples - Having a wife or husband actually saves money on your auto insurance policy. Marriage means you're more mature than a single person and it's proven that married couples file fewer claims.

Alpine auto insurance quote

Finding Auto Insurance in Alpine, CA

There are several ways of comparing price quotes from different Alpine insurance companies. One of the best ways to compare insurance prices is simply to get online rate quotes. This is very easy and can be done using a couple different methods.

  1. The fastest way to compare a lot of rates at once is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This form eliminates the need for repetitive form entry for every auto insurance company. A single form gets you coverage quotes direct from many companies.
  2. A more difficult way to compare rate quotes consists of going to the website for each individual company and fill out their own quote form. For examples sake, let's assume you want to compare , and . To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site to enter your coverage information, which is why the first method is more popular.

    To view a list of companies in Alpine, click here.

It's up to you how you get prices quotes, just make absolute certain that you use identical coverages for every quote you compare. If you use different limits and deductibles on each one it's impossible to determine the best price in Alpine. Having just a slight variation in insurance coverages may cause a big price difference. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that obtaining a wide range of quotes helps locate lower pricing.

Take advantage of discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don't necessarily list every available discount very clearly, so we researched both well-publicized as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Braking Control Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control prevent accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Multi-policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
  • No Accidents - Good drivers with no accidents pay much less compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • E-sign - Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
  • More Vehicles More Savings - Insuring multiple cars or trucks with the same company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
  • Low Mileage - Keeping the miles down could be rewarded with better rates on cars that stay parked.
  • Discount for New Cars - Adding a new car to your policy can cost up to 25% less since new cars are generally safer.
  • Anti-theft Discount - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
  • Service Members Pay Less - Having a family member in the military can result in better rates.
  • Auto/Life Discount - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.

Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So when the math indicates all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies wouldn't make money that way.

To choose providers with the best auto insurance discounts in California, click this link.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive regularly use ads on TV and radio. All the ads make the same claim that you'll save big if you move to their company. How does each company make almost identical claims?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. For instance, a preferred risk could possibly be between 30 and 50, owns a home, and has a short commute. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters is entitled to the best price and most likely will save when switching.

Potential customers who don't qualify for these standards will be charged higher prices which leads to the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That is how companies can make the claims of big savings. That is why you need to get quotes from several different companies. It's impossible to know which company will fit your personal profile best.

How to know if you need help

When buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Everyone's situation is a little different so this has to be addressed. These are some specific questions might point out whether your personal situation might need professional guidance.

  • Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
  • Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
  • Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
  • Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
  • Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
  • Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
  • Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area.

More detailed California auto insurance information is located at the California Department of Insurance website. California consumers can find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, read industry bulletins, and get help finding coverage.

Alpine auto insurance quote

Final considerations

As you shop your coverage around, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. Too many times, an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Budget-conscious auto insurance is definitely available online and also from your neighborhood Alpine agents, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers may not provide online price quotes and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.