How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in Amherst

No one enjoys paying for auto insurance, especially knowing the cost is too high.

With consumers having so many online and local companies to choose from, it can be challenging to choose the most affordable company.

It's important to get comparison quotes occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best rates a couple years back you may be paying too much now. There is a lot of wrong information about auto insurance on the internet, so we're going to give you some great ways to slash your auto insurance rates.

Locating affordable protection in Amherst can be fairly easy. Essentially everyone who carries auto insurance stands a good chance to be able to lower their premiums. Although Ohio vehicle owners do need to know the way insurance companies price insurance differently.

Automobile Insurance Quotes in Amherst, OH

Effectively comparing auto insurance prices can take hours if you don't know the most efficient way. You could spend your day talking about coverages with insurance agencies in Amherst, or you can utilize online quotes for quick rates.

All the larger companies participate in a marketplace that enables customers to enter their coverage request one time, and each company can give them a price for coverage. This eliminates the need for quote requests to each individual auto insurance company.

To submit your quote information now, click here (opens in new window).

The one disadvantage to pricing coverage this way is you are unable to specify which companies you want to price. If you would rather choose specific insurance companies to compare, we put together a list of low cost auto insurance companies in Ohio. Click to view list.

Which method you use is up to you, but make absolute certain that you use apples-to-apples information with every price quote. If you use higher or lower deductibles it will be impossible to find the best deal in Amherst. Just a small difference in coverages could mean much higher rates. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that having more price comparisons gives you a better chance of getting the best price.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

It's important that you understand some of the elements that help determine auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that can help you get big savings.

Clean credit earns discounts - Your credit history is a large factor in determining your rates. Therefore, if your credit is not that good, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your rating. Consumers who have excellent credit tend to be less risk to insure than drivers who have lower credit scores.
Where you reside plays a part - Living in less populated areas has it's advantages when buying auto insurance. City drivers have to deal with congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Fewer drivers means reduced accidents and a lower car theft rate.
More claims means more premium - Insurance companies in Ohio provide discounts to insureds who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you frequently file small claims, you can definitely plan on either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Insurance coverage is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.
Do you have a high stress job? - Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Occupations like real estate brokers, architects and stock brokers are shown to have the highest rates attributed to high stress levels and lots of time spent at work. On the other hand, jobs such as scientists, students and performers pay the least.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Car insurance is not cheap, but companies offer discounts to reduce the price significantly. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at the time you complete a quote, but some may not be applied and must be asked about prior to getting the savings.

Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can reduce accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Multi-policy Discount - When you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you may earn approximately 10% to 15%.
Driver's Ed - Require your teen driver to take driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
No Claims - Good drivers with no accidents pay less compared to frequent claim filers.
Club Memberships - Affiliation with a professional or civic organization could qualify you for a break on your policy.
Military Discounts - Having a deployed family member may qualify for rate reductions.
Good Student - Getting good grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last well after school through age 25.

A little note about advertised discounts, most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So even though they make it sound like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will help reduce your premiums.

For a list of providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Ohio, follow this link.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to choosing coverage for your vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
What are the best liability limits?
Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
Am I getting all the discounts available?
Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?

If you don't know the answers to these questions then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area.

Additional information can be read on the website for the Ohio Department of Insurance through this link. Ohio drivers can find out industry alerts, view agent and company licensing information, download brochures, and read industry bulletins.

Other useful links include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Amherst insurance agents.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, don't be tempted to reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, an insured cut full coverage and found out when filing a claim that the savings was not a smart move. The aim is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

In this article, we covered a lot of information how to lower your auto insurance rates. The most important thing to understand is the more quotes you get, the better chance you'll have of finding lower rates. You may even find the best price on auto insurance is with an unexpected company. Smaller companies may cover specific market segments cheaper as compared to the big name companies such as .