How to Find Low-Cost Arcadia Car Insurance

Saving money on Arcadia car insurance is hard for consumers not familiar with shopping for insurance online. People have so many options available that it can be more work than you anticipated to locate the lowest price in Arcadia.

It's important to get comparison quotes once or twice a year due to the fact that insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you think you had the best deal six months ago you can probably find a better price now. Starting right now, forget all the misinformation about car insurance because I'm going to teach you the proper way to save on car insurance.

Buying car insurance in Arcadia is quite easy. If you currently have car insurance, you will be able to save some money using these methods. Nevertheless, California consumers do need to know how companies market insurance on the web and take advantage of how the system works.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. When you know what positively or negatively determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with better car insurance rates.

Shown below are some of the factors that factor into rates.

  • Pleasure use saves money - The higher the mileage driven every year the more you will pay for car insurance. The majority of insurers charge to insure your cars determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars that are left in the garage can get a lower rate than those used for commuting. Verify your car insurance declarations sheet properly reflects the correct usage for each vehicle, because it can save money.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Driving a car with an alarm system can help lower your rates. Theft prevention devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all hinder auto theft.
  • Do you need the policy add-ons? - There are quite a few extra bells and whistles that you can buy when buying car insurance. Things like roadside assistance, towing coverage and membership fees are some examples. They may seem good when you first buy your policy, but your needs may have changed so remove them from your policy.
  • Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - Some insurance companies will give a discount to insureds who carry more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you still need to comparison shop to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. Drivers may still find better rates by buying car insurance from a different company.
  • Men are more aggressive - The statistics show women tend to be less risk to insure than men. Now that doesn't mean men are WORSE drivers than women. Men and women tend to get into accidents at about the same rate, but the males tend to have more serious accidents. They also get more serious tickets like DUI and reckless driving.
  • Your stress level may be raising your rates - Jobs such as doctors, social workers and stock brokers are shown to have the highest rates because of job stress and long work hours. On the other hand, professions such as farmers, students and retirees pay the least.
  • Having a spouse can save you money - Being married helps lower the price on car insurance. It usually means you are more mature and responsible and it's proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.

California car insurance quotes

Save big with these discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don't list all their discounts very well, so here is a list both the well known as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving.

  • Save with a New Car - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can cost up to 25% less compared to insuring an older model.
  • Driver's Ed - Cut your cost by having your teen driver complete a driver education course if offered at their school.
  • Safety Course Discount - Taking a defensive driving course could save 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Anti-lock Brakes - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can avoid accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Senior Citizens - If you're over the age of 55, you may receive a discount up to 10%.
  • No Claims - Claim-free drivers can earn big discounts as compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Military Discounts - Being deployed with a military unit could be rewarded with lower premiums.

It's important to understand that some credits don't apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to individual premiums such as collision or personal injury protection. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free car insurance policy, it doesn't quite work that way.

To choose companies with discount car insurance rates in California, click here.

Car insurance ads bend the truth

Car insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive consistently run ads on TV and radio. They all seem to have a common claim of big savings if you change your policy. But how can every company claim to save you money?

Different companies can use profiling for the right customer that makes them money. An example of a desirable insured might be between 25 and 40, has no tickets, and has a high credit rating. Any driver that hits that "sweet spot" receives the best rates and most likely will save a lot of money.

Potential insureds who fall outside this ideal profile will have to pay more money and this can result in the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that kind of money. That's why insurance companies can confidently state the savings. Because of the profiling, you should get a wide range of price quotes. You cannot predict the company that will have the lowest rates.

More tips and info about car insurance is available at the California Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, view a list of available companies, and discover disciplinary actions.

Other informative sites include Auto Insurance 101 and this page where you can research Arcadia insurance agents.

compare Arcadia car insurance rates

Affordable insurance is out there

As you restructure your insurance plan, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, an insured dropped liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that they should have had better coverage. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.

Drivers leave their current company for a number of reasons such as delays in paying claims, extreme rates for teen drivers, questionable increases in premium or even policy cancellation. Whatever your reason, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.

Low-cost car insurance is attainable both online in addition to many Arcadia insurance agents, so you should compare both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance companies do not provide online price quotes and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.