Tightwads Guide to Saving on Auburn Auto Insurance

Are you tired of being strong-armed each month for car insurance? You're in the same situation as the majority of other car owners in California.

With consumers having so many choices, it can be diffult for consumers to choose the best car insurance company.

It's important to get comparison quotes once or twice a year because prices are constantly changing. Even if you got the best deal a few years ago you may be paying too much now. Starting right now, forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the only way to save on auto insurance.

Buying car insurance in Auburn 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 the way companies price online insurance and take advantage of how the system works.

Compare the Market for Auto Insurance in Auburn

There are several ways of comparing rates and find the best price. The recommended way to find competitive insurance rates is to use the internet to compare rates. This can be accomplished in several different ways.

The first (and easiest) way consumers can analyze rates is to use a rate comparison form click to view form in new window. This type of form saves time by eliminating repetitive form entry for each company. Taking the time to complete one form compares rates direct from many companies.

A slightly less efficient method to get quotes online is going to each company's website to complete a price quote. For instance, let's say you want rates from , and . You would have to go to every website and enter your information, and that's why the first method is more popular.

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

The most time-consuming way to compare rates is to waste gas driving to insurance agents' offices. The ability to buy insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you have a need for the professional guidance of a licensed agent. It is possible to compare the best prices online and still use a local agent. We'll cover that shortly.

Whichever method you choose, double check that you are using apples-to-apples coverage limits and deductibles for every company. If you use different liability limits it will be very difficult to decipher which rate is best in Auburn. Slightly different coverage limits could mean much higher rates. It's important to know that having more price comparisons provides better odds of finding the best rates.

Auburn auto insurance comparison

Understand what determines the rate you pay

It's important that you understand the factors that go into determining the rates you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

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

  • Battle of the sexes - The statistics show women tend to be less risk to insure than men. That doesn't necessarily mean that men are WORSE drivers than women. Men and women tend to get into accidents at about the same rate, but the males cause more damage. They also get more serious tickets like DUI and reckless driving. Male drivers age 16 to 19 tend to get in the most accidents and thus pay the highest rates.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Driving a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can help lower your rates. Anti-theft features like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all hinder auto theft.
  • Clean credit earns discounts - Credit score is a huge factor in your rate calculation. So if your credit score is lower than you'd like, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your rating. Consumers who have high credit ratings tend to be less risk to insure than drivers with poor credit.
  • Discounts for multiple policies - Most 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, it's in your best interest to shop around to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. You may still be able to find better rates by buying auto insurance from a different company.
  • Low deductibles can be expensive - Physical damage coverage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Some examples of claims that would be covered would be running into the backend of another car, collision with an animal, and windstorm damage. The deductibles are how much you are willing to pay in the event of a claim. The more money the insured has to pay upfront, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
  • Your job and insurance rates - Did you know your occupation can influence how much you pay for auto insurance? Jobs such as doctors, social workers and stock brokers are shown to have the highest rates in part from job stress and long work hours. On the other hand, professions such as farmers, students and homemakers pay the least.
  • Do you need the policy add-ons? - There are many extra bells and whistles that you can buy when buying auto insurance. Things like roadside assistance, towing coverage and membership fees are some examples. They may seem good when talking to your agent, but your needs may have changed so remove them from your policy.

Save big with these discounts

Car insurance companies don't list all their discounts very well, so here is a list both the well known and the harder-to-find discounts you could be receiving.

  • Senior Citizens - Older drivers may qualify for a discount up to 10%.
  • Military Discounts - Being deployed with a military unit could mean lower rates.
  • Anti-lock Brakes - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Anti-theft System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Homeowners Pay Less - Owning a house in Auburn can save you money because owning a home requires personal responsibility.
  • No Claims - Claim-free drivers can earn big discounts as compared to frequent claim filers.
  • Driver's Ed - Require your teen driver to complete a driver education course in school.
  • Defensive Driver - Taking a defensive driving course could save 5% or more depending on where you live.

Consumers should know that some credits don't apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies don't profit that way.

For a list of companies offering auto insurance discounts in California, click here.

More tips and info about auto insurance is available at the California Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to learn about insurance regulations, view a list of available companies, find out industry alerts, and read consumer alerts.

Other useful links include this Car Insurance FAQ and this page of insurance agents in Auburn.

compare Auburn auto insurance rates

Affordable insurance is out there

As you shop your coverage around, do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There are many occasions where an insured dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage for the lowest price.

Cost effective auto insurance can be found both online in addition to many Auburn insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers do not provide online quoting and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.