Tightwads Tips for Saving on Bellaire Auto Insurance

Paying for high-priced auto insurance can drain your personal savings and put a big crunch on your finances. Comparison shopping is free, only takes a few minutes, and is a good way to tighten up your finances.

You have so many to buy insurance from, and although it's nice to be able to choose, lots of choices makes it harder to compare rates.

Tips to Get Lower Bellaire Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that could result in big savings.

  • Higher deductibles cost less - Deductibles for physical damage represent how much money you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. Physical damage coverage, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, is used to repair damage to your car. A few examples of covered claims are colliding with a building, damage caused by hail, and rolling your vehicle. The more money you have to pay, the bigger discount you will receive.
  • Proper usage rating affects rates - Driving more miles in a year's time the more you'll pay to insure your vehicle. Almost all companies price each vehicle's coverage based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars and trucks not used for work or commuting can get a lower rate compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage, because it can save money.
  • Pay less if you're married - Being married can get you a discount on your policy. Having a spouse translates into being more responsible and it's proven that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
  • Your car's features help determine rates - Purchasing a vehicle with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system all aid in stopping car theft.
  • Safer cars cost less to insure - Vehicles with good safety scores can get you lower premiums. Safe vehicles protect occupants better and better occupant protection translates into savings for insurance companies and thus lower rates.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, buy you may qualify for discounts that you may not know about. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at the time of purchase, but some must be requested specifically prior to receiving the credit.

  • Multiple Vehicles - Buying insurance for multiple vehicles with the same company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
  • Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • Paperless Signup - A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 for buying your policy over the internet.
  • Own a Home - Owning a home in Bellaire can help you save on auto insurance due to the fact that maintaining a home requires personal responsibility.
  • Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver enroll in driver's education if it's offered in school.
  • Fewer Miles Equal More Savings - Fewer annual miles can qualify you for discounted rates on garaged vehicles.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though it sounds like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will bring down the amount you have to pay.

To choose insurers who offer auto insurance discounts in Michigan, click here to view.

Is there truth in advertising?

Allstate, GEICO and Progressive continually stream television and radio advertisements. All the companies make an identical promise about savings after switching your coverage to them. How does each company say the same thing?

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the type of customer that makes them money. An example of a profitable customer might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, has no prior claims, and has a high credit rating. A propective insured who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't measure up to these standards must pay higher prices and ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much money. This is how companies can truthfully state the savings.

This illustrates why you should compare many company's rates. It's not possible to predict which insurance companies will have the lowest rates.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying proper insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Everyone's situation is a little different so your insurance should reflect that For example, these questions can help discover whether or not you will benefit from professional help.

  • Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
  • What are the financial responsibility laws in Michigan?
  • Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
  • Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
  • Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
  • Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

Learn more about auto insurance in Michigan

Additional information is available on the website for the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation located here. Michigan drivers can report car insurance fraud, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, get help finding coverage, and view a list of available companies.

Michigan auto insurance quotes

Affordable insurance is out there

Cheaper auto insurance can be sourced on the web as well as from independent agents in Bellaire, so you should be comparing quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance companies don't offer online price quotes and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

As you restructure your insurance plan, never buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, consumers will sacrifice liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that they should have had better coverage. Your focus should be to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.