Easy Tips to Spend Less on Bluffton Car Insurance

People who are new to shopping for insurance online might discover finding the lowest-priced Bluffton car insurance quite difficult.

Bluffton Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that go into determining your car insurance rates. Knowing what influences your rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

Listed below are some of the factors car insurance companies consider when setting prices.

  • Claim-free discounts can add up - If you tend to file frequent claims, you can look forward to either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Companies in Ohio generally give lower rates to drivers who are claim-free. Your insurance policy is meant to be used in the event of larger claims.
  • Credit scores impact car insurance rates - Having a bad credit score is a large factor in determining your rates. If your credit rating is lower than you'd like, you could save money insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit. Drivers who have excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than those with poor credit.
  • How's your driving record? - Careful drivers receive lower rates than bad drivers. Even a single speeding ticket can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. If you have serious violations such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to submit a SR-22 form with their state motor vehicle department in order to continue driving.
  • With age comes lower rates - Young drivers in Ohio are statistically proven to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel so they pay higher car insurance rates. Adding a young driver to your car insurance policy can be very expensive. Older drivers are more cautious drivers, statistically cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets.

These discounts can lower your rates

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but you can get discounts that you may not even be aware of. Most are applied when you get a quote, but lesser-known reductions have to be specifically requested before you will receive the discount. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with a few car insurance companies.
  • Anti-lock Brakes - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Good Student - This discount can earn a discount of 20% or more. The discount lasts until age 25.
  • New Car Discount - Insuring a new car can cost up to 25% less because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Distant Student - Youth drivers who live away from home and do not have a car can be insured at a reduced rate.

It's important to note that some credits don't apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Just because you may think adding up those discounts means a free policy, you're out of luck. But any discount will bring down the cost of coverage.

To choose insurance companies offering car insurance discounts in Ohio, click here.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Consumers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all have a common claim that you can save if you switch to their company.

How does each company make the same claim?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. An example of a driver they prefer could be over the age of 40, owns a home, and has excellent credit. A customer that hits that "sweet spot" will get very good rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Drivers who are not a match for these standards will be quoted higher premiums and this can result in business going elsewhere. The ads say "people who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can make those claims.

This emphasizes why you should get a wide range of price quotes. Because you never know which company will have the lowest rates.

Different people need different coverages

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a best way to insure your cars. Everyone's needs are different.

For instance, these questions might point out whether you could use an agent's help.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
  • Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Ohio?
  • Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
  • Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
  • Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
  • Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?

If you can't answer these questions but one or more may apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, complete this form. It is quick, free and can provide invaluable advice.

For more Ohio car insurance information

More information is available on the Ohio Department of Insurance website through this link. Consumers can download brochures, find out industry alerts, and file complaints about a company.

Bluffton car insurance quote

And the best car insurance company is...

Drivers switch companies for many reasons like extreme rates for teen drivers, policy cancellation, poor customer service or even not issuing a premium refund. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding the right car insurance provider is easier than you think.

While you're price shopping online, it's very important that you do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time they didn't purchase enough coverage. Your strategy should be to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

We just showed you a lot of ways to save on car insurance. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the higher the chance of saving money. Consumers may even find the lowest premiums are with an unexpected company.