How to Know You're Throwing Money Away for Car Insurance in Columbus Grove

Are you tired of being strong-armed each month for car insurance? You are no different than many other drivers in Ohio. Numerous battle to insure your vehicles, so it's not easy to compare every and get the definite lowest price

It's important to do rate comparisons before your policy renews because rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest price a few years ago there is a good chance you can find better rates now. There is a lot of bad information regarding car insurance online, so I'm going to show you some great ways to reduce your car insurance bill.

If you have a current car insurance policy or are looking for a new policy, you will benefit by learning to get lower rates and still get good coverage. Choosing the best insurance company for you in Columbus Grove is quite easy. Ohio drivers only need an understanding of the most efficient way to shop their coverage around over the internet.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Columbus Grove

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that help determine your car insurance rates. Understanding what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are a partial list of the pieces companies use to determine rates.

  • Do men or women drive better? - The statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, this does not mean women are better drivers. Both sexes cause accidents in similar numbers, but the males have costlier accidents. They also receive more costly citations such as reckless driving. Male drivers age 16 to 19 are several times more likely to be in an accident and are penalized with high car insurance rates.
  • Claim-free discounts can add up - If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Car insurance companies in Ohio award better rates to policyholders who file claims infrequently. Your insurance policy is meant to be used in the event of major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • More miles equals more premium - Driving more miles every year the more you will pay for car insurance. Most companies rate vehicles determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks used primarily for pleasure use receive lower rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Double check that your car insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
  • Bump up deductibles to save - Physical damage insurance, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims are colliding with a building, damage from fire, and burglary. Deductibles for physical damage are how much you are required to spend before a claim is paid by your company. The more you're willing to pay, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
  • How's your driving record? - Your driving citation history impacts your car insurance rates tremendously. Good drivers receive lower rates compared to drivers with tickets. Even one citation can increase rates by twenty percent. Drivers who have flagrant citations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state motor vehicle department in order to keep their license.
  • Your credit rating is important - Credit history is a large factor in your rate calculation. Therefore, if your credit rating is not that good, you could save money insuring your by repairing your credit. Drivers with excellent credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than drivers with lower credit scores.
  • Save money with special equipment - Driving a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention features like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all hinder car theft.
  • Better crash test results mean better rates - Vehicles with high crash test scores can get you lower premiums. These vehicles result in less severe injuries and fewer injuries translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims and lower rates for you.

Columbus Grove car insurance comparison

How to Compare Columbus Grove Car Insurance Rates

All major car insurance companies such as Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm quote pricing on their websites. The process is pretty easy as you just type in into the quote form. After the form is submitted, their rating system will obtain information on your driving record and credit history and provides a quote. Quoting online makes comparing rates easy, but the work required to visit each company's website and repetitively enter the same data into a form is repetitive and time-consuming. Unfortunately, it is important to compare as many rates as possible if you are searching for a lower rate.

The preferred way to lower your car insurance bill utilizes a single form that gets price quotes from a bunch of companies at once. It's a real time-saver, requires much less work on your part, and makes quoting online much easier. After sending the form, it is quoted and you can select any of the resulting price quotes. If the quotes result in lower rates, you can simply submit the application and purchase the new policy. It can be completed in a matter of minutes and can result in significant savings.

If you want to find out how much you're overpaying now, click here and complete the simple form. If you have coverage now, it's recommended you type in the insurance coverages exactly as they are listed on your policy. This makes sure you will receive comparison quotes for the exact same coverage.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance companies don't always list all their discounts in an easy-to-find place, so we researched some of the more common and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using. If they aren't giving you every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.

  • 55 and Retired - If you're over the age of 55, you may be able to get reduced rates.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with select insurance companies.
  • Life Insurance - Larger companies have lower rates if you buy life insurance.
  • Homeowners Pay Less - Owning a house in Columbus Grove can help you save on car insurance due to the fact that maintaining a home shows financial diligence.
  • Early Switch Discount - A few companies offer discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiration. It's a savings of about 10%.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • New Car Discount - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can cost up to 25% less because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.

It's important to understand that most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, it doesn't quite work that way.

To choose companies who offer car insurance discounts in Columbus Grove, click here to view.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Consumers can't ignore all the ads for the lowest price auto insurance by companies like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. They all seem to make an identical promise of big savings after switching to them.

How do they all make the same claim?

Insurance companies can use profiling for the type of driver that makes them money. For instance, a desirable insured could be between the ages of 30 and 50, is a homeowner, and has a short commute. A customer who meets those qualifications gets the lowest rates and therefore will cut their rates substantially.

Potential insureds who do not match the "perfect" profile will have to pay more money and ends up with business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "people who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. That's why insurance companies can confidently make the claims of big savings. Because of the profiling, you need to get as many comparisons as possible. Because you never know the company that will fit your personal profile best.

More tips and info about car insurance is located at the Ohio Department of Insurance website. Consumers can learn about insurance regulations, download brochures, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and report car insurance fraud.

And the best car insurance company is...

As you shop your coverage around, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are many occasions where an accident victim reduced collision coverage and learned later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your aim should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate.

Low-cost car insurance can be purchased from both online companies and with local Columbus Grove insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers do not offer online price quotes and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.