Tightwads Tips for Saving on Coudersport Auto Insurance

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me when I say there are a lot of people in Coudersport just like you who feel imprisoned by their auto insurance policy.

Drivers have so many to buy insurance from, and although it's nice to have multiple companies, too many choices makes it more difficult to compare rates.

This information will help educate you on the most effective way to quote insurance and some money-saving tips. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. But Pennsylvania drivers do need to know how companies price online insurance.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but discounts can save money and there are some available that many people don't even know exist. Some trigger automatically at the time of quoting, but some may not be applied and must be inquired about before you will receive the discount.

  • Payment Discounts - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.
  • Multi-car Discount - Having more than one vehicle on one policy qualifies for this discount.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may qualify for a small decrease in premiums.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Participating in a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates when shopping for auto insurance.
  • Drivers Education - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver's ed class in school.
  • Seat Belts Save - Drivers who require all occupants to use their safety belts could cut 10% or more off your PIP or medical payments premium.
  • Claim Free - Drivers with accident-free driving histories pay less when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Distant Student - Kids in college living away from home attending college and do not have a car may be able to be covered for less.
  • Lower Rates for Military - Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.

Drivers should understand that most discounts do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. So despite the fact that it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will bring down your premiums.

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How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

Listed below are some of the items used by your company to calculate prices.

  • Save money with special equipment - Choosing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft features such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system can thwart car theft.
  • Do you know your deductibles? - Deductibles for physical damage define the amount you are willing to pay if you file a covered claim. Insurance for physical damage to your car, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, insures against damage to your car. A few examples of covered claims could be running into the backend of another car, collision with an animal, and burglary. The more expense you have to pay, the less your auto insurance will be.
  • More than one policy can earn a discount - Most insurers provide better rates to customers who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it's in your best interest to compare other company rates to verify if the discount is saving money. You may still be able to find a better deal by buying insurance from more than one company.
  • Older drivers pay less - Teen drivers in Pennsylvania are statistically proven to be careless and easily distracted when behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Older insureds are more cautious drivers, statistically cause fewer accidents and tend to be better behind the wheel.
  • Don't sacrifice liability coverage - Liability insurance provides coverage when a court rules you are at fault for personal injury or accident damage. Liability insurance provides you with a defense in court which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
  • Higher safety ratings means cheaper insurance - Vehicles with high crash test scores can get you lower premiums. The safest vehicles protect occupants better and lower injury rates means lower claim amounts and thus lower rates.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. They all make an identical promise that you'll save big if you switch your coverage to them. How does each company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

Insurance companies are able to cherry pick for the type of customer that earns them a profit. A good example of a driver they prefer could possibly be between 25 and 40, has no driving citations, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and therefore will save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't measure up to these standards will be quoted more money and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "drivers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much money. That's the way companies can advertise the savings.

This emphasizes why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. It's impossible to know which auto insurance company will fit your personal profile best.

Learn more about Pennsylvania auto insurance

Much more information about auto insurance in Pennsylvania can be read on the website for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. Click here for link. Pennsylvania consumers can view a list of available companies, report car insurance fraud, read consumer alerts, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Affordable insurance is out there

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be found online as well as from independent agents in Coudersport, so you should compare both to have the best chance of lowering rates. There are still a few companies who don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.

When you buy insurance online, it's very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where someone sacrificed collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The proper strategy is to buy a smart amount of coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.