Tightwads Tips for Saving on Cranberry Twp Auto Insurance

Are you tired of robbing Peter to pay Paul each month for car insurance? Your situation is no different than millions of other consumers. There are many to buy insurance from, and although it's nice to have a choice, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to check auto insurance prices once or twice a year because prices are constantly changing. Even if you got the best price last year you may be paying too much now. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate the only way to properly buy coverages while reducing your premium.

How to Compare Auto Insurance Costs in Cranberry Twp

Comparing auto insurance rates can take time and effort if you don't know the best way to get rate quotes. You could spend your day talking to local insurance agents in Cranberry Twp, or you could use the web to quickly compare rates.

All the larger companies participate in an industry program that allows shoppers to submit one quote, and each company then returns a price quote. This saves time by eliminating quote forms to each individual auto insurance company. To submit your quote information now, click here (opens in new window).

One minor caviat to comparing rates this way is you don't know exactly which companies you want to price. So if you want to select specific providers to receive pricing from, we have assembled a list of companies who write auto insurance in Pennsylvania. Click here for list of insurance companies in Pennsylvania.

It's up to you which method you use, but double check that you are using identical coverage limits and deductibles on every quote you get. If you are comparing different liability limits you can't possibly determine which rate is truly the best in Cranberry Twp.

What determines how much you pay?

It's important that you understand the different types of things that go into determining the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what influences your rates allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

Please use or commuting - The more miles you rack up on your car every year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most companies charge to insure your cars based on their usage. Cars and trucks left parked in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance policy shows how each vehicle is driven.
Special features that cut premiums - Driving a car with a theft deterrent system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft features such as GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all hinder car theft.
Multiple policies with one company can save - Most insurers will give a discount to insureds who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, it's still a good idea to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal. You may still be able to find better rates by splitting coverages up.
Older drivers save more - Youthful drivers in Pennsylvania are statistically proven to be more careless in a vehicle so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Mature drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
Battle of the sexes - The statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. That doesn't necessarily mean that women are better drivers. Women and men have accidents in similar percentages, but the males cause more damage. They also receive more costly citations like DUI and reckless driving. Young males are the most expensive to insure and thus pay the highest rates.
Cautious drivers pay less - Your driving citation history has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Good drivers get better rates than bad drivers. Even one speeding ticket can increase rates by twenty percent. Drivers who have serious citations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility to the state department of motor vehicles in order to continue driving.
Do you need those extra coverages? - There are many extra bells and whistles that you can buy when buying auto insurance. Coverages for vanishing deductibles, towing coverage and motor club memberships may be costing you every month. These coverages may sound good initially, but if you don't need them eliminate them to save money.

Be sure to get all your discounts

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but there are discounts available that many people don't even know exist. Some discounts apply automatically when you quote, but less common discounts must be asked for prior to getting the savings. If you're not getting every credit available, you're just leaving money on the table.

Save with a New Car - Insuring a new car can save up to 30% since new cars are generally safer.
Military Rewards - Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.
Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
College Student - Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have a car can receive lower rates.
One Accident Forgiven - Certain companies allow you one accident without raising rates as long as you don't have any claims prior to the accident.

It's important to note that most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you're out of luck. But any discount will bring down the amount you have to pay.

For a list of companies offering auto insurance discounts in Pennsylvania, click here to view.

More information can be found on the website for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department found here. Visitors are able to file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, view a list of available companies, read consumer alerts, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Best coverage at the best price

When trying to cut insurance costs, it's very important that you do not reduce needed coverages to save money. In many instances, an insured dropped physical damage coverage only to discover later that it was a big mistake. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price.

Lower-priced auto insurance can be found both online and with local Cranberry Twp insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best rate selection. A few companies do not offer online quoting and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.