Finding Cheaper Downey Auto Insurance

I can't think of a single person who cherishes buying auto insurance, especially knowing the cost is way too high.

Lots of contend for your insurance dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates to get the lowest price

It's important to price shop coverage occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best price six months ago a different company probably has better rates today. Ignore everything you know about auto insurance because I'm going to let you in on the secrets to the fastest and easiest way to find great coverage at a great price.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, buy you may qualify for discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied when you purchase, but a few need to be requested specifically before being credited.

Sign Early and Save - A few companies offer discounts for signing up prior to your current policy expiring. It can save you around 10%.
Multi-policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with the same company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
No Claims - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially compared to drivers who are more careless.
Clubs and Organizations - Affiliation with certain professional organizations could trigger savings on your policy.
Pay Upfront and Save - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
Defensive Driving Course - Taking a course teaching defensive driving skills can save you 5% or more if you qualify.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. Even though it may seem like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, auto insurance companies aren't that generous. Any amount of discount will cut your overall premium however.

Learn How to Buy Auto Insurance Cheaper

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Understanding what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

A clean driving record saves money - Even a single moving violation may increase your cost forty percent or more. Drivers with clean records receive lower rates than people who have multiple driving citations. Drivers who get severe violations like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to file a SR-22 with the DMV in their state in order to drive a vehicle legally.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - The majority of auto insurance companies give discounts to people who carry more than one policy. It's known as a multi-policy discount. This can amount to ten or even up to twenty percent in some cases. Even if you're getting this discount you may still want to compare other company rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Occupations like lawyers, executives and accountants are shown to have higher rates than average attributed to high stress levels and long work hours. On the flip side, professions such as scientists, athletes and the unemployed pay the least.
Liability coverage protects you - The liability section of your policy is the coverage that protects you in the event that a jury decides you are liable for damages caused by your negligence. It will provide for a legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability is cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so drivers should carry high limits.

How to know if you need help

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Each situation is unique so this has to be addressed. These are some specific questions might point out whether your personal situation would benefit from professional advice.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
Do I qualify for additional discounts?
What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?
Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?

If it's difficult to answer those questions, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Companies like State Farm and Allstate regularly use ads on TV and radio. All the ads make the same claim about savings if you move your policy. How do they all say the same thing?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk might be profiled as a mature driver, owns a home, and has a high credit rating. A propective insured who matches those parameters receives the best rates and most likely will cut their rates substantially.

Consumers who don't qualify for the "perfect" profile will be charged higher prices which leads to business not being written. Company advertisements say "people who switch" not "people who quote" save that kind of money. That is how companies can truthfully state the savings.

That is why drivers should compare as many rates as you can. It's not possible to predict which company will have the lowest rates.

Additional information can be found on the website for the California Department of Insurance through this link. California drivers can file complaints about a company, read consumer alerts, read industry bulletins, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

Throughout this article, we presented some good ideas how to reduce auto insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more you quote, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Drivers may discover the best price on auto insurance is with a company that doesn't do a lot of advertising. Regional companies may have significantly lower rates on certain market segments than their larger competitors like .

As you restructure your insurance plan, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many cases where an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that they should have had better coverage. Your goal should be to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.