How to Get Cheap East Berlin Auto Insurance

Searching for affordable East Berlin auto insurance on the web may be intimidating for beginners to buying insurance on the web. Since there are so many online companies, how can consumers have a chance to compare every one to find the lowest rates?

Finding the best rates in East Berlin is easy if you know what you're doing. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you should be able to reduce your rates substantially using this strategy. But Pennsylvania drivers do need to know how companies determine prices.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies offering auto insurance don't necessarily list every discount very clearly, so the following is a list of both well-publicized and the harder-to-find ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Pay Upfront and Save - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.
  • Own a Home - Simply owning a home may earn you a small savings because of the fact that having a home demonstrates responsibility.
  • Auto/Life Discount - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase life insurance.
  • More Vehicles More Savings - Buying coverage for multiple cars or trucks on one policy qualifies for this discount.
  • Accident Waiver - Certain companies will allow you to have one accident before your rates go up if your claims history is clear for a set time period.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with one insurance company you could get a discount of at least 10% off all policies.
  • Seat Belts Save more than Lives - Buckling up and requiring all passengers to use their safety belts could cut 10% or more off your PIP or medical payments premium.
  • Claim Free - Drivers who don't have accidents pay less when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Participating in a qualifying organization could trigger savings when shopping for auto insurance.

Consumers should know that many deductions do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. So even though they make it sound like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

compare East Berlin auto insurance rates

How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that come into play when calculating 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.

The list below includes some of the items used by your company to calculate prices.

  • Optional equipment can affect rates - Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system all aid in stopping your vehicle from being stolen.
  • Being married can save on auto insurance - Getting married actually saves money on your auto insurance policy. Having a significant other translates into being more mature than a single person it has been statistically shown that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
  • Drive less and save money - The more you drive in a year's time the higher your rate. Almost all companies apply a rate based on how the vehicle is used. Autos used primarily for pleasure use get more affordable rates than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Double check that your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage.
  • Liability coverage is peace of mind - The liability section of your policy is the protection when a court rules you are at fault for personal injury or accident damage. Liability provides you with a defense in court which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so drivers should carry high limits.
  • Sex matters - Statistics have proven that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that women are BETTER drivers than men. Both sexes are in accidents at a similar rate, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically have more aggressive citations such as DWI and reckless driving.
  • One company can mean more discounts - The majority of auto insurance companies provide better rates to customers who consolidate policies with 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.

How can State Farm, Allstate and GEICO save drivers who switch?

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO regularly use ads on television and other media. They all make the same claim that you'll save big if you move your coverage to them. How does each company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

Insurance companies have a preferred profile 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, insures multiple vehicles, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters is entitled to the best price and as a result will probably save when switching.

Consumers who are not a match for these standards will be quoted higher prices which leads to the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "drivers who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much money. This is how companies can advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why drivers should get as many quotes as possible. It's impossible to know which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.

For more Pennsylvania auto insurance information

More detailed Pennsylvania auto insurance information can be read at the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website. Pennsylvania consumers can view a list of available companies, get help finding coverage, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on this site for auto insurance rates in Pennsylvania and this list of insurance agents in East Berlin, PA.

Final considerations

Insureds who switch companies do it for any number of reasons including unfair underwriting practices, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, delays in paying claims and even lack of trust in their agent. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, switching auto insurance companies is less work than it seems.

Discount auto insurance is possible online as well as from independent agents in East Berlin, so you should compare both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some auto insurance companies don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced full coverage and found out when filing a claim that the savings was not a smart move. The proper strategy is to buy enough coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.