Tightwads Guide to Saving on Flagstaff Auto Insurance

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an overpriced auto insurance policy? Trust us when we tell you there are many people just like you.

Since consumers have many companies and agents to choose from, it can be challenging to locate the right provider.

It's important to compare prices at least once a year because prices are constantly changing. Just because you had the best rates a year ago you will most likely find a better rate today. You can find a lot of misleading information regarding auto insurance on the internet, so we're going to give you some great ways to put money back in your pocket.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Flagstaff is quite easy. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. Nevertheless, Arizona drivers do need to know the way companies sell insurance online.

More discounts equal less premium

Companies offering auto insurance don't list every available discount very well, so the following is a list of both well-publicized as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving.

Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts of up to 25% or more.
Defensive Driver - Successfully completing a course in driver safety could possibly earn you a 5% discount if you qualify.
Early Signing - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching policies prior to your current policy expiring. This can save 10% or more.
Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles with anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and will save you 10% or more.
Multi-car Discount - Having more than one vehicle on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
E-sign - A few companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks simply for signing online.
Clubs and Organizations - Participating in a professional or civic organization may earn a discount on your policy.
Low Mileage - Driving fewer miles could qualify for a substantially lower rate.

Consumers should know that some credits don't apply the the whole policy. Some only apply to individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So when the math indicates adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Companies like State Farm and Allstate constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. All the ads have a common claim of big savings if you switch to their company. But how can every company make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies are able to cherry pick for the driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a preferred risk could possibly be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no tickets, and has excellent credit. A customer getting a price quote that hits that "sweet spot" will qualify for the lowest rates and therefore will save a lot of money.

Potential customers who do not match this ideal profile will be charged a more expensive rate and this can result in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ad wording is "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. That's the way insurance companies can confidently make those claims. That is why you should get as many quotes as possible. It's impossible to know which auto insurance company will have the lowest rates.

Find out more about auto insurance

More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Arizona Department of Insurance website. Arizona consumers can file complaints about a company, discover disciplinary actions, read consumer alerts, and get help finding coverage.

Also read more on NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of Flagstaff insurance agents.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

You just read a lot of ways to reduce auto insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may be surprised to find that the lowest rates come from the least-expected company. Regional companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates as compared to the big name companies such as .

Cost effective auto insurance is available online and also from your neighborhood Flagstaff agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

While you're price shopping online, do not buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There have been many cases where an insured dropped full coverage and found out when filing a claim they didn't purchase enough coverage. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.