Tightwads Tips for Saving on Frankfort Car Insurance

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an overpriced car insurance policy? Believe me when I say many consumers are feeling buyer's remorse and feel like there's no way out. There are many to buy insurance from, and although it's a good thing to have multiple companies, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to check car insurance prices every six months because rates are constantly changing. If you had the best price a couple years back a different company probably has better rates today. Block out anything you think you know about car insurance because we're going to demonstrate one of the easiest ways to find great coverage at a great price.

Pricing affordable car insurance coverage in Frankfort is quite easy. If you are insured now or need a new policy, you can learn to get lower rates and still get good coverage. Ohio vehicle owners just need to know the tricks to shop their coverage around online.

More discounts equal less premium

The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but there are discounts available to help offset the cost. Some discounts apply automatically at the time of quoting, but less common discounts must be asked about before you will receive the discount. If you're not getting every credit possible, you are throwing money away.

55 and Retired - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
Clubs and Organizations - Belonging to a qualifying organization could trigger savings on car insurance.
Pay Upfront and Save - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
No Charge for an Accident - Certain companies permit an accident before your rates go up as long as you don't have any claims for a particular time prior to the accident.
Sign Early and Save - A few companies offer discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. It can save you around 10%.
Discount for Good Grades - Performing well in school can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply up to age 25.
Military Rewards - Having a family member in the military can result in better rates.
Drive Less and Save - Keeping the miles down can earn better rates on cars that stay parked.
Accident Free - Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially as compared to drivers who are more careless.

Consumers should know that many deductions do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. So when the math indicates having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will bring down your premiums.

What determines how much you pay?

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that come into play when calculating your car insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with big savings.

Older drivers pay less - Young drivers in Ohio tend to be more careless when behind the wheel so they pay higher car insurance rates. Older insureds are viewed as being more responsible, file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.
Liability coverage is peace of mind - The liability section of your policy provides coverage if ever you are found to be at fault for damages from an accident. Liability insurance provides for a legal defense which can cost thousands of dollars. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so drivers should carry high limits.
Save money with special equipment - Choosing a vehicle that has an advanced theft prevention system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Anti-theft devices such as GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can thwart your vehicle from being stolen.
Sex matters - Statistics demonstrate that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that women are better drivers. They both cause accidents in similar percentages, but the males cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. They also have more aggressive citations such as reckless driving.
More performance means more cost - The performance level of the vehicle you own makes a big difference in your rates. The most favorable rates tend to be for low performance passenger models, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
How's your driving record? - Your driving citation history has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Good drivers receive lower rates than people who have multiple driving citations. Only having one ticket can increase rates forty percent or more. Drivers who have severe citations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state motor vehicle department in order to drive a vehicle legally.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements that promise big savings by companies like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. They all seem to make the same claim that you'll save big if you move to them.

How does each company make the same claim?

All the different companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For example, a desirable insured could be over the age of 50, has no driving citations, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer who matches those parameters will get the preferred rates and therefore will save when switching.

Potential insureds who do not match these standards will have to pay more money which leads to business going elsewhere. The ads state "people who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. That's the way companies can advertise the way they do.

Because of the profiling, drivers should get a wide range of price quotes. Because you never know which car insurance company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Learn more about Ohio car insurance

Much more information about car insurance in Ohio can be found on the website for the Ohio Department of Insurance through this link. Consumers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, find out which companies have the most complaints, view a list of available companies, and learn about insurance regulations.

A tidy conclusion

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are many occasions where someone sacrificed physical damage coverage only to discover later that the savings was not a smart move. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate.

Discount car insurance is possible from both online companies and with local Frankfort insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some car insurance companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.