How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in Green Bay

No one cherishes buying auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are through the roof. Numerous battle for your insurance dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates to get the lowest price

It's important to shop coverage around occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the lowest rates six months ago you can probably find a better price now. Starting right now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the tricks you need to know to find better rates and still maintain coverage.

If you have a policy now or need new coverage, you will benefit by learning to find the best rates while maximizing coverage. Finding the best rates in Green Bay is not that difficult. Wisconsin consumers only need to know the proper methods to shop for auto insurance on the web.

Tips to Get Lower Green Bay Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. Understanding what impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

With age comes lower rates - Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets. Teenage drivers have a tendency to be more careless behind the wheel therefore auto insurance rates are much higher.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - Some insurers will give a discount to people who consolidate policies with them. It's known as a multi-policy discount. This can amount to five, ten or even twenty percent. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to comparison shop to verify if the discount is saving money.
Don't skimp on liability - Your policy's liability coverage is the coverage that protects you if ever a jury decides you are liable for personal injury or accident damage. Liability provides for a legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. This coverage is very inexpensive as compared to coverage for physical damage, so do not cut corners here.
Your car's features help determine rates - Owning a car with an alarm system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention devices like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system can help prevent car theft.

These discounts can lower your rates

Companies that sell car insurance don't list all their discounts in an easy-to-find place, so we break down some of the best known as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using. If they aren't giving you every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

College Student - Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home and don't have a car can be insured at a reduced rate.
Anti-theft System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and will save you 10% or more.
Organization Discounts - Affiliation with certain professional organizations is a good way to get lower rates on auto insurance.
Student Driver Training - Cut your cost by having your teen driver complete a driver education course if offered at their school.
Senior Discount - If you're over the age of 55, you may receive a small decrease in premiums.
Drive Less and Save - Low mileage vehicles can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
Homeowners Savings - Owning a house in Green Bay can help you save on auto insurance because maintaining a house is proof that your finances are in order.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. Just because it seems like you could get a free auto insurance policy, you won't be that lucky.

To choose companies with discount auto insurance rates in Green Bay, click here to view.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Wisconsin drivers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance from the likes of Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. They all seem to make an identical promise about savings if you change your coverage to them.

How do they all say the same thing?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that makes them money. For example, a desirable insured might be profiled as between 30 and 50, owns a home, and has a high credit rating. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and as a result will probably cut their rates substantially.

Potential customers who are not a match for the "perfect" profile will have to pay higher prices and ends up with business not being written. The ads say "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much money. That is how companies can truthfully state the savings. Because of the profiling, you should get quotes from several different companies. It's not possible to predict which company will have the lowest rates.

Different people need different coverages

When buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there is no one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions might point out whether you might need professional guidance.

What are Wisconsin no-fault laws?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?
Am I getting all the discounts available?
Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
Should I buy additional glass protection?

If you're not sure about those questions, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, fill out this quick form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.

Even more information can be found at the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance website. Wisconsin drivers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, read consumer alerts, find out which companies have the most complaints, and view a list of available companies.

A tidy conclusion

As you restructure your insurance plan, never buy poor coverage just to save money. There are many occasions where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that they should have had better coverage. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford.

The cheapest auto insurance can be sourced on the web as well as from independent agents in Green Bay, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance companies don't offer online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.