How to Know You're Throwing Money Away for Auto Insurance in Harrison Valley

Are you sick and tired of not being able to afford each month for car insurance? You're in the same situation as the majority of other car owners in Pennsylvania.

Since consumers have many companies and agents to choose from, it can be impossible to locate the best insurance company.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance companies don't list every discount very well, so we break down both well-publicized as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using.

  • Driver's Ed - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver's ed class in school.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Anti-theft System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and will save you 10% or more.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Participating in a professional or civic organization is a good way to get lower rates when shopping for auto insurance.

Keep in mind that most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Just because it seems like you could get a free auto insurance policy, it just doesn't work that way.

compare Harrison Valley auto insurance rates

Learn How to Buy Auto Insurance Cheaper

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" that factor into prices.

  • Small claims can cost you - Companies in Pennsylvania award discounts to drivers who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you frequently file small claims, you can expect either higher rates or even cancellation. Car insurance is designed for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Better credit scores mean better rates - Having a bad credit score is a important factor in your rate calculation. Therefore, if your credit history is lower than you'd like, you could potentially save money when insuring your by improving your rating. Consumers who have high credit scores tend to be less risk to insure than those with poor credit.
  • Do you have enough liability coverage? - Liability insurance will protect you when a court rules you are at fault for damages caused by your negligence. Liability insurance provides for a legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
  • Your job and insurance rates - Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Careers like lawyers, business owners and stock brokers are shown to have the highest rates because of high stress and long work hours. On the other hand, jobs such as farmers, students and homemakers pay the least.
  • Safer cars are cheaper to insure - Safer cars can get you lower premiums. The safest vehicles have better occupant injury protection and lower injury rates translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims passed on to you as lower rates.
  • Rate your vehicle for proper use - The more miles you rack up on your car every year the higher your rate. The majority of insurers apply a rate based on their usage. Cars and trucks that are left in the garage qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Verify your auto insurance policy properly reflects how each vehicle is driven.
  • Little extras can really add up - There are many extra bells and whistles that can waste your money on your auto insurance policy. Things like personal injury protection, accident forgiveness and membership fees may be costing you every month. These coverages may sound good when you first buy your policy, but your needs may have changed so remove them from your policy.
  • Pay less if you're married - Having a spouse can actually save you money on your policy. Having a significant other usually means you are more mature and it's proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. They all make an identical promise that you can save if you switch your policy. But how can every company make almost identical claims?

Different companies can use profiling for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer could possibly be a mature driver, is a homeowner, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and therefore will save a lot of money.

Potential customers who do not match this ideal profile will be quoted higher prices and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads say "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That's why insurance companies can advertise the savings. This emphasizes why drivers should get as many comparisons as possible. It's impossible to know the company that will give you the biggest savings.

Additional detailed information can be found at the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website. Pennsylvania consumers can download brochures, find out industry alerts, find out which companies have the most complaints, and read industry bulletins.

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

Affordable insurance is out there

As you prepare to switch companies, do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Affordable auto insurance can be found online in addition to many Harrison Valley insurance agents, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.