Finding Cheap Kalamazoo Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind looks forward to buying auto insurance, in particular when the price is too high. There are many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to be able to choose, it makes it harder to compare rates.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

The list below includes some of the factors companies use to determine prices.

Claim-free discounts can add up - Companies in Michigan award lower rates to insureds who file claims infrequently. If you file claims often, you can look forward to higher rates. Your insurance policy is designed for larger claims.
One company can mean more discounts - The majority of insurers provide better rates to customers who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Careers like doctors, business owners and financial analysts tend to pay higher average rates because of high stress levels and long work days. Conversely, occupations like scientists, engineers and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
Men fork out a little more - Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that women are better drivers. Both sexes have accidents at about the same rate, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically receive more costly citations such as DWI and reckless driving.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Companies do not list every discount very clearly, so here is a list both well-publicized as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
Multiple Policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.
Save over 55 - If you're over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
Good Student - This discount can earn a discount of 20% or more. The discount lasts up to age 25.
Organization Discounts - Participating in a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates when shopping for auto insurance.
Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase life insurance.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like adding up those discounts means a free policy, auto insurance companies aren't that generous.

To choose insurance companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Michigan, click here to view.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Michigan consumers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all make an identical promise about savings if you move to them.

How does each company make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that makes them money. An example of a driver they prefer could possibly be between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A driver who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't qualify for these standards will be quoted higher prices and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ad wording is "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That is how companies can truthfully advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Insurance agents can help

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Everyone's situation is a little different so your insurance should reflect that For example, these questions might point out whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Michigan?
Am I covered by my employer's commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It is quick, free and can help protect your family.

For more Michigan car insurance information

Even more information is available at the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation website. Michigan consumers can download brochures, read consumer alerts, read industry bulletins, and learn about insurance regulations.

A tidy conclusion

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it's very important that you do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that the savings was not a smart move. Your strategy should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Cheap auto insurance is definitely available online and with local Kalamazoo insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some auto insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and these smaller companies work with independent agents.