Tightwads Tips for Saving on Manchester Car Insurance

I can't think of anyone who likes having to buy car insurance, especially when they are paying too much.

There are many to pick from, and though it is a good thing to have a selection, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to check car insurance prices occasionally since rates are constantly changing. Just because you had the best rates a few years ago you can probably find a lower rate today. Don't believe everything you read about car insurance online but we're going to give you some great ways to find affordable car insurance.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Manchester is easy if you know what you're doing. If you have car insurance now, you stand a good chance to be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. But Maryland car owners do need to know how companies sell insurance online.

Maryland car insurance

Manchester Car Insurance Quote Comparison

Most companies like State Farm and Allstate give prices for coverage online. Getting quotes is fairly straightforward as you simply enter your coverage preferences into the quote form. When the form is submitted, their rating system will obtain credit information and your driving record and gives you a price quote determined by many factors. This makes comparing rates easy, but the process of having to visit several different sites and enter the same data into a form is not the best way to spend an afternoon. Unfortunately, it is important to do this in order to get a lower rate.

A quicker way to get multiple rate quotes is to use a quote form that analyzes rates from a lot of companies. It's a real time-saver, eliminates form submissions, and makes online shopping much easier to do. After sending the form, your coverage is rated and you can choose any one of the quotes returned. If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, you can click and sign and purchase coverage. This process can be completed in a matter of minutes and you will know how your current rates stack up.

To find out how much you're overpaying now, click here and input your coverage information. If you have your current policy handy, we recommend you replicate coverages and limits just like they are on your policy. This ensures you will be getting comparison quotes for similar insurance coverage.

More discounts equal less premium

Companies that sell car insurance don't list every available discount very clearly, so the following is a list of some of the more common and the harder-to-find car insurance savings.

  • Early Signing - Select companies give a discount for switching to them before your current expiration date. This can save 10% or more.
  • Anti-lock Brake Discount - Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles are safer to drive and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Good Student - A discount for being a good student can get you a discount of up to 25%. The good student discount can last until age 25.
  • Multi-policy Discount - When you combine your home and auto insurance with the same insurance company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
  • E-sign - Certain companies will give a small break for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
  • New Car Discount - Adding a new car to your policy can be considerably cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
  • Drivers Education - Have your child take driver's ed class in school.
  • Federal Employees - Being employed by or retired from a federal job can save as much as 8% with certain companies.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
  • 55 and Retired - Mature drivers may qualify for reduced rates.

Drivers should understand that most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, companies wouldn't make money that way.

To see a list of providers offering car insurance discounts in Maryland, follow this link.

It's not one size fits all

When choosing coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a "perfect" insurance plan. Everyone's situation is unique so your insurance needs to address that. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if you would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
  • Should I buy only the required Maryland minimum liability coverage?
  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
  • Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Maryland?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area.

More detailed Maryland car insurance information can be read at the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Consumers can file complaints about a company, find out industry alerts, view agent and company licensing information, and get help finding coverage.

Additional helpful sites include III.org's auto insurance page and this directory of insurance agents in Manchester Maryland.