Tightwads Guide for Saving on Mansfield Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind looks forward to paying for auto insurance, in particular when they are paying too much.

Big-name insurance companies like GEICO and Progressive promote their brand names with TV and radio ads and it is difficult to sift through the bull and take the time to shop coverage around.

If you are paying for car insurance now, you stand a good chance to be able to reduce your rates substantially using these methods. Buying car insurance in Mansfield is easy if you know what you're doing. But Louisiana drivers do need to know how insurance companies compete online.

Automobile Insurance Quotes in Mansfield, LA

There are several ways of comparing rate quotes from different Mansfield insurance companies. The recommended way to find the lowest rates is to use the internet to compare rates. This can be accomplished in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

The first (and easiest) way consumers can make multiple comparisons is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This method eliminates the need for separate quotation requests to each individual auto insurance company. A single form will get you rate comparisons from auto insurance companies with the best prices.

A less efficient way to get quotes online requires you to visit each individual company website and fill out their own quote form. For example, let's assume you want to compare , and . To find out each rate you need to visit each site and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is more popular.

To view a list of companies in Mansfield, click here.

Which method you use is up to you, but make absolute certain that you use exactly the same coverage information for every quote you compare. If you have unequal deductibles or liability limits it's impossible to determine the best price in Mansfield. Just a small difference in insurance coverages may result in large price differences. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that comparing more company's prices will improve the odds of getting the best offered rates.

Learn How to Buy Auto Insurance Cheaper

It's important that you understand some of the elements that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay helps enable you to make changes that could result in big savings.

Lower deductibles cost more - Your deductibles represent how much money you are required to spend before your auto insurance pays a claim. Insurance for physical damage to your car, also known as collision and other-than-collision, insures against damage to your car. Some examples of claims that would be covered could be colliding with a building, damage caused by hail, and burglary. The more expense the insured has to pay upfront, the lower your rates will be.
Multiple policies with one company can save - Many companies will award you with lower prices to customers who carry more than one policy such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can add up to anywhere from five to ten percent in most cases. Even though this discount sounds good, you still need to shop around to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
Men pay higher rates - Statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, this does not mean men are WORSE drivers than women. They both tend to get into accidents at a similar rate, but the male of the species have costlier accidents. Men also tend to get cited for more serious violations such as DWI and reckless driving. Teenage male drivers are most likely to cause an accident and thus pay the highest rates.
Your auto insurance rates can be influenced by your job - Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Occupations such as real estate brokers, architects and dentists are shown to have the highest average rates because of stressful work requirements and lots of time spent at work. Other professions such as scientists, historians and performers pay the least.

Save big with these discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don't list all available discounts in a way that's easy to find, so the following is a list of both well-publicized as well as the least known auto insurance savings.

Multiple Vehicles - Insuring multiple vehicles on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
Save over 55 - Older drivers may be able to get a discount up to 10%.
No Claims - Good drivers with no accidents pay less when compared with frequent claim filers.
Fewer Miles Equal More Savings - Fewer annual miles could qualify for lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once rather than paying monthly you could save 5% or more.
Paperless Signup - A handful of insurance companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up digitally online.
Driver Safety - Taking part in a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more depending on where you live.
Good Student - Getting good grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last well after school through age 25.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So when the math indicates all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies don't profit that way.

For a list of insurers who offer auto insurance discounts in Mansfield, follow this link.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When it comes to choosing coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Everyone's situation is a little different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. These are some specific questions might point out if your situation may require specific advice.

Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Louisiana?
Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. If you don't have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

More detailed Louisiana auto insurance information can be read at the Louisiana Department of Insurance website. Louisiana consumers can report car insurance fraud, read consumer alerts, learn about insurance regulations, and read industry bulletins.

Final considerations

Discount auto insurance can be bought online in addition to many Mansfield insurance agents, and you should be comparing both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies do not provide online quoting and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

When trying to cut insurance costs, it's a bad idea to reduce needed coverages to save money. In too many instances, an insured cut collision coverage and discovered at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your focus should be to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.