Easy Tips to Pay Less on Metairie Auto Insurance

Shopping for the lowest cost Metairie auto insurance on the internet can seem to be challenging for people who are new to online price comaprisons. With dozens of insurance companies available, how can consumers even start to compare them all to find the best available rates?

If you have a policy now or are shopping for new coverage, you can use these techniques to find better prices while maximizing coverage. This article will teach you how to get online quotes and some tricks to saving. Louisiana drivers only need an understanding of the most efficient way to compare rates on the web.

Where Can I Get Cheap Metairie Auto Insurance?

Getting better auto insurance pricing can be relatively painless. Consumers just need to invest a little time to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

The first (and easiest) way to find the lowest comparison rates is a comparison rater form (click to open form in new window). This method eliminates the need for repetitive form submissions for every auto insurance company. A single, simple form gets you price quotes from multiple companies. This is perfect if you don't have a lot of time.

A less efficient way to shop for auto insurance online requires a trip to the website of each company and fill out their own quote form. For sake of this example, we'll pretend you want comparison quotes from , and . To get rate quotes you would need to spend time on each company's site to input your insurance information, which is why most consumers use the first method.

For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Metairie, click here.

The least efficient way of getting rate comparisons is to waste gas driving to and from local Metairie insurance agencies. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you prefer the professional guidance of a local Metairie agent. You can, however, compare the best prices online but buy from a local insurance agent and we'll touch on that later.

Whichever way you use, make sure you use the exact same quote information for every quote you compare. If each company quotes mixed coverages it will be next to impossible to determine the best price in Metairie.

You have some control over your rates

It's important that you understand some of the elements that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. Understanding what determines base rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

Shown below are a few of the "ingredients" auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

An active claims history can cost you - Companies in Louisiana provide better rates to policyholders who are claim-free. If you file claims often, you can expect either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Auto insurance is intended to be relied upon for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.
More miles equals more premium - The higher the mileage driven in a year's time the higher your rate. Most insurance companies price each vehicle's coverage determined by how the vehicle is used. Vehicles left parked in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance declarations sheet is showing the correct usage for each vehicle.
Protect your assets with liability insurance - Your policy's liability coverage is the protection when a jury decides you are liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides for a legal defense starting from day one. Liability insurance is quite affordable as compared to coverage for physical damage, so buy as much as you can afford.
Your car's features help determine rates - Purchasing a vehicle that has an advanced theft prevention system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention devices like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping your car from being stolen.
How credit affects auto insurance rates - Having a bad credit score is a large factor in determining what you pay for auto insurance. Drivers who have high credit scores tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers who have lower credit scores. If your credit is low, you could be paying less to insure your by repairing your credit.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Companies offering auto insurance do not advertise every discount in an easy-to-find place, so we break down some of the best known and the more hidden auto insurance savings. If they aren't giving you every credit you deserve, you're just leaving money on the table.

Government Employees - Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.
Discount for Life Insurance - Larger companies have lower rates if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
Club Memberships - Affiliation with certain professional organizations could qualify you for a break when shopping for auto insurance.
Pay Now and Pay Less - If you pay your bill all at once rather than paying monthly you may reduce your total bill.
Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can avoid accidents and will save you 10% or more.
Discount for Swiching Early - A few companies offer discounts for signing up before your current policy expires. The savings is around 10%.
Air Bag Discount - Cars that have air bags or automatic seat belts can get savings of up to 25% or more.
Low Mileage Discounts - Low mileage vehicles can earn lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.

Consumers should know that most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like it's possible to get free car insurance, companies don't profit that way.

For a list of insurance companies with discount auto insurance rates in Metairie, follow this link.

Insurance agents can help

When it comes to choosing adequate coverage for your personal vehicles, there is no one size fits all plan. Each situation is unique.

For example, these questions can help discover whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?
Am I getting all the discounts available?
Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form. It's fast, free and can provide invaluable advice.

More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the Louisiana Department of Insurance website. Louisiana drivers can download brochures, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

Best coverage at the best price

Consumers leave their current company for many reasons like high rates after DUI convictions, delays in paying claims, questionable increases in premium and unfair underwriting practices. No matter why you want to switch, finding the right auto insurance provider is not as hard as you think.

While you're price shopping online, never reduce needed coverages to save money. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret they didn't purchase enough coverage. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

Cost effective auto insurance can be sourced on the web and also from your neighborhood Metairie agents, and you should compare price quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some companies may not provide online quoting and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.