Comparison Shop Mill Valley Auto Insurance Prices With These Tricks

Searching for the lowest cost Mill Valley auto insurance on the internet can seem to be rather challenging for consumers new to shopping for insurance online. Because there are so many online companies, how can you even start to compare the different rates to find the best pricing?

It's important to compare prices yearly because insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best deal last year you will most likely find a better rate today. Starting right now, ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you're about to learn the only way to find lower rates on auto insurance.

The purpose of this article is to teach you how car insurance quotes work and some tips to save money. If you currently have car insurance, you stand a good chance to be able to save some money using this information. Nevertheless, California drivers do need to know how companies market on the web and take advantage of how the system works.

Be sure to get all your discounts

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but discounts can save money and there are some available that can drop the cost substantially. Some trigger automatically when you quote, but lesser-known reductions have to be asked for before you get the savings.

Discount for Life Insurance - Larger companies have a break if you buy life insurance from them.
Discount for New Cars - Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper compared to insuring an older model.
Government Employees - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with select insurance companies.
Passive Restraints - Factory air bags or automatic seat belts can receive discounts of up to 25% or more.
Drive Less and Save - Keeping the miles down can qualify you for lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
Clubs and Organizations - Participating in a professional or civic organization could qualify you for a break on auto insurance.
Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for a small decrease in premiums.

It's important to understand that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. So even though it sounds like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, it doesn't quite work that way. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce the amount you have to pay.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Every situation is different.

For example, these questions can help discover whether or not you would benefit from an agent's advice.

When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
Do I qualify for additional discounts?
Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?

If you don't know the answers to these questions then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form.

Is there truth in advertising?

Auto insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive regularly use television and radio advertisements. They all seem to say the same thing of big savings if you move your coverage to them. But how can every company make almost identical claims? It's all in the numbers.

Different companies have a preferred profile for the type of customer that earns them a profit. An example of a desirable insured could possibly be between 25 and 40, has no prior claims, and drives newer vehicles. A driver who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to save a lot of money.

Drivers who don't measure up to this ideal profile will have to pay a higher premium which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much money. This is how insurance companies can confidently claim big savings.

Because of the profiling, you should compare many company's rates. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will give you the biggest savings.

Additional auto insurance information is available on the California Department of Insurance website found here. California consumers can view agent and company licensing information, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and download brochures.

Also read more on Wikipedia and this page where you can research Mill Valley insurance agents.

Shop smart and save

When trying to cut insurance costs, don't be tempted to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many instances, consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that it was a big mistake. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at the best price.

Consumers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including delays in paying claims, extreme rates for teen drivers, delays in responding to claim requests and even questionable increases in premium. Regardless of your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is less work than it seems.

Low-cost auto insurance is definitely available online as well as from independent agents in Mill Valley, so you should compare both to have the best selection. A few companies don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.