Car Insurance in Montclair - 6 Discounts You Might be Losing Out On

People who are new to buying insurance online will discover shopping for the lowest-priced Montclair car insurance very challenging.

It's important to compare prices occasionally since rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best price last year a different company probably has better rates today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because you're about to find out the only way to properly buy coverages while reducing your premium.

These six discounts can lower your rates

Car insurance is not cheap, but you can get discounts that many people don't even know exist. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically when you complete an application, but less common discounts must be asked for before they will apply. If you aren't receiving every discount you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

  • Anti-lock Brakes - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles with anti-theft systems help deter theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • E-sign - A few companies will give a small break just for signing your application digitally online.
  • New Car Discount - Insuring a new car is cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with certain companies.
  • Early Signing - Some companies give discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. This can save 10% or more.

Keep in mind that some credits don't apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears all the discounts add up to a free policy, it just doesn't work that way. But any discount will reduce the cost of coverage.

Montclair car insurance quote

Different people need different coverages

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a "perfect" insurance plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's.

For instance, these questions might point out whether you will benefit from professional help.

  • Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
  • Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
  • Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
  • Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
  • Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
  • Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?

If you can't answer these questions but a few of them apply, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, complete this form. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and you can get the answers you need.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by Allstate and Progressive. All the ads have a common claim that you can save if you switch to their company.

How can each company make the same claim? It's all in the numbers.

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk could be between the ages of 40 and 55, owns a home, and has great credit. Any new insured that hits that "sweet spot" will get very good rates and as a result will probably save when they switch companies.

Consumers who are not a match for the requirements will be charged higher rates and this can result in business going elsewhere. The ads say "customers who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can advertise the savings.

That is why drivers should compare many company's rates. It's just too difficult to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

For more California car insurance information

More information can be found on the California Department of Insurance website found here. Consumers can find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, and get help finding coverage.

Montclair car insurance quote

A tidy conclusion

As you prepare to switch companies, it's not a good idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The aim is to find the BEST coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Drivers switch companies for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, policy non-renewal, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and even delays in paying claims. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding a new car insurance company is less work than it seems.

Affordable car insurance can be found from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Montclair agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. There are still a few companies who may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.