Tightwads Guide to Saving on Montoursville Auto Insurance

No one enjoys paying for auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are through the roof. Having so many companies to choose from, it can be impossible to locate the best car insurance company.

It's important to price shop coverage periodically since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest rates on your last policy you will most likely find a better rate today. So forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the tricks you need to know to lower your annual insurance bill.

Finding the cheapest coverage in Montoursville is not that difficult. If you have insurance now or need new coverage, you can learn to shop for the lowest rates while maximizing coverage. Pennsylvania drivers only need an understanding of the proper methods to get comparison quotes online.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance is not cheap, buy you may qualify for discounts that many people don't even know exist. A few discounts will automatically apply at the time of purchase, but lesser-known reductions have to be inquired about prior to receiving the credit. If you don't get every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
Early Signing - Some insurance companies reward drivers for signing up prior to your current policy expiring. This can save 10% or more.
Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts of up to 25% or more.
Military Discounts - Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.
Low Mileage - Driving fewer miles can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
E-sign - A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 simply for signing online.
Clubs and Organizations - Affiliation with a professional or civic organization is a good way to get lower rates on your policy.

It's important to understand that most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So when the math indicates all those discounts means the company will pay you, it doesn't quite work that way. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce your overall premium however.

How to know if you need help

When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different so your insurance should reflect that These are some specific questions may help highlight whether your personal situation might need professional guidance.

Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?

If you're not sure about those questions then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can help protect your family.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Pennsylvania drivers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance from companies such as Allstate and Progressive. All the ads make an identical promise of big savings if you switch your policy.

But how can every company say the same thing?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk might be profiled as between 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and has great credit. A propective insured who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and most likely will save a lot of money.

Potential customers who don't qualify for this ideal profile will be charged higher prices and ends up with business not being written. The ads state "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that kind of money. That is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the savings.

That is why you should get quotes from several different companies. It's not possible to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

Additional Pennsylvania consumer information

Additional auto insurance information can be found on the website for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department located here. Pennsylvania drivers can find out industry alerts, file complaints about a company, download brochures, and find disaster information.

Also read more on NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of Montoursville insurance agents.

In the end, you save

When you buy insurance online, don't be tempted to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. Too many times, someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

In this article, we covered some good ideas how you can reduce auto insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more quotes you get, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers could even find that the best prices are with a small local company. Regional companies can often provide lower rates in certain areas than their larger competitors like .