Tightwads Tips for Saving on Moreno Valley Auto Insurance

Scraping up a payment for overpriced auto insurance can dwindle your personal savings and make it impossible to make ends meet. Doing a price comparison is a smart way to tighten up your finances.

Drivers have so many to buy insurance from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, too many choices makes it more difficult to compare rates.

The purpose of this post is to teach you how to get online quotes. If you are paying for car insurance now, you stand a good chance to be able to lower your premiums substantially using this information. But California consumers do need to know the methods companies use to price insurance differently and use this information to your advantage.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but discounts can save money and there are some available to reduce the price significantly. Most are applied at quote time, but lesser-known reductions have to be asked about in order for you to get them.

  • Government Employees - Active or retired federal employment may qualify you for a discount with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • Paperwork-free - A handful of insurance companies may give you up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Being a member of a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break when shopping for auto insurance.
  • Low Mileage Discounts - Fewer annual miles can earn lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
  • Lower Rates for Military - Having a deployed family member may qualify for rate reductions.
  • Save with a New Car - Adding a new car to your policy is cheaper due to better safety requirements for new cars.
  • Senior Citizens - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get a small decrease in premiums.
  • Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comp or med pay. Just because it seems like all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will bring down the amount you have to pay.

How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to big savings.

The following are a few of the "ingredients" used by your company to calculate prices.

  • High numbers of claims are not good - If you file claims often, you can expect higher rates. Companies in California provide lower rates to people who do not file claims often. Insurance coverage is intended for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.
  • Your location is important - Residing in less populated areas can save you money when talking about auto insurance. City drivers tend to have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Less people living in that area means a lower chance of having an accident.
  • Proper usage rating affects rates - Driving more miles in a year's time the higher your rate. Almost all companies charge to insure your cars based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles not used for work or commuting qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
  • Marriage brings a discount - Having a spouse can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other translates into being more mature than a single person and it's proven that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
  • Liability coverage is peace of mind - Liability coverage is the protection when you are found liable for personal injury or accident damage. It provides for a legal defense which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability insurance is quite affordable when compared with rates for comp and collision, so buy as much as you can afford.

Insurance agents can help

When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Everyone's situation is a little different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For example, these questions can help discover whether your personal situation could use an agent's help.

  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
  • What are the financial responsibility laws in California?
  • Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
  • Are rental cars covered under my policy?
  • Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

Save $429 a year? Really?

Auto insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO continually stream television and radio advertisements. They all say the same thing that you'll save big after switching your coverage to them. How does each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the type of customer that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer might be over the age of 40, has no prior claims, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for these standards will be quoted more money which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much money. This is how companies can advertise the way they do.

This emphasizes why drivers should get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Learn more about auto insurance in California

Much more information about auto insurance in California can be found on the website for the California Department of Insurance located here. Visitors are able to download brochures, view agent and company licensing information, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and get help finding coverage.

California auto insurance quotes

Do the work, save more money

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the savings was not a smart move. Your strategy should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Discount auto insurance can be purchased both online as well as from independent agents in Moreno Valley, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some auto insurance companies don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.