Finding Cheap Pleasanton Auto Insurance

Nobody I know likes having to buy auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are too high. There are many to pick from, and even though it's nice to be able to choose, it makes it harder to compare rates.

Shopping for affordable protection in Pleasanton is easy if you know what you're doing. If you have a current auto insurance policy or are shopping for new coverage, you will benefit by learning to get lower rates while maximizing coverage. California vehicle owners just need to know the tricks to get comparison quotes over the internet.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that could result in big savings.

  • Add-on coverages can add up - There are a ton of additional coverages that you can get tricked into buying if you aren't careful. Coverages for roadside assistance, accidental death and motor club memberships may be costing you every month. They may seem like a good idea when you first buy your policy, but if you don't need them eliminate them to save money.
  • Better credit means lower rates - A driver's credit history is a important factor in determining your rates. So if your credit is not that good, you could save money insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit. Drivers with high credit scores tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records as compared to drivers with lower credit scores.
  • Your location is important - Living in less populated areas is a positive aspect when buying auto insurance. Drivers who live in large cities regularly have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Less people living in that area means fewer accidents as well as less vandalism and auto theft.
  • Rate your vehicle for proper use - Driving more miles each year the more you'll pay to insure your vehicle. Most companies price each vehicle's coverage based on how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks not used for work or commuting receive lower rates than those used for commuting. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.

auto insurance in Pleasanton

Automobile Insurance Quotes in Pleasanton, CA

Reducing your insurance rates is actually quite simple. Just invest a little time to compare quotes online with multiple companies. This can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

  1. The fastest way to get quotes is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This easy form saves time by eliminating separate quote forms to each individual auto insurance company. A single form gets rate comparisons from many national carriers.
  2. A less efficient way to compare rate quotes is spending the time to visit the website for every company you want to comare to complete a price quote. For sake of this example, we'll pretend you want to compare , and . To find out each rate you need to spend time on each company's site and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is more popular. To view a list of companies in Pleasanton, click here.

It's up to you which method you use, but make absolute certain that you use identical information with each company. If each company quotes higher or lower deductibles it's not possible to make an equal comparison in Pleasanton.

Take advantage of discounts

Insurance can be prohibitively expensive, but there are discounts available to reduce the price significantly. Some discounts apply automatically at the time of quoting, but less common discounts must be inquired about before you will receive the discount. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Driver Safety - Taking part in a course teaching defensive driving skills can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • New Vehicle Savings - Adding a new car to your policy can cost up to 25% less due to better safety requirements for new cars.
  • Military Rewards - Being on active duty in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
  • Good Student - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you well after school through age 25.
  • Organization Discounts - Affiliation with a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates when buying auto insurance.
  • Senior Discount - If you're over the age of 55, you may be able to get reduced rates.
  • Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver enroll in driver's education if it's offered in school.

Consumers should know that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Even though it may seem like all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will bring down your overall premium however.

To choose insurers who offer auto insurance discounts in California, click here to view.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

California drivers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm. All the companies make an identical promise that you'll save big after switching to them.

How does each company say the same thing?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that makes them money. For instance, a profitable customer might be profiled as over the age of 50, owns a home, and has great credit. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and most likely will save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for these standards must pay more money and ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save money. That is how companies can advertise the savings.

This illustrates why you need to get as many quotes as possible. It's not possible to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

How to know if you need help

When buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so your insurance should reflect that These are some specific questions might point out whether your personal situation may require specific advice.

  • Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
  • Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
  • When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
  • Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
  • Should I buy only the required California minimum liability coverage?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.

Much more information about auto insurance in California is located on the website for the California Department of Insurance located here. California drivers can discover disciplinary actions, find out industry alerts, view agent and company licensing information, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Other informative sites include this resource for California auto insurance prices and this link which helps you find a Pleasanton agent.

Pleasanton auto insurance quote

And the best car insurance company is...

Discount auto insurance can be purchased on the web and with local Pleasanton insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. There are still a few companies who do not offer online price quotes and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

When you buy insurance online, make sure you don't reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.