Best Way to Find Low-Cost Portland Auto Insurance

Finding the lowest price for Portland auto insurance can be a challenge if you have never used online price comparisons. But don't let that discourage you because using the internet to shop for auto insurance is actually quite easy.

It's important to check auto insurance prices occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the best rates last year you can probably find a better price now. There is a lot of wrong information about auto insurance on the web, but we're going to give you some great ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.

The purpose of this post is to introduce you to the most effective way to quote insurance and some tips to save money. If you are paying for car insurance now, you stand a good chance to be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. North Dakota consumers only need to know the most effective way to shop their coverage around on the web.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get big savings.

Shown below are some of the items companies use to determine your rates.

Better credit means lower rates - Your credit score is a huge factor in determining your rates. Drivers with high credit scores tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records as compared to drivers with lower credit ratings. Therefore, if your credit is low, you could save money insuring your by improving your rating.
Bundling policies can get discounts - Some companies give discounts to people who buy several policies from them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount it's in your best interest to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Lower deductibles cost more - Physical damage coverage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, protects your car from damage. Examples of covered claims are running into the backend of another car, vandalism, and burglary. Your deductibles are the amount of money you are willing to pay out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. The more expense you're willing to pay, the lower your rates will be.
More claims means more premium - Insurance companies in North Dakota provide discounts to insureds who file claims infrequently. If you frequently file small claims, you can definitely plan on either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Insurance coverage is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance is not cheap, but there are discounts available that you may not know about. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at quote time, but some may not be applied and must be asked for in order for you to get them. If you don't get every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can avoid accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Theft Prevention System - Anti-theft and alarm systems are stolen less frequently and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Homeowners Savings - Being a homeowner may trigger a auto insurance policy discount because maintaining a house demonstrates responsibility.
Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts of 20% or more.
Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with certain companies.
Discount for Swiching Early - Select companies give a discount for signing up prior to your current policy expiration. The savings is around 10%.
Low Mileage - Low mileage vehicles could qualify for lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.

A little note about advertised discounts, most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. So even though they make it sound like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will help reduce your premiums.

To choose providers with discount auto insurance rates in North Dakota, follow this link.

Switch companies and save? Really?

North Dakota drivers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like Allstate and Progressive. All the ads say the same thing about savings if you change to them.

But how can every company say the same thing? This is how they do it.

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that makes them money. A good example of a preferred risk might be profiled as a mature driver, owns a home, and has great credit. A propective insured who fits that profile will qualify for the lowest rates and therefore will save a lot of money.

Potential insureds who do not match this ideal profile will be charged more money which usually ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is "drivers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. That is how companies can truthfully advertise the savings.

That is why you should get quotes from several different companies. It's not possible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

It's not one size fits all

When buying coverage for your vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone's situation is unique.

Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if you would benefit from professional advice.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?

If you don't know the answers to these questions then you might want to talk to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It is quick, free and may give you better protection.

For more North Dakota car insurance information

Additional information can be read on the North Dakota Insurance Department website. Click here for link. North Dakota drivers can find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, and report car insurance fraud.

Other informative sites include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Portland insurance agents.

Best coverage at the best price

As you prepare to switch companies, don't be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, an insured cut full coverage and found out when filing a claim that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The aim is to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.

The cheapest auto insurance can be sourced on the web and with local Portland insurance agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who do not offer online price quotes and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

Consumers leave their current company for any number of reasons including policy cancellation, lack of trust in their agent, extreme rates for teen drivers or even high prices. It doesn't matter why you want to switch switching auto insurance companies is easier than you think.