6 Discounts Rapid River Drivers Forget when Shopping for Car Insurance

If you've never shopped for car insurance online, you may be overwhelmed by the vast number of car insurance companies all offering big savings in Rapid River.

It's important to compare prices occasionally since rates are constantly changing. If you had the best deal a few years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. Starting right now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because we're going to show you the only way to find lower rates on car insurance.

Take advantage of discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don't list every available discount very clearly, so here is a list both the well known and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes prevent accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
Theft Prevention System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies allow you one accident before your rates go up if you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
Senior Citizens - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for better car insurance rates.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. Just because it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, car insurance companies aren't that generous.

How to know if you need help

When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a "best" method to buy coverage. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's.

These are some specific questions might point out whether your personal situation would benefit from an agent's advice.

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?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
What are the financial responsibility laws in Michigan?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?

If you're not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and you can get the answers you need.

Are car insurance companies telling the truth?

Consumers in Michigan get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by Allstate and Progressive. All the ads make an identical promise about savings if you move to their company.

How does each company claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that earns them a profit. An example of a preferred risk might be between 25 and 40, owns a home, and has a short commute. Any new 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 will be charged more money and ends up with the customer not buying. The ad wording is "customers who switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That is how companies can truthfully make the claims of big savings. That is why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's just too difficult to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

For more Michigan car insurance information

Even more information is available at the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, and view a list of available companies.

And the best car insurance company is...

As you shop your coverage around, never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. Too many times, an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

People who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, policy non-renewal, unfair underwriting practices and even an unsatisfactory settlement offer. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new car insurance company is less work than it seems.

Cheap car insurance is possible both online and also from your neighborhood Rapid River agents, so you should compare both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.