Consumer Tested Strategies to Save on River Vale Auto Insurance

I can't think of anyone who cherishes buying auto insurance, especially knowing the cost is way too high.

There is such a variety of to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have multiple companies, so many choices can make it hard to compare rates.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance companies don't always advertise all available discounts very clearly, so we took the time to find some of the best known and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using.

Multiple Cars - Having all your vehicles on one policy qualifies for this discount.
Anti-theft System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Homeowners Savings - Owning a home in River Vale can help you save on auto insurance because maintaining a house is proof that your finances are in order.
Seat Belts Save - Requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts can save 10% or more off your PIP or medical payments premium.
No Claims - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially when compared with drivers who are more careless.

Keep in mind that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. Even though it may seem like you could get a free auto insurance policy, it just doesn't work that way.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. Knowing what influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that could result in better auto insurance rates.

Lower deductibles cost more - Deductibles for physical damage represent how much money you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, protects your car from damage. Some examples of claims that would be covered are colliding with a building, damage from fire, and rolling your vehicle. The higher the amount the insured has to pay upfront, the lower your rates will be.
Multiple policies with one company can save - Some insurers will award you with lower prices to people who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, it's in your best interest to compare other company rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
Do you have enough liability coverage? - Your policy's liability coverage is the coverage that protects you if a jury decides you are liable for damages caused by your negligence. Liability insurance provides for a legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. Carrying liability coverage is mandatory and cheap as compared to coverage for physical damage, so do not cut corners here.
Never let your coverage lapse - Not having insurance can get your license suspended and auto insurance companies will penalize you for letting your insurance expire. And not only will insurance be more expensive, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance can result in a revoked license or a big fine.You may then be required to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the New Jersey DMV.

It's not one size fits all

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Every insured's situation is different so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if you will benefit from professional help.

Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Allstate, GEICO and Progressive consistently run ads in print and on television. All the companies make an identical promise that you can save if you change your policy. How does each company say the same thing? This is how they do it.

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a profitable customer might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, owns a home, and drives newer vehicles. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will get the preferred rates and therefore will save when switching.

Potential customers who do not match these standards must pay higher prices and ends up with business not being written. The ads state "drivers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That is how insurance companies can claim big savings. This illustrates why drivers should get as many comparisons as possible. It's not possible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

Additional detailed information can be found at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website. New Jersey drivers can report car insurance fraud, read consumer alerts, find out which companies have the most complaints, and find a variety of consumer forms.

Shop smart and save

Affordable auto insurance can be sourced on the web in addition to many River Vale insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

When trying to cut insurance costs, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In too many instances, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.