How to Know You're Throwing Money Away for Car Insurance in Shasta

Tired of not being able to afford each month for car insurance? You are no different than many other California drivers.

Numerous battle to insure your vehicles, so it's not easy to compare every and uncover the absolute lowest price

If you currently have a car insurance policy, you stand a good chance to be able to reduce your rates substantially using these methods. Buying car insurance in Shasta is easy if you know what you're doing. But California consumers do need to know the way companies price insurance differently.

Save big with these discounts

Companies offering auto insurance do not list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so the following is a list of both the well known and the harder-to-find car insurance savings.

  • Student Driver Training - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
  • Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with lower rates if you buy life insurance.
  • Multiple Vehicles - Insuring multiple vehicles on one policy qualifies for this discount.
  • Distant Student - Children living away from home attending college and do not have access to a covered vehicle may qualify for this discount.
  • Paperwork-free - A few companies may give you up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up on their website.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Being a member of certain professional organizations could qualify you for a break when shopping for car insurance.
  • No Accidents - Claim-free drivers pay less when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Senior Citizens - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get better car insurance rates.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

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Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that help determine the rates you pay for car insurance. Understanding what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are some of the items car insurance companies consider when setting prices.

  • Keep rates low by being claim-free - If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Companies in California provide better rates to people who are claim-free. Your insurance policy is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Your car's features help determine rates - Driving a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all hinder your car from being stolen.
  • Lower miles equals lower premium - Driving more miles every year the higher your rate. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles used primarily for pleasure use get more affordable rates than those used for commuting. Double check that your car insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage.
  • Low deductibles can be expensive - Your deductibles define the amount you are required to spend before a claim is paid by your company. Insurance for physical damage to your car, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, insures against damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply would be running into the backend of another car, damage caused by hail, or theft. The more expense you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
  • Older drivers pay less - Mature drivers are more cautious drivers, statistically cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations. Youthful drivers are known to be careless and easily distracted in a vehicle therefore car insurance rates are much higher.
  • Marriage brings a discount - Getting married can get you a discount when buying car insurance. Having a significant other means you're more mature than a single person it has been statistically shown that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Liability coverage is peace of mind - Liability coverage will protect you when you are found liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It will provide you with a defense in court which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable when compared with rates for comp and collision, so buy as much as you can afford.

Car insurance ads bend the truth

Car insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO continually stream ads on TV and radio. They all say the same thing that you'll save big after switching to their company. How do they all claim to save you money? This is how they do it.

Insurance companies can use profiling for the driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a driver they prefer might be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no tickets, and has great credit. Any driver who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and most likely will cut their rates substantially.

Potential customers who fall outside the "perfect" profile will be quoted higher prices which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state "drivers who switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That's why companies can advertise the savings. This emphasizes why drivers should get a wide range of price quotes. You cannot predict the company that will fit your personal profile best.

More California car insurance information

More detailed California car insurance information can be read at the California Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to download brochures, view a list of available companies, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and report car insurance fraud.

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The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

When you buy insurance online, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where an insured dropped collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The proper strategy is to buy a smart amount of coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

Discount car insurance can be purchased both online and also from your neighborhood Shasta agents, and you should compare price quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.