Easy Methods to Cut Costs on Springfield Car Insurance

Are you overwhelmed by the dozens of car insurance options in Springfield? Lot's of other consumers are too. Drivers have so many choices that it can turn into a real challenge to compare prices.

It's important to do rate comparisons at least once a year because rates are constantly changing. If you had the lowest price two years ago you can probably find a better price now. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because you're about to learn the fastest and easiest way to get good coverage at a lower rate.

Finding affordable coverage in Springfield is quite easy. In a nutshell, every driver who has to buy car insurance should be able to save money. Nevertheless, Louisiana car owners do need to know how big insurance companies market on the web because it can help you find the best coverage.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Springfield

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that come into play when calculating your car insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with big savings.

  • Pleasure use saves money - The more you drive in a year the more you will pay for car insurance. Most companies rate vehicles determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars not used for work or commuting receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your car insurance policy properly reflects the correct driver usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
  • Safer cars cost less to insure - Vehicles with good safety scores get lower rates. These vehicles result in less severe injuries and fewer injuries means lower claim amounts passed on to you as lower rates.
  • More claims means more premium - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can pretty much guarantee higher rates. Car insurance companies in Louisiana generally give discounts to policyholders who file claims infrequently. Insurance coverage is meant to be used in the event of the large, substantial claims.
  • What type of vehicle do you drive? - The performance level of the vehicle you own makes a big difference in determining your rates. The lowest rates are for low performance passenger cars, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
  • How's your driving record? - Your driving citation history has a big impact on rates. Good drivers have lower premiums than people who have multiple driving citations. Even a single citation can increase rates forty percent or more. Drivers who have severe citations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state motor vehicle department in order to drive a vehicle legally.
  • Multi-policy discounts can save money - The majority of insurance companies will give a discount to policyholders who have multiple policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you still need to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal. Consumers may find a better deal by buying car insurance from a different company.
  • Men fork out a little more - Statistics demonstrate women tend to be less risk to insure than men. However, don't assume that women are better drivers. They both have accidents in similar numbers, but the males cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. They also get more serious tickets such as reckless driving.

Louisiana car insurance quotes

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies that sell car insurance do not list all their discounts very well, so we researched some of the more common as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving.

  • Life Insurance Discount - Larger companies have a break if you buy auto and life insurance together.
  • Military Rewards - Being deployed with a military unit can result in better rates.
  • Federal Government Employee - Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with select insurance companies.
  • Sign Early and Save - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching to them prior to your current policy expiration. It can save you around 10%.
  • Theft Prevention System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and will save you 10% or more.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • Drive Less and Save - Keeping the miles down could be rewarded with a substantially lower rate.

It's important to understand that some of the credits will not apply the the whole policy. Most only apply to individual premiums such as collision or personal injury protection. So despite the fact that it appears having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it doesn't quite work that way.

To choose companies with the best car insurance discounts in Louisiana, click here.

Is there truth in advertising?

Car insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive regularly use television and radio advertisements. They all seem to have a common claim of big savings if you move to them. But how can every company make the same claim?

All the different companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that makes them money. For instance, a desirable insured could be between 30 and 50, has no tickets, and chooses high deductibles. A customer that hits that "sweet spot" is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to save a lot of money.

Drivers who don't measure up to this ideal profile will have to pay higher premiums and this can result in business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That's the way insurance companies can confidently state the savings. Because of the profiling, you should get quotes from several different companies. Because you never know which car insurance company will give you the biggest savings.

Find out more about car insurance

More tips and info about car insurance is located at the Louisiana Department of Insurance website. Consumers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, find disaster information, and download brochures.

Other informative sites include Auto Insurance 101 and this page where you can research Springfield insurance agents.

car insurance in Springfield

Final considerations

When buying insurance coverage, don't be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, an insured dropped liability coverage limits only to discover later that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.

Low-cost car insurance is definitely available from both online companies and with local Springfield insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.

Drivers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as delays in paying claims, delays in responding to claim requests, extreme rates for teen drivers or even high prices. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.