How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in St Joseph

No one cherishes buying auto insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much. Consumers have many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have a selection, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

It's important to compare rates occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the best rates last year the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. There is a lot of bad information regarding auto insurance on the web, but I'm going to show you some great ways to save money.

Finding the best rates in St Joseph is quite easy. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using this strategy. Michigan drivers only need an understanding of the most effective way to shop for auto insurance over the internet.

These discounts can lower your rates

Car insurance companies don't list all their discounts very clearly, so the following is a list of some of the best known and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you're paying more than you need to.

  • Bundle and Save - When you combine your home and auto insurance with one insurance company you may earn approximately 10% to 15%.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles can reduce accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • College Student - Kids in college living away from home attending college and do not have access to a covered vehicle can be insured at a reduced rate.
  • Homeowners Savings - Owning a house in St Joseph can help you save on auto insurance due to the fact that maintaining a home demonstrates responsibility.
  • Federal Employees - Being employed by or retired from a federal job may qualify you for a discount with select insurance companies.
  • Theft Prevention System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Sign Online - A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 simply for signing over the internet.

It's important to understand that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. So even though they make it sound like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it doesn't quite work that way.

To see a list of companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Michigan, click here to view.

Michigan auto insurance quotes

Automobile Insurance Quotes in St Joseph, MI

Most companies like GEICO, State Farm and Progressive quote prices on the web. Getting online quotes is quite easy as you just type in your coverage preferences as detailed in the form. Once you submit the form, their system will obtain your driving record and credit report and returns a price quote. Quoting online simplifies rate comparisons, but the time required to go to many different websites and complete many quote forms can be a bit repetitive. But it's very important to compare as many rates as possible if you are searching for better auto insurance pricing.

The preferred way to get multiple rate quotes requires only one form that obtains quotes from many companies. The form is fast, requires less work, and makes online quotes much more enjoyable. After sending your information, it is quoted and you can select any one of the price quotes you receive. If the quotes result in lower rates, you can simply submit the application and purchase coverage. It can be completed in a matter of minutes and can result in significant savings.

To quickly find out what other companies charge, click here to open in new window and complete the simple form. If you have your current policy handy, we recommend you copy the insurance coverages exactly as they are listed on your policy. This makes sure you will have rate quotes based on the exact same insurance coverage.

You have some control over your rates

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that may reward you with big savings.

The following are some of the items auto insurance companies consider when setting rates.

  • More people means more accidents - Living in less populated areas can be a good thing when buying auto insurance. Drivers who live in large cities have much more traffic and longer commute times. Fewer drivers translates into fewer accidents and a lower car theft rate.
  • Bundling policies can get discounts - Many insurers will give a discount to people who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you may still want to compare rates to ensure the best deal.
  • Mature drivers pay less - Teenage drivers in Michigan are known to be more careless behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Parents adding a teenage driver to your auto insurance policy can be quite pricey. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, file fewer claims and get fewer tickets.
  • Lower deductibles cost more - Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply are colliding with a building, vandalism, and rolling your vehicle. Deductibles for physical damage are how much you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. The more expense you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the lower your rates will be.

Different people need different coverages

When choosing coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Everyone's needs are different so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions might point out whether you would benefit from professional advice.

  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
  • Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Michigan?
  • Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in St Joseph?
  • Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
  • Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and can provide invaluable advice.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Michigan drivers can't get away from ads for cheaper car insurance by GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all seem to make an identical promise of big savings after switching to their company.

How does each company say the same thing?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that is profitable for them. A good example of a desirable insured might be profiled as a mature driver, owns a home, and has great credit. A propective insured who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and as a result will probably save when switching.

Consumers who are not a match for these standards will have to pay higher rates and ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say "people who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the savings. Because of the profiling, drivers must get as many comparisons as possible. It's not possible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

Best coverage at the best price

As you prepare to switch companies, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many instances, an insured cut collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate.

Low-cost auto insurance can be bought on the web and also from your neighborhood St Joseph agents, and you need to price shop both to get a complete price analysis. There are still a few companies who may not provide the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.

St Joseph auto insurance quote

For more Michigan car insurance information

More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation website. Michigan drivers can view agent and company licensing information, read consumer alerts, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and report car insurance fraud.