How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in State College

No one in their right mind looks forward to paying for auto insurance, in particular when the cost is too high.

Big-name insurance companies like GEICO and Progressive increase brand awareness with fancy advertisements and it is challenging if not impossible to sift through the bull and do the work needed to find the best deal.

If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to reduce your rates substantially using this strategy. Finding the best rates in State College is easy if you know what you're doing. But Pennsylvania drivers do need to know how companies determine prices.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, buy you may qualify for discounts to help offset the cost. Some trigger automatically at the time of quoting, but some may not be applied and must be requested specifically before you will receive the discount.

Lower Rates for Military - Being deployed with a military unit can result in better rates.
Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles with anti-theft systems help deter theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Drivers Ed for Students - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver's ed class in high school.
Claim Free - Good drivers with no accidents pay less when compared to drivers who are more careless.
Clubs and Organizations - Participating in a civic or occupational organization may earn a discount when shopping for auto insurance.
Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
Seat Belt Usage - Buckling up and requiring all passengers to use their safety belts could cut 10% or more off your PIP or medical payments premium.
More Vehicles More Savings - Buying coverage for multiple cars or trucks on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
Multiple Policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.

Consumers should know that some of the credits will not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. So when the math indicates all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will reduce the cost of coverage.

Tips to Get Lower State College Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

The list below includes some of the items used by your company to calculate prices.

Save money with special equipment - Owning a car with a theft deterrent system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft devices such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system can help prevent auto theft.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - The majority of insurance companies provide better rates to customers who consolidate policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can add up to 10 percent or more. Even though this discount sounds good, it's still a good idea to compare other company rates to verify if the discount is saving money.
Keep rates low by being claim-free - Companies in Pennsylvania generally give cheaper rates to people who do not file claims often. If you are a frequent claim filer, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Your insurance policy is designed for larger claims.
Rates may be lower depending on your job - Careers like real estate brokers, social workers and dentists have the highest average rates due to stressful work requirements and long work days. Other occupations such as scientists, historians and the unemployed get better rates.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to buying coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's and your policy should reflect that. For instance, these questions might point out whether you would benefit from an agent's advice.

Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?
Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?

If you can't answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

How can State Farm, Allstate and GEICO save drivers who switch?

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO regularly use ads on television and other media. They all have a common claim that you'll save big if you move your coverage to them. How can each company make almost identical claims? It's all in the numbers.

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that earns them a profit. A good example of a driver they prefer could possibly be between 25 and 40, owns a home, and has a high credit rating. A customer getting a price quote that hits that "sweet spot" will qualify for the lowest rates and as a result will probably save when they switch companies.

Potential insureds who are not a match for the requirements will be quoted more money and this can result in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ad wording is "customers who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much money. That is how companies can state the savings.

This emphasizes why drivers should get as many quotes as possible. It's impossible to know which company will have the lowest rates.

For more Pennsylvania car insurance information

Much more information about auto insurance in Pennsylvania can be read on the website for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department found here. Pennsylvania consumers can view a list of available companies, read consumer alerts, download brochures, and read industry bulletins.

Shop smart and save

As you restructure your insurance plan, it's a bad idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where an insured cut full coverage and found out when filing a claim that they should have had better coverage. The proper strategy is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.

Discount auto insurance is possible online as well as from independent agents in State College, so you should compare both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.