Proven Techniques to Save on Sugar Grove Auto Insurance

I can't think of a single person who likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when the price is too high. There are many to pick from, and although it's nice to have multiple companies, it makes it harder to compare rates.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies offering auto insurance do not advertise every discount very clearly, so here is a list both well-publicized and the more hidden discounts you could be receiving. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

  • Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Air Bag Discount - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of 20% or more.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - By paying your policy upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
  • Life Insurance Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
  • Homeowners Savings - Simply owning a home can save you money because of the fact that having a home requires personal responsibility.
  • Sign Early and Save - A few companies offer discounts for switching policies prior to your current policy expiring. It can save you around 10%.

As a disclaimer on discounts, some credits don't apply to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So despite the fact that it appears it's possible to get free car insurance, auto insurance companies aren't that generous.

What determines how much you pay?

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

  • An active claims history can cost you - Companies in Ohio generally give lower rates to insureds who file claims infrequently. If you file claims often, you can look forward to higher rates. Auto insurance is designed for larger claims.
  • Better credit means lower rates - Having a bad credit rating is a large factor in determining your rates. Drivers with good credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than drivers who have poor credit. If your credit history can use some improvement, you could potentially save money when insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit.
  • Special features that cut premiums - Owning a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can help prevent auto theft.
  • More miles equals more premium - The more you drive each year the higher your rate. Most companies apply a rate based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars left parked in the garage can get a lower rate compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage, because it can save money.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Each situation is unique and your policy should reflect that. For example, these questions may help highlight whether or not you may require specific advice.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
  • Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
  • When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?

If you can't answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.

Is there truth in advertising?

Ohio consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all have a common claim about savings if you move to them.

How does each company make almost identical claims?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that earns them a profit. An example of a driver they prefer could possibly be over the age of 50, a clean driving record, and has a short commute. A customer getting a price quote that hits that "sweet spot" is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't measure up to these standards will be quoted a higher premium and this can result in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That is how companies can truthfully make the claims of big savings. This emphasizes why drivers should get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which company will fit your personal profile best.

Even more information is available at the Ohio Department of Insurance website. Ohio consumers can download brochures, find out industry alerts, view a list of available companies, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on this site for auto insurance rates in Ohio and this list of insurance agents in Sugar Grove.

Ohio auto insurance

Best coverage at the best price

You just read a lot of ways to reduce auto insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. You may even discover the biggest savings come from a company that doesn't do a lot of advertising. Regional companies may have significantly lower rates on certain market segments compared to the large companies like .

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where someone dropped liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your strategy should be to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.