Proven Techniques to Save on Sullivan Auto Insurance

Nobody I know likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when they are paying too much. There are many to pick from, and even though it's nice to have multiple companies, it makes it harder to compare rates.

This information will introduce you to the most effective way to quote insurance and some tips to save money. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to reduce your rates substantially using this information. Ohio drivers only need an understanding of the most efficient way to compare company rates on the web.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but there are discounts available that you may not know about. Certain discounts will be applied when you quote, but some may not be applied and must be specially asked for prior to getting the savings. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
Multiple Cars - Buying insurance for all your vehicles on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
Life Insurance Discount - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase life insurance.
Homeowners Savings - Simply owning a home can save you money because maintaining a house demonstrates responsibility.
Good Student - Performing well in school can earn a discount of 20% or more. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.
Distant Student - Youth drivers living away from home attending college and don't have a car can receive lower rates.
Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may receive reduced rates.

Consumers should know that some of the credits will not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don't profit that way. Any qualifying discounts will bring down the amount you have to pay.

What determines how much you pay?

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that play a part in calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

Shown below are some of the items companies use to determine prices.

Claim-free discounts can add up - Companies in Ohio generally give lower rates to policyholders who file claims infrequently. If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Your insurance policy is designed for larger claims.
Multi-policy discounts can save money - Some insurance companies provide better rates to customers who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you still need to compare other company rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Lower deductibles cost more - The deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. Insurance for physical damage to your car, also known as collision and other-than-collision, covers damage that occurs to your car. Examples of covered claims could be running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, and burglary. The more expense you're willing to pay, the lower your rates will be.
Rate your vehicle for proper use - The higher the mileage driven each year the higher your rate. Most companies apply a rate determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars used primarily for pleasure use get more affordable rates compared to those used for work or business. Double check that your auto insurance declarations sheet shows the correct usage for each vehicle.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When it comes to buying coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs and your policy should reflect that. For example, these questions might point out whether or not you might need an agent's assistance.

Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Ohio?
Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Sullivan?

If you can't answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can help protect your family.

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 of big savings if you change to them.

How does each company make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a driver they prefer could possibly be between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and chooses high deductibles. A customer getting a price quote that hits that "sweet spot" will qualify for the lowest rates 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. The ad wording is "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That is how insurance companies can confidently state the savings.

This emphasizes why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. It's impossible to know which company will give you the biggest savings.

For more Ohio car insurance information

Additional auto insurance information can be read on the website for the Ohio Department of Insurance located here. Ohio consumers can download brochures, read consumer alerts, report car insurance fraud, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on this online resource for auto insurance quotes in Ohio and this list of insurance agents in Sullivan.

A tidy conclusion

When buying insurance coverage, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut collision coverage and discovered at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Cost effective auto insurance can be sourced online and with local Sullivan insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.