Proven Techniques to Save on Sylmar Auto Insurance

I can't think of a single person who likes having to buy auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are too high.

Drivers have multiple to pick from, and even though it's nice to have a choice, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

Automobile Insurance Quotes in Sylmar, CA

Most major insurance companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO allow you to get coverage prices on their websites. Getting online quotes is quite simple as you simply type in your coverage preferences into the quote form. Behind the scenes, their system will obtain credit information and your driving record and returns pricing information. This helps simplify price comparisons, but the time it takes to visit each company's website and repetitively complete many quote forms gets old quite quickly. Unfortunately, it is important to do this in order to find a lower rate.

There is a better way!

A less time-consuming method to get multiple rate quotes requires only one form to obtain quotes from several different companies. It's a real time-saver, eliminates form submissions, and makes online price comparison much more efficient. After sending your information, it is rated and you can select any one of the returned quotes. If the quotes result in lower rates, you simply finish the application and purchase coverage. The entire process just takes a couple of minutes and could lower your rates considerably.

To quickly find out how much you're overpaying now, click here and input your coverage information. If you have coverage now, it's recommended you input the coverage information exactly as shown on your declarations page. This way, you're receiving comparison quotes based on similar coverages.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

It's important that you understand the rating factors that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what influences your rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

  • Keep rates low by being claim-free - Companies in California give lower rates to drivers who are claim-free. If you frequently file small claims, you can pretty much guarantee either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Your insurance policy is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.
  • Bundling policies can get discounts - Many auto insurance companies provide better rates to people who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, you may still want to shop around to ensure the best deal.
  • Discounts for married couples - Having a wife or husband can get you a discount on your auto insurance policy. Having a significant other means you're more mature and it's statistically proven that married couples file fewer claims.
  • More miles equals more premium - Driving more miles each year the higher your rate. Most insurance companies price each vehicle's coverage based on their usage. Autos used primarily for pleasure use receive lower rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Double check that your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.

More discounts equal less premium

Companies that sell car insurance don't list every discount very clearly, so we researched some of the best known and the more hidden ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Federal Employees - Simply working for the federal government could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies permit an accident without raising rates if your claims history is clear for a set time period.
  • New Vehicle Savings - Insuring a new car can save up to 30% because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Payment Method - If paying your policy premium upfront rather than paying monthly you may reduce your total bill.

It's important to note that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So when it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you're out of luck.

For a list of insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in California, click this link.

It's not one size fits all

When it comes to choosing the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Each situation is unique so this has to be addressed. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if you might need professional guidance.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
  • I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
  • What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
  • Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?

If it's difficult to answer those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

Additional detailed information is located at the California Department of Insurance website. California drivers can download brochures, read consumer alerts, get help finding coverage, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Other useful links include this online resource for auto insurance quotes in California and this list of insurance agents in Sylmar.

Sylmar auto insurance quote

Affordable insurance is out there

As you prepare to switch companies, make sure you don't reduce needed coverages to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

Lower-priced auto insurance can be sourced on the web and also from your neighborhood Sylmar agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. There are still a few companies who may not provide online quoting and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.