Tightwads Guide for Saving on Wellington Car Insurance

I can't think of a single person who looks forward to paying for car insurance, especially when the cost is way too high.

Companies like GEICO and Progressive constantly bombard you with advertising and it can be hard to sift through the bull and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.

It's important to take a look at other company's rates occasionally because rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best price last year you can probably find a better price now. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because you're about to find out the tricks you need to know to find great coverage at a great price.

Wellington Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that help determine your car insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates enables informed choices that can help you get lower car insurance prices.

The following are a few of the "ingredients" car insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

Credit scores impact car insurance rates - Your credit history is a large factor in determining your rates. If your credit rating is not that good, you could save money insuring your by improving your credit score. Drivers who have excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than those with lower credit scores.
More miles equals more premium - Driving more miles each year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies rate vehicles based on their usage. Vehicles left parked in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your car insurance coverage is rated on the proper vehicle usage.
How's your driving record? - Careful drivers receive lower rates compared to drivers with tickets. Just one speeding ticket can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Drivers who get flagrant violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state motor vehicle department in order to keep their license.
Do men or women drive better? - Statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Women and men have accidents in similar percentages, but men have costlier accidents. Men also get cited for more serious violations such as reckless driving. Young males are several times more likely to be in an accident and are penalized with high car insurance rates.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Car insurance is not cheap, but you can get discounts to reduce the price significantly. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied when you quote, but less common discounts must be asked for prior to getting the savings.

Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more.
New Car Discount - Insuring a new car can cost up to 25% less since new cars are generally safer.
Good Student - This discount can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply well after school through age 25.
55 and Retired - If you're over the age of 55, you may be able to get better car insurance rates.
Drivers Ed for Students - Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver's ed class if it's offered in school.

Keep in mind that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like it's possible to get free car insurance, it just doesn't work that way. But any discount will reduce the amount you have to pay.

To choose providers who offer car insurance discounts in Wellington, follow this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive continually stream television and radio advertisements. All the ads say the same thing that you can save after switching to their company. How can each company make the same claim?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. For example, a preferred risk could be a mature driver, owns a home, and has great credit. A customer who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when they switch companies.

Potential customers who don't measure up to the requirements will be charged a higher premium which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can advertise the savings.

That is why you should get as many comparisons as possible. Because you never know which company will give you the biggest savings.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a best way to insure your cars. Each situation is unique and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For example, these questions might point out whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Colorado?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but one or more may apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area.

More information can be found on the website for the Colorado DORA Division of Insurance through this link. Consumers can find out industry alerts, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, file complaints about a company, and learn about insurance regulations.

Affordable insurance is out there

As you prepare to switch companies, it's a bad idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The aim is to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

Affordable car insurance can be purchased from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Wellington agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best rate selection. There are still a few companies who may not provide online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.