Westerville Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

Finding the lowest price for Westerville auto insurance can be complicated if you have never used online price comparisons. But don't let that discourage you because finding affordable coverage online is easier than you think.

It's important to do rate comparisons occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best rates a few years ago you can probably find a better price now. Don't believe everything you read about auto insurance online but we're going to give you some great ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.

Finding affordable coverage in Westerville is easy if you know what you're doing. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using this information. But Ohio vehicle owners do need to know the way companies price insurance differently.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Westerville

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get big savings.

The following are some of the items companies use to determine your rates.

  • Your credit rating is important - Your credit history is a huge factor in determining your rates. If your credit is not that good, you could save money insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit. Drivers with high credit ratings tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records as compared to drivers with lower credit scores.
  • Your location is important - Living in less populated areas has it's advantages when buying auto insurance. Drivers who live in large cities regularly have congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Lower population means fewer accidents and a lower car theft rate.
  • High numbers of claims are not good - Insurance companies in Ohio award lower rates to people who file claims infrequently. If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Insurance coverage is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.
  • Consolidate policies to earn discounts - Many insurers give discounts to people who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it's in your best interest to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Westerville auto insurance quote

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies don't always advertise every available discount very clearly, so the following is a list of some of the best known and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using.

  • Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more.
  • Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with certain companies.
  • Theft Prevention System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Driver Safety - Taking part in a course teaching defensive driving skills can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Military Rewards - Being on active duty in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
  • Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
  • Accident Free - Good drivers with no accidents pay less compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Homeowners Savings - Being a homeowner can help you save on auto insurance due to the fact that maintaining a home demonstrates responsibility.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. Just because you may think all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies don't profit that way.

To choose providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Ohio, click here to view.

Is there truth in advertising?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive continually stream television and radio advertisements. All the ads make an identical promise that you'll save big after switching to them. How does each company say the same thing? This is how they do it.

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that makes them money. A good example of a preferred risk might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't measure up to these standards will be charged more money and ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is "drivers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That is how companies can advertise the way they do. That is why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's not possible to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Every insured's situation is different.

For example, these questions might point out whether or not you might need an agent's assistance.

  • Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
  • When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
  • Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

For more Ohio car insurance information

More detailed Ohio auto insurance information can be read at the Ohio Department of Insurance website. Ohio drivers can find out industry alerts, view agent and company licensing information, and download brochures.

Other informative sites include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Westerville insurance agents.

Westerville auto insurance quote

Do the work, save more money

When shopping online for auto insurance, make sure you don't buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, an insured cut full coverage and found out when filing a claim that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The aim is to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.

People change insurance companies for any number of reasons including policy cancellation, delays in paying claims, extreme rates for teen drivers or even policy non-renewal. Regardless of your reason, switching auto insurance companies is easier than you think.

Discount auto insurance can be purchased on the web and with local Westerville insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some auto insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.