Tightwads Guide for Saving on Whitehall Car Insurance

No one in their right mind looks forward to paying for car insurance, particularly when their premiums are through the roof. Big companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive continually bombard you with TV and radio ads and it is challenging if not impossible to sift through the bull and find the best price available.

If you have a current car insurance policy or are shopping for new coverage, you will benefit by learning to find better prices while maintaining coverages. Choosing the best insurance company for you in Whitehall is quite easy. Michigan drivers only need an understanding of the most effective way to find the lowest price over the internet.

Whitehall Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that help determine the rates you pay for car insurance. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates enables informed choices that could result in better car insurance rates.

  • Extra coverages can waste money - There are a ton of additional coverages that you can get tricked into buying when buying car insurance. Insurance for personal injury protection, accidental death and term life insurance are examples of these. They may seem good when you first buy your policy, but if they're wasting money eliminate the coverages to reduce your premium.
  • Multiple policies with one company can save - Many companies will award you with lower prices to insureds who buy several policies from them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. This can amount to anywhere from five to ten percent in most cases. If you currently are using one company, you still need to comparison shop to ensure the best deal.
  • Men pay higher rates - Statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Men and women cause accidents in similar percentages, but the male of the species have costlier accidents. Men also tend to get cited for more serious violations like DUI and reckless driving. Male drivers age 16 to 19 are most likely to cause an accident and are penalized with high car insurance rates.
  • Your car's features help determine rates - Owning a car with an alarm system can help bring down rates. Theft prevention features like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can help prevent your car from being stolen.

car insurance in Whitehall

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don't always list all available discounts in a way that's easy to find, so we break down both the well known as well as the least known car insurance savings. If you aren't receiving every discount you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

  • Driver Safety - Taking a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Senior Citizens - If you're over the age of 55, you may be able to get better car insurance rates.
  • Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Student in College - Children who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may be able to be covered for less.
  • Fewer Miles Equal More Savings - Fewer annual miles can earn lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Larger companies have better rates if you take out life insurance from them.

It's important to understand that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. So even though they make it sound like you could get a free car insurance policy, it doesn't quite work that way.

To choose insurers who offer car insurance discounts in Whitehall, follow this link.

The car insurance bait and switch

Consumers in Michigan can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm. All the companies say the same thing of big savings after switching to their company.

How can each company claim to save you money?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. For example, a profitable customer might be a mature driver, owns a home, and drives newer vehicles. Any driver who fits that profile will get very good rates and therefore will save when they switch companies.

Potential customers who don't measure up to the requirements must pay higher prices which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can confidently claim big savings. This illustrates why you should get as many quotes as possible. You cannot predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Everyone's situation is a little different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

  • Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
  • Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Michigan?
  • Should I buy additional glass protection?
  • What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
  • Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Whitehall?
  • Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, simply complete this short form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.

More tips and info about car insurance can be found at the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation website. Visitors are able to discover disciplinary actions, read consumer alerts, learn about insurance regulations, and view a list of available companies.

Whitehall car insurance quote

A tidy conclusion

Low-cost car insurance can be bought both online and also from your neighborhood Whitehall agents, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies may not provide online price quotes and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

When trying to cut insurance costs, it's not a good idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that it was a big mistake. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.