How to Find Cheap Willmar Auto Insurance

Searching for the cheapest Willmar auto insurance online is intimidating for consumers new to comparison shopping online. Since there are so many companies competing online, how can consumers even start to compare the different rates to find the lowest price?

It's important to get comparison quotes on a regular basis because insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best price six months ago a different company probably has better rates today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate one of the easiest ways to lower your rates without sacrificing coverage.

How much can you save with discounts?

Car insurance is not cheap, but companies offer discounts to help offset the cost. A few discounts will automatically apply at the time you complete a quote, but a few need to be requested specifically prior to getting the savings.

Anti-theft System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
Own a Home - Being a homeowner can save you money because of the fact that having a home is proof that your finances are in order.
Pay Upfront and Save - By paying your policy upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for a discount up to 10%.
Military Discounts - Being deployed with a military unit can result in better rates.
Seat Belt Usage - Buckling up and requiring all passengers to use their safety belts can save up to 15% off your PIP or medical payments premium.

As a disclaimer on discounts, some of the credits will not apply to all coverage premiums. Some only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free auto insurance policy, auto insurance companies aren't that generous. Any amount of discount will bring down the amount you have to pay.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - The majority of insurance companies give discounts to customers who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to compare other company rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
Being married is a good thing - Having a spouse actually saves money on auto insurance. Marriage usually means you are more responsible and it's proven that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
Equipment add-ons that lower auto insurance rates - Purchasing a vehicle with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all aid in stopping auto theft.
Sex matters - Statistics have proven that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that men are WORSE drivers than women. Men and women have accidents in similar percentages, but men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also get more serious tickets such as DWI and reckless driving.
Safer cars are cheaper to insure - Safer cars get lower rates. Safer cars have better occupant injury protection and lower injury rates translates into savings for insurance companies and thus lower rates.
No coverage gaps is important - Not having insurance is a misdemeanor and your next policy will cost more because you let your coverage lapse. Not only will rates go up, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance can result in a license revocation or jail time.You may have to provide proof of insurance in the form of an SR-22 filing with the Minnesota DMV.

Save 15 percent in 15 minutes? Is it for real?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive regularly use television and radio advertisements. All the ads have a common claim about savings if you move your policy. How does each company make almost identical claims?

Different companies have a preferred profile for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk could possibly be between 30 and 50, insures multiple vehicles, and has a high credit rating. A driver that hits that "sweet spot" will get very good rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't meet these standards will be charged a more expensive rate and this can result in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that kind of money. This is how companies can truthfully state the savings.

That is why drivers should quote coverage with many companies. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will have the lowest rates.

Additional information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website located here. Minnesota consumers can read consumer alerts, get help finding coverage, and view a list of available companies.

Shop smart and save

As you restructure your insurance plan, it's very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, drivers have reduced physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that they should have had better coverage. The aim is to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Cheap auto insurance is possible online in addition to many Willmar insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.

Drivers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as policy cancellation, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, unfair underwriting practices and even denial of a claim. It doesn't matter what your reason, choosing a new insurance company is less work than it seems.