I can’t think of a single person who likes having to buy auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are through the roof. Drivers have so many car insurance companies to pick from, and though it is a good thing to be able to choose, lots of choices makes it harder to find a good deal.
Cutting your auto insurance rates is a fairly straight forward process. The only requirement is to spend a little time to compare rate quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.
The first (and easiest) way consumers can analyze rates is an all-inclusive rate comparison (click to open form in new window). This easy form saves time by eliminating boring form submissions for each company. Taking the time to complete one form will return price quotes .
Another way to obtain and compare quotes online requires a visit to the website for each individual company to request a price quote. For sake of this example, let’s assume you want comparison quotes from GEICO, Progressive and Travelers. To get rate quotes you would need to spend time on each company’s site to enter your coverage information, and that’s why the first method is more popular. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in your area, click here.
The least efficient way of comparing rate quotes is driving around to different agent offices. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you require the personal advice only provided by licensed agents. It is possible to get the lowest quotes online but buy from a local insurance agent and you’ll learn how to do that later.
It doesn’t matter which method you choose, just be sure to compare exactly the same deductibles and coverage limits with each company. If you compare mixed coverages it will be next to impossible to determine the lowest rate for your Audi 100 S.
Insurance can be prohibitively expensive, but you may find discounts that you may not even be aware of. Some discounts apply automatically when you complete an application, but some must be inquired about in order for you to get them. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you’re just leaving money on the table.
Drivers should understand that most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies wouldn’t make money that way. But all discounts will reduce your premiums.
Certain consumers would rather get advice from a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Licensed agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is you may find the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. And supporting local insurance agencies is especially important in smaller rural communities.
By using this quick form, the quote information is emailed to participating agents who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. How cool is that?!
When looking for a local agent, there are two different agency structures to choose from. Agencies can either be captive or independent. While both can write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning how they are different since it may influence your selection of an agent.
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage amongst many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally and that require little work on your part.
When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you contact multiple independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Captive agencies can only write with one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to compare other company’s rates so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. They receive extensive training on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.
For a complete listing of agents, visit this page.
Deciding on a car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
Upon getting positive feedback to your questions and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that can insure your vehicles.
Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that help determine your auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.
When trying to cut insurance costs, make sure you don’t buy poor coverage just to save money. In many cases, someone sacrificed physical damage coverage only to regret that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.
We just covered some good ideas how to shop for Audi 100 S insurance online. The key concept to understand is the more times you quote, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may even find the lowest rates come from the least-expected company. Some small companies may have significantly lower rates on certain market segments than their larger competitors like Allstate or State Farm.