Comparing Low-Cost Albion Auto Insurance

Sick and tired of robbing Peter to pay Paul each month for car insurance? You're in the same situation as many other Illinois drivers. With so many choices, it can be diffult for consumers to locate the best provider.

It's important to compare prices before your policy renews since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest price a year ago a different company probably has better rates today. Ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you're about to learn the only way to lower your rates without sacrificing coverage.

Shopping for affordable coverage in Albion is easy if you know what you're doing. If you have insurance now or need new coverage, you can learn to find the best rates while maximizing coverage. Illinois consumers only need to know the tricks to get comparison rates online.

Save big with these discounts

Car insurance is not cheap, but discounts can save money and there are some available that many people don't even know exist. Some discounts apply automatically at quote time, but less common discounts must be specifically requested in order for you to get them. If you don't get every credit available, you are throwing money away.

Multi-policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with the same company you will save up to 20% off your total premium.
Employee of Federal Government - Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% with certain companies.
Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and will save you 10% or more.
Payment Discounts - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.
Multi-car Discount - Insuring more than one vehicle on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
Senior Discount - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may qualify for a small decrease in premiums.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So when it seems like it's possible to get free car insurance, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will help reduce your overall premium however.

How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that go into determining auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.

How many coverages with the same company - Most insurers give discounts to people who carry more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to compare other company rates to verify if the discount is saving money. You may still be able to find better rates by insuring with multiple companies.
An active claims history can cost you - Insurance companies in Illinois award discounts to insureds who do not file claims often. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can pretty much guarantee either higher rates or even cancellation. Auto insurance is intended to be relied upon for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
Do you know you're credit rating? - Your credit score is a important factor in your rate calculation. So if your credit is lower than you'd like, you could potentially save money when insuring your by improving your rating. People with high credit scores tend to be more responsible than drivers who have poor credit.
Lower rates with optional equipment - Driving a car with an alarm system can help lower your rates. Anti-theft features like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system all hinder car theft.
Older drivers pay less - Teenage drivers in Illinois are statistically proven to be less responsible in a vehicle so auto insurance rates are higher. Mature drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and receive fewer citations.
Don't skimp on liability - Liability insurance will protect you in the event that a jury decides you are liable for personal injury or accident damage. It will provide legal defense starting from day one. Liability is cheap compared to physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
Your job and insurance rates - Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Occupations like judges, business owners and stock brokers have the highest rates because of high stress levels and lengthy work days. On the other hand, professions such as farmers, students and homemakers get better rates.
Bump up deductibles to save - Physical damage coverage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, protects your car from damage. A few examples of covered claims are a windshield shattered by a rock, damage caused by hail, and windstorm damage. Deductibles for physical damage are the amount of money you are willing to pay in the event of a claim. The more you have to pay, the less your company will charge you for insurance.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Illinois drivers get pounded daily by advertisements for the lowest price auto insurance from the likes of Allstate and Progressive. All the ads make an identical promise about savings if you switch your coverage to them.

But how can every company say the same thing?

All companies can use profiling for the type of customer that earns them a profit. For instance, a preferred risk might be profiled as over the age of 50, is a homeowner, and has excellent credit. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and most likely will save a lot of money.

Potential insureds who fall outside this ideal profile will be charged more money and ends up with business not being written. The ads say "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that much money. That's why companies can truthfully make those claims.

That is why drivers should quote coverage with many companies. It's not possible to predict the company that will have the lowest rates.

Additional information is located on the website for the Illinois Department of Insurance located here. Illinois drivers can read consumer alerts, download brochures, find out industry alerts, and view a list of available companies.

Also read more on Wikipedia and this Albion agent directory.

A tidy conclusion

While you're price shopping online, do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, an accident victim reduced liability coverage limits only to discover later they didn't purchase enough coverage. The aim is to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

The cheapest auto insurance can be found on the web as well as from independent agents in Albion, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.