How to Know You're Spending Too Much for Auto Insurance in Ashburnham

Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can empty your checking account and force you to prioritize other expenses. Comparing price quotes is a smart way to help make ends meet.

Drivers have multiple to buy insurance from, and although it's nice to be able to choose, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

It's important to compare prices on a regular basis since insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best price last year you can probably find a better price now. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate the fastest and easiest way to lower your rates without sacrificing coverage.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Ashburnham is quite easy. Essentially anyone who has to buy auto insurance stands a good chance to be able to save money. Nevertheless, Massachusetts vehicle owners do need to know how big insurance companies market on the web and apply this information to your search.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

  • Your spouse saves you money - Having a spouse actually saves money when buying auto insurance. It means you're more mature and responsible and it's proven that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
  • High deductibles save money - Coverage for physical damage, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, is used to repair damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply are a windshield shattered by a rock, damage from fire, and burglary. Your deductibles are how much you are required to spend out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the bigger discount you will receive.
  • Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Jobs such as lawyers, architects and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of job stress and long work days. Conversely, jobs such as pilots, engineers and the unemployed receive lower rates.
  • 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 tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping your car from being stolen.
  • Protect your assets with liability insurance - The liability section of your policy is the protection if ever a jury decides you are liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. Liability insurance provides for a legal defense which can be incredibly expensive. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so buy as much as you can afford.
  • Do you need the policy add-ons? - There are a lot of add-on coverages that you can buy if you aren't careful. Coverages for personal injury protection, towing coverage 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 them to save money.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don't always advertise all their discounts very clearly, so we took the time to find some of the best known as well as the least known auto insurance savings.

  • Sign Online - A few companies give back up to $50 simply for signing over the internet.
  • Own a Home - Owning a house in Ashburnham may trigger a auto insurance policy discount because of the fact that having a home is proof that your finances are in order.
  • No Accidents - Drivers who don't have accidents can save substantially as compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Organization Discounts - Affiliation with a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break on auto insurance.
  • Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver complete a driver education course in high school.
  • Defensive Driving Course - Successfully completing a course teaching defensive driving skills could cut 5% off your bill if your company offers it.
  • Senior Discount - If you're over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for better auto insurance rates.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Massachusetts, follow this link.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Auto insurance companies such as State Farm, GEICO and Progressive regularly use ads in print and on television. They all seem to say the same thing of big savings if you move to their company. How does each company say the same thing?

Insurance companies have a preferred profile for the driver that makes them money. For example, a desirable insured might be profiled as between 30 and 50, insures multiple vehicles, and drives newer vehicles. A propective insured who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and therefore will save when switching.

Potential customers who don't measure up to these standards will have to pay a more expensive rate which usually ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. This is how insurance companies can confidently claim big savings. Because of the profiling, you should get as many quotes as possible. It's not possible to predict which insurance companies will give you the biggest savings.

For more Massachusetts auto insurance information

More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website. Massachusetts drivers can get help finding coverage, report car insurance fraud, read industry bulletins, and view a list of available companies.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

Cost effective auto insurance is definitely available on the web and also from your neighborhood Ashburnham agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. A few companies may not provide online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

When trying to cut insurance costs, never buy poor coverage just to save money. In many cases, drivers have reduced physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.