How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in Aspen Hill

No one in their right mind cherishes buying auto insurance, particularly when their premiums are through the roof. Drivers have multiple to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have multiple companies, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

It's important to compare prices occasionally because prices are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the lowest rates a few years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. So just forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the tricks you need to know to find lower rates on auto insurance.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Aspen Hill is easy if you know what you're doing. If you have a current auto insurance policy or are looking for a new policy, you can learn to find better prices while maintaining coverages. Maryland vehicle owners just need to know the proper methods to find the lowest price over the internet.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Car insurance companies don't list every available discount very clearly, so we break down both the well known and also the lesser-known auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Early Switch Discount - Some companies give discounts for buying a policy prior to your current policy expiring. It's a savings of about 10%.
Anti-lock Brake Discount - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Resident Student - 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.
E-sign - Some insurance companies may give you up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies allow you one accident before your rates go up if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
Drivers Education - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to take driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
Service Members Pay Less - Having a deployed family member may qualify for rate reductions.
Anti-theft System - Anti-theft and alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.

Consumers should know that most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. So when it seems like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies don't profit that way.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's so your insurance needs to address that. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether or not you might need professional guidance.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Maryland?
Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Aspen Hill?
Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and you can get the answers you need.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Consumers in Maryland get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by State Farm and Allstate. All the ads say the same thing that you'll save big after switching to their company.

How does each company claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk might be between 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and therefore will save when switching.

Consumers who don't measure up to these standards will be charged higher rates which usually ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. That is how companies can advertise the way they do. That is why you should get as many comparisons as possible. It's impossible to know which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

More detailed Maryland auto insurance information can be found at the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Visitors are able to file complaints about a company, read consumer alerts, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and get help finding coverage.

In the end, you save

We covered many ways to reduce auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. You may even find the best prices are with a small mutual company. Regional companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates as compared to the big name companies such as .

When shopping online for auto insurance, never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There have been many cases where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Discount auto insurance can be bought both online and also from your neighborhood Aspen Hill agents, so compare prices from both to get a complete price analysis. Some auto insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.