How to Get Cheap Atlanta Auto Insurance

Finding low-cost Atlanta auto insurance on the web may be rather challenging for consumers new to online price comaprisons. When there are so many companies in the marketplace, how can consumers even start to compare the different rates to find the lowest rates?

Finding affordable coverage in Atlanta is easy if you know what you're doing. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using this information. But Illinois vehicle owners do need to know the way insurance companies price insurance differently and apply this information to your search.

Atlanta Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are a few of the "ingredients" auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

Special features that cut premiums - Purchasing a vehicle that has an advanced theft prevention system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping your vehicle from being stolen.
With age comes lower rates - Teenage drivers in Illinois are known to be careless and easily distracted when driving so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Having to add a youthful driver to your auto insurance policy can be very expensive. More mature drivers are more cautious drivers, statistically cause fewer accidents and are safer drivers.
Your location affects your rates - Residing in small towns and rural areas can save you money when buying auto insurance. Drivers in populated areas regularly have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Fewer drivers translates into fewer accidents.
More miles equals more premium - Driving more miles in a year's time the higher your rate. Most insurance companies price each vehicle's coverage based on how the vehicle is used. Autos used primarily for pleasure use qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Double check that your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
Do men or women drive better? - Statistics have proven that women are safer drivers than men. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Both sexes have accidents in similar percentages, but the men have costlier accidents. Men also statistically have more aggressive citations like reckless driving and DUI. Teenage male drivers are several times more likely to be in an accident and are penalized with high auto insurance rates.

How much can you save with discounts?

Companies offering auto insurance don't necessarily list every discount very clearly, so we took the time to find some of the best known and the more hidden ways to save on auto insurance.

Payment Method - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.
Distant Student - Any of your kids who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle can receive lower rates.
Auto/Life Discount - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase life insurance.
New Vehicle Savings - Adding a new car to your policy can cost up to 25% less because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
Senior Discount - If you're over the age of 55, you may be able to get better auto insurance rates.
Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Low Mileage Discounts - Fewer annual miles can earn better rates on cars that stay parked.
Service Members Pay Less - Having a family member in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
No Accidents - Drivers who don't have accidents can save substantially when compared to accident-prone drivers.
Paperwork-free - A few companies give back up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.

Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given to the overall cost of the policy. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So even though they make it sound like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies wouldn't make money that way.

To choose insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Illinois, click this link.

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

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO continually stream television and radio advertisements. They all make the same claim that you'll save big after switching 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 driver they prefer might be profiled as a mature driver, insures multiple vehicles, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A propective insured who matches those parameters receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't meet these standards will be quoted a higher premium which leads to business not being written. Company advertisements say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. This is how companies can advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's not possible to predict which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.

How much car insurance do I need?

When buying the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Each situation is unique.

For example, these questions may help you determine if your insurance needs would benefit from professional advice.

What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?

If it's difficult to answer those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

More sites with auto insurance information

More detailed Illinois auto insurance information can be found at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Illinois drivers can view a list of available companies, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and view agent and company licensing information.

Other informative sites include this page for auto insurance prices in Illinois and this list of insurance agents in Atlanta, IL.

Affordable insurance is out there

Insureds change insurance companies for many reasons like unfair underwriting practices, not issuing a premium refund, delays in paying claims or even denial of a claim. It doesn't matter what your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is easier than you think.

When shopping online for auto insurance, make sure you don't buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced physical damage coverage only to discover later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The proper strategy is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be purchased on the web and also from your neighborhood Atlanta agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best rate selection. Some auto insurance companies may not provide online price quotes and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.