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

No one in their right mind enjoys paying for auto insurance, especially knowing the cost is way too high. Since consumers have many choices of insurance companies, it's difficult to choose the cheapest car insurance company.

Finding the best rates in Barboursville is quite easy. If you have car insurance now, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using this strategy. West Virginia drivers only need an understanding of the most efficient way to shop for auto insurance over the internet.

Auto Insurance Comparison Rates in Barboursville, WV

Most major insurance companies quote prices online. Getting online quotes is quite easy as you simply type in your personal and coverage information as detailed in the form. Behind the scenes, their system will obtain your credit score and driving record and returns a price based on many factors. This simplifies rate comparisons, but having to visit different websites and enter the same data into a form is repetitive and time-consuming. But it's very important to compare as many rates as possible if you are searching for better auto insurance pricing.

A less time-consuming method to compare rates requires only one form to obtain quotes from more than one company. The form is fast, reduces the work, and makes quoting online a little more enjoyable. After sending your information, it is quoted and you can select any or none of the returned quotes. If you find a better price it's easy to complete the application and purchase coverage. It takes 15 minutes at the most and may result in a nice savings.

To quickly find out what other companies charge, click here to open in new window and enter your information. If you currently have coverage, we recommend you input the limits and deductibles identical to your current policy. This way, you will receive a price comparison based on similar coverages.

You have some control over your rates

It's important that you understand the rating factors that help determine auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively determines base rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

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

  • Frequent auto insurance claims increase rates - Companies in West Virginia give discounts to policyholders who are claim-free. If you are a frequent claim filer, you can expect either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Auto insurance is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.
  • A clean driving record saves money - Even one moving violation can boost insurance rates forty percent or more. Careful drivers get better rates compared to drivers with tickets. If you have flagrant violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to submit a SR-22 form with the DMV in their state in order to keep their license.
  • Women pay lower rates - Statistics show women tend to be less risk to insure than men. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Women and men are in accidents in similar percentages, but the men have costlier accidents. Men also statistically have more aggressive citations like reckless driving and DUI. Male drivers age 16 to 19 are the most expensive to insure and thus pay the highest rates.
  • How credit affects auto insurance rates - Having a bad credit history is a big factor in determining your rates. If your credit is not that good, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your rating. Drivers who have good credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers with lower credit scores.

These discounts can lower your rates

Car insurance companies don't list every discount very well, so we took the time to find some of the best known and also the lesser-known ways to save on auto insurance. If you don't get every credit you qualify for, you're just leaving money on the table.

  • Federal Employees - Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Good Student - Getting good grades can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply well after school through age 25.
  • Accident Forgiveness - Some insurance companies allow you one accident without raising rates if your claims history is clear prior to the accident.
  • Passive Restraints - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - When you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
  • Service Members Pay Less - Having a family member in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
  • Early Switch Discount - Some companies give discounts for signing up before your current policy expires. It's a savings of about 10%.
  • Anti-theft Discount - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and earn discounts up to 10%.

Consumers should know that many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. Just because it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

For a list of insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in West Virginia, click this link.

Different people need different coverages

When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's so this has to be addressed. For instance, these questions may help highlight whether you might need an agent's assistance.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in West Virginia?
  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?

If it's difficult to answer those questions then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It's fast, free and you can get the answers you need.

More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the West Virginia Insurance Commission website. West Virginia drivers can download brochures, file complaints about a company, learn about insurance regulations, and find out industry alerts.

Other useful links include this site for auto insurance rates in West Virginia and this list of insurance agents in Barboursville.

West Virginia auto insurance

Best coverage at the best price

Throughout this article, we presented many ideas to lower your auto insurance rates. The most important thing to understand is the more price quotes you have, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Drivers may discover the lowest rates come from a small mutual company. Smaller companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than the large multi-state companies such as .

Cost effective auto insurance can be sourced on the web and also from your neighborhood Barboursville agents, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. There are still a few companies who may not provide online quoting and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.