Lower Online Berkeley Auto Insurance Prices With These Techniques

Shopping online for Berkeley auto insurance can be complicated if you are a beginner to online quotes. Don't let that stop you because there is an easy way to compare rates.

Finding affordable coverage in Berkeley is quite easy. If you have car insurance now, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using this information. California drivers only need an understanding of the most efficient way to compare rates online.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Companies don't always advertise all available discounts very clearly, so the following is a list of some of the best known and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

  • Defensive Driver - Completing a course teaching defensive driving skills can save you 5% or more if you qualify.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
  • New Vehicle Savings - Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
  • Payment Discounts - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
  • Life Insurance - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
  • Senior Discount - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may qualify for a discount up to 10%.
  • Military Discounts - Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.
  • Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. So despite the fact that it appears all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

auto insurance in Berkeley

Insurance agents can help

When it comes to buying coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's.

For example, these questions might point out whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

  • Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
  • Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
  • Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
  • When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
  • Should I buy additional glass protection?
  • Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and you can get the answers you need.

Save $429 a year? Really?

California drivers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance from companies such as 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm. All the companies make an identical promise of big savings if you switch your policy.

How does each company say the same thing? It's all in the numbers.

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that earns them a profit. A good example of a profitable customer might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for these standards must pay more money and ends up with business not being written. The ads state "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that kind of money. That is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do. This illustrates why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's not possible to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

For more California car insurance information

More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the California Department of Insurance website. California drivers can discover disciplinary actions, find out industry alerts, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on this resource for California auto insurance prices and this link which helps you find a Berkeley agent.

Berkeley auto insurance quote

And the best car insurance company is...

Cost effective auto insurance can be found on the web in addition to many Berkeley insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some auto insurance companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, make sure you don't buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut full coverage and found out when filing a claim that the savings was not a smart move. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.

People switch companies for a variety of reasons including questionable increases in premium, policy cancellation, delays in paying claims and even unfair underwriting practices. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new auto insurance company is less work than it seems.