Find Low-Cost Birmingham Car Insurance

Shopping for cheap Birmingham car insurance over the internet is rather challenging for consumers new to shopping for insurance online. When there are so many insurers available, how can consumers even start to compare the different rates to find the lowest rates?

Finding affordable coverage in Birmingham is not that difficult. In a nutshell, anyone who carries car insurance will be able to save money. Although Alabama car owners do need to know the way insurance companies market insurance on the web and apply this information to your search.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Birmingham

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that play a part in calculating your car insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to lower car insurance prices.

Optional equipment can affect rates - Purchasing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can help lower your rates. Theft prevention devices like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all aid in stopping car theft.
Pay less if you're married - Having a spouse helps lower the price on your policy. Having a significant other is viewed as being more responsible and statistics show married drivers get in fewer accidents.
Do you need the policy add-ons? - There are quite a few add-on coverages that can waste your money on your policy. Things like vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and motor club memberships may be costing you every month. These may sound like a good investment initially, but if you don't need them remove them from your policy.
What type of vehicle do you drive? - The performance of the car you are buying insurance for makes a big difference in determining your rates. The lowest base rates are generally reserved for lower performance four cylinder passenger cars, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
How's your driving record? - Good drivers get better rates than their less careful counterparts. Even one moving violation can increase rates by as much as thirty percent. If you have dangerous violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may find they need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state motor vehicle department in order to prevent a license revocation.
How many coverages with the same company - Some insurers provide better rates to policyholders who have multiple policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount it's still a good idea to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Car insurance companies don't list every discount very well, so we took the time to find some of the more common and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using.

Pay Now and Pay Less - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you can actually save on your bill.
Paperwork-free - Certain companies will give a small break for buying your policy online.
Safety Course Discount - Completing a driver safety course could cut 5% off your bill if your company offers it.
Discount for Swiching Early - Some companies give discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiration. The savings is around 10%.
Multiple Policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you could get a discount of up to 20% off your total premium.
Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and earn discounts up to 10%.
Good Student Discount - This discount can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to all coverage premiums. Most only cut specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. So despite the fact that it appears you can get free auto insurance, you won't be that lucky.

To choose insurance companies with discount car insurance rates in Alabama, click here to view.

Is there truth in advertising?

Car insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO consistently run television and radio advertisements. They all make an identical promise about savings if you change to them. But how can every company make the same claim? It's all in the numbers.

All companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that makes them money. For example, a driver they prefer could be a mature driver, insures multiple vehicles, and has excellent credit. A customer who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save a lot of money.

Consumers who don't measure up to this ideal profile will be quoted higher prices and ends up with business going elsewhere. The ad wording is "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. This is how companies can truthfully make those claims. This emphasizes why you should get as many comparisons as possible. Because you never know which insurance companies will have the lowest rates.

Even more information can be found at the Alabama Department of Insurance website. Consumers can view a list of available companies, get help finding coverage, and discover disciplinary actions.

Other informative sites include this site for car insurance rates in Alabama and this list of insurance agents in Birmingham, AL.

Shop smart and save

People leave their current company for a variety of reasons including unfair underwriting practices, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, questionable increases in premium or even high prices. Regardless of your reason, finding a new car insurance company is easier than you think.

The cheapest car insurance is attainable from both online companies and with local Birmingham insurance agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some companies do not offer online price quotes and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

We just showed you some good ideas how you can save on car insurance. It's most important to understand that the more providers you compare, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. You may even find the best price on car insurance is with some of the smallest insurance companies.