How to Know You're Throwing Money Away for Car Insurance in Bristol

Are you sick and tired of not being able to afford each month for car insurance? You're in the same situation as many other Indiana drivers.

With consumers having so many options when it comes to car insurance, it is very difficult to locate the cheapest provider.

Finding the best rates in Bristol is not that difficult. Just about every vehicle owner who carries car insurance should be able to cut their insurance bill. Although Indiana car owners do need to know how big insurance companies sell online because it can help you find the best coverage.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies that sell car insurance don't necessarily list every discount very well, so we researched some of the more common and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using.

  • No Accidents - Claim-free drivers pay much less when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Payment Method - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
  • One Accident Forgiven - Some insurance companies permit an accident before your rates go up if your claims history is clear for a set time period.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Good Students Pay Less - Performing well in school can earn a discount of 20% or more. Earning this discount can benefit you well after school through age 25.
  • Paperwork-free - A few companies will give a small break for buying your policy online.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Belonging to a professional or civic organization is a good way to get lower rates when shopping for car insurance.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Just because it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that help determine your car insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels enables informed choices that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

  • Occupation reflects on rates - Did you know your job can affect your rates? Careers like judges, business owners and stock brokers tend to have the highest rates attributed to high stress levels and long work days. On the other hand, occupations such as farmers, students and performers receive lower rates.
  • Theft deterrents lower rates - Driving a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can help lower your rates. Theft prevention features like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all hinder car theft.
  • Women pay lower rates - The statistics show women tend to be less risk to insure than men. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Both sexes are in accidents in similar numbers, but the men have costlier accidents. Men also statistically receive more costly citations such as reckless driving. Youthful male drivers are several times more likely to be in an accident and therefore are the most expensive to insure.
  • Poor credit can mean higher rates - Having a bad credit history is a large factor in your rate calculation. If your credit rating is not that good, you could potentially save money when insuring your by improving your rating. Drivers who have excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers who have lower credit scores.
  • How's your driving record? - A bad driving record has a big impact on rates. Careful drivers receive lower rates compared to drivers with tickets. Even one moving violation can boost insurance rates by twenty percent. 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 their state motor vehicle department in order to keep their license.
  • Pay less if you're married - Having a wife or husband can get you a discount on your policy. Having a significant other means you're more responsible and it's statistically proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Don't skimp on liability - Liability coverage will protect you when you are found to be at fault for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. Liability provides legal defense which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable when compared with rates for comp and collision, so do not cut corners here.

How can Progressive, Allstate and GEICO save drivers who switch?

Car insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO continually stream ads on television and other media. They all make an identical promise about savings after switching to their company. But how can every company make the same claim?

Insurance companies can use profiling for the driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a driver they prefer could be between 30 and 50, has no tickets, and has a high credit rating. A customer who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and as a result will probably save a lot of money.

Drivers who are not a match for this ideal profile will be quoted higher premiums and ends up with business going elsewhere. The ads state "people who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much. That's why companies can truthfully state the savings. This emphasizes why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. Because you never know the company that will have the lowest rates.

More Indiana car insurance information

Even more information is located at the Indiana Department of Insurance website. Consumers can read industry bulletins, view a list of available companies, learn about insurance regulations, and find out industry alerts.

Also read more on this online resource for car insurance quotes in Indiana and this list of insurance agents in Bristol.

compare Bristol car insurance rates

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

The cheapest car insurance can be sourced from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Bristol agents, so compare prices from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.

We just showed you some good ideas how you can reduce car insurance prices online. 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. You may be surprised to find that the best prices are with a company that doesn't do a lot of advertising. Regional companies may cover specific market segments cheaper than the large multi-state companies such as .