How to Get the Cheapest Burlington Auto Insurance

Finding lower rates for Burlington auto insurance is challenging for consumers new to comparing rates online. People have so many options that it can quickly become a challenge to compare prices in Burlington.

It's important to take a look at other company's rates before your policy renews since insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the best deal a year ago a different company probably has better rates today. So just forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the proper way to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.

If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to save some money using this information. Buying affordable auto insurance in Burlington is simple if you know the tricks. But Washington vehicle owners do need to know how insurance companies sell online and take advantage of how the system works.

Be sure to get all your discounts

The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but you can get discounts that you may not know about. Some discounts apply automatically when you purchase, but some must be specifically requested before being credited.

Senior Discount - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may receive better auto insurance rates.
No Accidents - Claim-free drivers can earn big discounts as compared to drivers who are more careless.
Clubs and Organizations - Affiliation with a civic or occupational organization may earn a discount on auto insurance.
Seat Belt Usage - Requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could save 15% off your PIP or medical payments premium.
Employee of Federal Government - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with select insurance companies.
Service Members Pay Less - Being deployed with a military unit could be rewarded with lower premiums.
Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles with anti-theft systems help deter theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Good Students Pay Less - Performing well in school can earn a discount of 20% or more. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
One Accident Forgiven - A handful of insurance companies permit an accident before your rates go up as long as you don't have any claims for a set time period.

Consumers should know that some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. Some only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. So even though they make it sound like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will reduce the amount you have to pay.

Burlington Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

Males pay more for insurance - The statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. Now that doesn't mean men are worse drivers. Both sexes have accidents at about the same rate, but the males tend to have more serious accidents. They also get more serious tickets like reckless driving and DUI.
Do you work long hours in a high stress job? - Jobs such as doctors, social workers and dentists tend to have the highest average rates attributed to stressful work requirements and long work days. Other occupations like farmers, historians and retirees receive lower rates.
Liability coverage is peace of mind - Your policy's liability coverage will protect you if ever a jury decides you are liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides legal defense coverage which can be incredibly expensive. This coverage is very inexpensive as compared to coverage for physical damage, so do not skimp.
Never allow your policy to lapse - Driving your car without having proper coverage can get your license suspended and as a result your rates will increase for letting your coverage have a gap. Not only will rates go up, getting caught without coverage may earn you a license revocation or jail time.
Optional equipment can affect rates - Driving a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can help bring down rates. Theft prevention devices such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all hinder auto theft.
How many coverages with the same company - Some insurance companies will give a discount to people who have multiple policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can be 10 percent or more. Even though this discount sounds good, you may still want to compare other company rates to ensure the best deal. Drivers may still find better rates by buying insurance from more than one company.
A clean driving record saves money - Your driving citation history has a huge affect on how much you pay. Just one speeding ticket can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Careful drivers receive lower rates than their less careful counterparts. Drivers who have dangerous citations such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with the DMV in their state in order to prevent a license revocation.
Performance level impacts rates - The make and model of the car you own makes a significant difference in determining your rates. Economy passenger cars receive the most favorable rates, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.

Is there truth in advertising?

Auto insurance companies such as Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm consistently run television and radio advertisements. They all seem to have a common claim that you'll save big if you change to their company. How can each company say the same thing?

Insurance companies can use profiling for the driver that earns them a profit. An example of a desirable insured might be profiled as over the age of 50, is a homeowner, and has excellent credit. A propective insured that hits that "sweet spot" will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when they switch companies.

Consumers who don't measure up to the requirements will have to pay higher prices and this can result in business not being written. The ad wording is "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That's why companies can make those claims.

Because of the profiling, drivers should compare many company's rates. It's not possible to predict the company that will have the lowest rates.

Learn more today

Much more information about auto insurance in Washington is available on the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website through this link. Washington drivers can learn about insurance regulations, read industry bulletins, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

Affordable insurance is out there

While you're price shopping online, it's a bad idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are many occasions where an accident victim reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to find out they didn't purchase enough coverage. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate.

Drivers leave their current company for many reasons like denial of a claim, high rates after DUI convictions, questionable increases in premium and even being labeled a high risk driver. Regardless of your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is less work than it seems.

Discount auto insurance can be sourced on the web and also from your neighborhood Burlington agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.