Easy Methods to Cut Costs on Chesterfield Auto Insurance

Are you overwhelmed by the crazy number of auto insurance companies in Chesterfield? Lot's of other consumers are too. There are so many companies to choose from that it can turn into a real challenge to compare prices.

It's important to compare prices at least once a year since insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the best price a few years ago you may be paying too much now. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate how to use online quotes to reduce your cost while improving coverage.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Chesterfield is quite easy. If you have a current auto insurance policy or need new coverage, you can use these techniques to find better prices while maximizing coverage. South Carolina drivers only need an understanding of the proper methods to shop their coverage around over the internet.

Quick Chesterfield Auto Insurance Quotes

Most major insurance companies like Allstate and Progressive quote coverage prices on the web. Getting online quotes is quite simple as you simply enter the coverage amounts you desire into the quote form. Behind the scenes, their system will obtain your driving and credit reports and gives you a price quote.

This helps simplify price comparisons, but the process of having to visit different websites and enter the same data into a form gets old quite quickly. Unfortunately, it is important to do this if you are searching for a lower rate.

There is an easier way!

A less time-consuming method to find better auto insurance pricing requires only one form to return rates from several different companies. It's a real time-saver, eliminates repetitive work, and makes online price comparison much easier to do. After sending the form, it is quoted and you can select any one of the returned quotes. If a lower price is quoted, you can click and sign and buy the new coverage. It takes 15 minutes at the most and can result in significant savings.

To quickly find out how much you're overpaying now, click here and input your coverage information. If you currently have coverage, we recommend you copy deductibles and limits exactly as they are listed on your policy. This way, you're receiving an apples-to-apples comparison based on similar coverages.

Chesterfield auto insurance quote

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

It's important that you understand some of the elements that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that can help you get big savings.

  • Discounts for multiple policies - Many companies give discounts to people who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you still need to shop around to ensure the best deal. You may still find a better deal by buying auto insurance from a different company.
  • Do you need the policy add-ons? - There are a ton of extra coverages you can purchase if you aren't careful. Coverages for personal injury protection, better glass coverage and term life insurance are examples of these. They may seem good when you first buy your policy, but if they're wasting money eliminate them to save money.
  • Marriage brings a discount - Having a spouse can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Marriage means you're more mature and responsible and it's proven that being married results in fewer claims.
  • Proper usage rating affects rates - Driving more miles in a year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies price each vehicle's coverage determined by how the vehicle is used. Vehicles not used for work or commuting qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
  • Occupation reflects on rates - Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Occupations like lawyers, architects and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of job stress and lots of time spent at work. Conversely, jobs such as actors, engineers and performers receive lower rates.
  • More people means more accidents - Choosing to live in less populated areas has it's advantages when buying auto insurance. City drivers have to deal with congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accidents.
  • A clean driving record saves money - Your driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Even a single moving violation can boost insurance rates by as much as thirty percent. Careful drivers have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who get flagrant violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with the DMV in their state in order to keep their license.

More discounts equal less premium

Companies that sell car insurance don't always advertise every available discount very clearly, so we took the time to find some of the best known as well as the least known auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit possible, you're just leaving money on the table.

  • Theft Prevention System - Anti-theft and alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
  • Low Mileage - Fewer annual miles can earn lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
  • No Charge for an Accident - Certain companies will forgive one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
  • New Vehicle Savings - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can save up to 30% due to better safety requirements for new cars.
  • No Accidents - Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially compared to frequent claim filers.
  • Multi-policy Discount - When you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you may save approximately 10% to 15%.
  • Discount for Good Grades - Getting good grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply well after school through age 25.

It's important to understand that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. Most only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it doesn't quite work that way.

For a list of providers who offer auto insurance discounts in South Carolina, follow this link.

More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the South Carolina Department of Insurance website. South Carolina drivers can read consumer alerts, discover disciplinary actions, and get help finding coverage.

Other useful links include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this Chesterfield agent directory.

auto insurance in Chesterfield

And the best car insurance company is...

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don't reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, an insured dropped physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Low-cost auto insurance can be sourced on the web and also from your neighborhood Chesterfield agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance providers may not provide online quoting and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.

Consumers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as policy non-renewal, delays in responding to claim requests, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and delays in paying claims. It doesn't matter why you want to switch choosing a new insurance company is not as hard as you think.