Best Way to Find Cheaper Clayton Car Insurance

Searching for the most affordable Clayton car insurance over the internet can seem to be intimidating for consumers not familiar with online price comaprisons. Since there are so many insurers to choose from, how can consumers have a chance to compare every company to locate the best available rates?

If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using this strategy. The purpose of this post is to teach you how to get online quotes and some tips to save money. Nevertheless, Illinois car owners do need to know how companies determine prices and use this information to your advantage.

These discounts can lower your rates

Companies don't list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so we break down some of the more common and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using.

  • Government Employees - Active or retired federal employment may qualify you for a discount with a few car insurance companies.
  • New Car Discount - Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper due to better safety requirements for new cars.
  • Student Driver Training - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver's ed class in high school.
  • Defensive Driving Course - Taking part in a driver safety course could cut 5% off your bill if you qualify.
  • Sign Early and Save - A few companies offer discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. It can save you around 10%.
  • Theft Prevention System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with one insurance company you could get a discount of approximately 10% to 15%.
  • Low Mileage Discounts - Keeping the miles down can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So when the math indicates all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies don't profit that way.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Clayton

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that come into play when calculating your car insurance rates. Understanding what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to big savings.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine prices.

  • High numbers of claims are not good - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can expect higher rates. Companies in Illinois award better rates to policyholders who file claims infrequently. Insurance coverage is meant to be used in the event of the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.
  • More miles equals more premium - The more you drive in a year's time the higher your rate. Most companies rate vehicles determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks not used for work or commuting qualify for better rates than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Ask your agent if your car insurance policy is showing the correct driver usage.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Purchasing a vehicle that has an advanced theft prevention system can save you a little every year. Anti-theft devices like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all aid in stopping car theft.
  • Extra add-on coverages are wasting money - There are a lot of add-on coverages that can waste your money on your policy. Coverages like rental car reimbursement, accident forgiveness and motor club memberships may be costing you every month. They may seem good at first, but if you don't need them get rid of them and save.
  • How's your driving record? - Good drivers receive lower rates than people who have multiple driving citations. Even one citation can increase rates by as much as thirty percent. If you have severe violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may find they need to submit a SR-22 form with their state motor vehicle department in order to drive a vehicle legally.

Different people need different coverages

When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your personal vehicles, there is no best way to insure your cars. Each situation is unique.

For instance, these questions can help discover whether you would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
  • Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
  • Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
  • Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?

If you're not sure about those questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Car insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO regularly use ads on television and other media. They all make an identical promise of big savings if you move to them. How do they all make the same claim?

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer could be between 25 and 40, has no prior claims, and chooses high deductibles. A customer who meets those qualifications will get the preferred rates and as a result will probably cut their rates substantially.

Potential insureds who are not a match for the "perfect" profile will be quoted more money and ends up with business going elsewhere. The ads state "people who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save money. This is how insurance companies can confidently state the savings. This emphasizes why drivers should compare many company's rates. Because you never know which insurance companies will give you the biggest savings.

Learn more about car insurance in Illinois

More tips and info about car insurance can be found at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Consumers can download brochures, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and view a list of available companies.

Illinois car insurance quotes

Do the work, save more money

People who switch companies do it for many reasons like high rates after DUI convictions, delays in paying claims, extreme rates for teen drivers and even questionable increases in premium. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding the right car insurance provider is less work than it seems.

When buying insurance coverage, you should never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

Cost effective car insurance is possible from both online companies and with local Clayton insurance agents, so you should compare both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.