Lower Online Clayton Auto Insurance Prices With These Methods

If shopping for auto insurance online is new to you, it's easy to be confused by the vast number of auto insurance companies competing for business in Clayton.

Pricing affordable auto insurance in Clayton is quite easy. Basically, everyone who is required by state law to have auto insurance will most likely be able to cut their insurance bill. But New Mexico drivers do need to know the way insurance companies sell online and apply this information to your search.

Save big with these discounts

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but there are discounts available that you may not know about. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at quote time, but a few need to be manually applied in order for you to get them.

Military Rewards - Being on active duty in the military could be rewarded with lower premiums.
Theft Prevention System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Multiple Cars - Insuring all your vehicles on the same auto insurance policy qualifies for this discount.
Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
Safety Course Discount - Taking part in a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.
Good Student - A discount for being a good student can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.
Distant Student - Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home and don't have a car may qualify for this discount.
Seat Belts Save - Requiring all passengers to use their safety belts could cut 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
Accident Free - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially when compared to bad drivers.
Drivers Education - Have your child successfully complete driver's ed class if offered at their school.

Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. Just because it seems like all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will bring down your overall premium however.

To see a list of insurance companies with discount auto insurance rates in New Mexico, click here to view.

Finding Auto Insurance Deals in Clayton, NM

There are several ways of comparing rate quotes from different Clayton insurance companies. The best method to find the cheapest insurance rates is simply to get online rate quotes. This can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

The best way to get quotes is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This easy form saves time by eliminating repetitive form entry to each individual auto insurance company. A single form gets you price quotes direct from many companies. It's definitely the quickest method.
A less efficient way to get quotes online requires a trip to the website of each company to complete a price quote. For sake of this example, we'll assume you want to compare , and . To find out each rate you need to spend time on each company's site to input your insurance information, and that's why the first method is more popular. To view a list of companies in Clayton, click here.
The least recommended method of getting rate comparisons is driving to local Clayton insurance agencies. The internet has reduced the need for local agents unless you have a need for the personal advice only provided by licensed Clayton agents. However, consumers can obtain prices from the web and still use a local agent.

It's up to you which method you use, but make absolute certain that you use identical quote information for every company. If each company quotes mixed coverages you will not be able to decipher which rate is best in Clayton. Quoting even small variations in insurance coverages can make a big difference in price. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that quoting more helps you find a better price.

What determines how much you pay?

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that play a part in calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to big savings.

Lower rates with optional equipment - Owning a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention devices such as GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can help prevent car theft.
Discounts for multiple policies - Some insurers provide better rates to customers who carry more than one policy in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it's in your best interest to compare rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Lower deductibles cost more - Deductibles for physical damage define the amount you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, insures against damage to your car. Examples of covered claims could be running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, and burglary. The higher the amount you're willing to pay, the lower your rates will be.
Drive less and save money - The higher the mileage driven each year the higher your rate. Most companies apply a rate based on how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks not used for work or commuting qualify for better rates than those used for commuting. Ask your agent if your auto insurance declarations sheet shows the correct usage for each vehicle.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Every insured's situation is different.

These are some specific questions might point out if your situation would benefit from professional advice.

Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO consistently run ads on TV and radio. They all make an identical promise that you'll save big if you change to them. How does each company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that is profitable for them. For example, a driver they prefer could possibly be a mature driver, owns a home, and has a short commute. A driver who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and most likely will save when switching.

Potential insureds who fall outside these standards will be quoted more money and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ad wording is "drivers who switch" not "people who quote" save money. That is how companies can make the claims of big savings.

This emphasizes why drivers must compare many company's rates. It is impossible to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

People leave their current company for any number of reasons including unfair underwriting practices, policy cancellation, lack of trust in their agent or delays in paying claims. Whatever your reason, switching auto insurance companies is actually quite simple.

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don't reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be sourced online and with local Clayton insurance agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers do not offer the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

For more New Mexico car insurance information

Much more information about auto insurance in New Mexico can be found on the New Mexico Insurance Division website. Click here for link. New Mexico consumers can view a list of available companies, read consumer alerts, and report car insurance fraud.

Additional helpful sites include this page for auto insurance prices in New Mexico and this page of Clayton insurance agents.