Free Guide to Paying Less for Clifton Auto Insurance Online

Overpriced auto insurance can dwindle your checking account and force you to make sacrifices. Shopping your coverage around is free and is an excellent way to help make ends meet. Companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive promote their brand names with advertising and it is challenging if not impossible to sift through the bull and do the work needed to find the best deal.

It's important to take a look at other company's rates yearly because insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you think you had the best deal last year the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. So just ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you're about to learn the proper way to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Companies offering auto insurance don't always list every available discount in a way that's easy to find, so here is a list both well-publicized as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance. If you aren't receiving every discount you deserve, you're paying more than you need to.

Braking Control Discount - Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles can avoid accidents and will save you 10% or more.
Auto/Life Discount - Some companies give better rates if you take out life insurance.
Low Mileage - Low mileage vehicles can qualify you for better rates on cars that stay parked.
Drivers Ed for Students - Have your child take driver's ed class if offered at their school.
Safety Course Discount - Successfully completing a course in driver safety could cut 5% off your bill and easily recoup the cost of the course.

Keep in mind that many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like adding up those discounts means a free policy, it just doesn't work that way.

To see a list of providers with discount auto insurance rates in Clifton, click this link.

How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance in Clifton, IL

Finding cheaper auto insurance prices can be quick and easy. Consumers just need to spend a few minutes on the computer to get quotes from different insurance companies. It is quite easy and can be accomplished using a couple different methods.

The best way to get quotes for comparison is a comparison rater form (click to open form in new window). This form saves time by eliminating separate quotation requests for each company you want a rate for. A single, simple form will get you price quotes from auto insurance companies with the best prices.
A less efficient way to shop for auto insurance online requires a visit to the website for each individual company to complete a price quote. For instance, we'll pretend you want comparison quotes from , and . To get each rate you have to go to every website to input your insurance information, which is why the first method is more popular.

For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Clifton, click here.
The hardest way of getting rate comparisons is to waste gas driving to local Clifton insurance agencies. Buying insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you require the professional advice that only a license agent can provide. Drivers can obtain prices from the web but buy from a local insurance agent.

It doesn't matter which method you choose, just make sure you use exactly the same coverage limits with each company. If you are comparing differing limits it's not possible to make an equal comparison in Clifton.

Clifton Rates are Influenced by These Factors

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the rating factors that play a part in calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates enables informed choices that can help you get much lower annual insurance costs.

Shown below are some of the factors auto insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

Credit scores impact auto insurance rates - Your credit score is a important factor in determining what you pay for auto insurance. Drivers who have excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers with poor credit. If your credit history is low, you could pay less to insure your by improving your credit score.
Rate your vehicle for proper use - The higher the mileage driven in a year's time the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies apply a rate based on their usage. Autos used primarily for pleasure use can get a lower rate compared to those used for work or business. Double check that your auto insurance declarations sheet is rated on the correct usage for each vehicle, because it can save money.
Better crash test results mean better rates - Vehicles with high crash test scores tend to have better insurance rates. Safer cars reduce injuries and lower injury rates translates into savings for insurance companies and more competitive rates for policyholders.
Save money with special equipment - Purchasing a vehicle with an alarm system can help bring down rates. Theft prevention devices such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping your vehicle from being stolen.
Do you need those extra coverages? - There are quite a few add-on coverages you can purchase on your auto insurance policy. Insurance for vanishing deductibles, better glass coverage and term life insurance may be wasting your money. These coverages may sound good when you first buy your policy, but if they're wasting money eliminate the coverages to reduce your premium.

Insurance agents can help

When choosing proper insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so this has to be addressed. For example, these questions can help discover whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?

If it's difficult to answer those questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and can help protect your family.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Illinois consumers can't get away from ads for car insurance savings by Allstate and Progressive. All the ads make the same claim that you can save if you change to their company.

How can each company make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies have a preferred profile for the driver that is profitable for them. An example of a preferred risk could possibly be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no prior claims, and drives newer vehicles. A driver who matches those parameters gets the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when they switch companies.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for the requirements will be charged more money which leads to the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. This is how insurance companies can claim big savings. That is why drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will give you the biggest savings.

And the best car insurance company is...

When trying to cut insurance costs, it's not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that it was a big mistake. The aim is to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Affordable auto insurance is attainable online and also from your neighborhood Clifton agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

Learn more about auto insurance in Illinois

Additional detailed information is available at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Illinois consumers can find out industry alerts, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, find disaster information, and view a list of available companies.