Lower Online Clinton Auto Insurance Prices With These Methods

If you've never shopped for auto insurance online, you may be overwhelmed by the large number of auto insurance companies offering coverage in Clinton.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that could result in lower auto insurance prices.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine premiums.

What are your deductibles? - Physical damage deductibles represent how much money you are willing to pay if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims could be colliding with a building, collision with an animal, and burglary. The higher the amount you're willing to pay, the lower your rates will be.
More performance means more cost - The type of car you are insuring makes a substantial difference in how high your rates are. The lowest rates are generally reserved for economy passenger models, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
Careful drivers pay lower rates - Only having one moving violation can increase rates forty percent or more. Good drivers have lower premiums than bad drivers. Drivers with serious tickets like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions are required to submit a SR-22 form with their state DMV in order to continue driving.
Discounts for married couples - Having a spouse can actually save you money on your auto insurance policy. Having a spouse is viewed as being more responsible and it's proven that married couples file fewer claims.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies don't always advertise all available discounts very clearly, so we break down both well-publicized as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Homeowners Savings - Owning a home in Clinton may earn you a small savings because owning a home is proof that your finances are in order.
Early Signing - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.
Good Student - This discount can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply until age 25.
Paperless Signup - Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying your policy over the internet.
Auto/Life Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
Defensive Driver - Completing a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though they make it sound like it's possible to get free car insurance, auto insurance companies aren't that generous.

To choose insurers offering auto insurance discounts in New Jersey, click this link.

How can Allstate, GEICO and Progressive save drivers who switch?

New Jersey consumers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like Allstate, GEICO and Progressive. All the companies make the same claim about savings if you switch to them.

How does each company make almost identical claims?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that makes them money. For example, a profitable customer could possibly be between 25 and 40, a clean driving record, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters will get the preferred rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Potential customers who are not a match for these standards must pay a more expensive rate which leads to the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save money. That is how companies can truthfully advertise the savings. This illustrates why you should compare many company's rates. It's impossible to know which company will give you the biggest savings.

Tailor your coverage to you

When buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Everyone's situation is a little different.

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

When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in New Jersey?
Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
Should I buy only the required New Jersey minimum liability coverage?
Should I buy additional glass protection?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.

Even more information can be found at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website. New Jersey consumers can report car insurance fraud, learn about specific coverages, and file complaints about a company.

And the best car insurance company is...

Cheap auto insurance is available online and with local Clinton insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best rate selection. There are still a few companies who do not offer online price quotes and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

You just read some good ideas how to save on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more rate comparisons you have, the better chance you'll have of finding lower rates. Consumers may even find the most savings is with some of the lesser-known companies.

As you prepare to switch companies, never buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.