Tightwads Guide to Saving on Cyclone Auto Insurance

Are you sick and tired of paying out the nose each month for car insurance? You're in the same situation as many other West Virginia drivers. With consumers having so many choices, it can be diffult for consumers to locate the lowest price car insurance company.

It's important to compare prices before your policy renews because prices are constantly changing. Even if you think you had the best price on your last policy a different company probably has better rates today. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you're about to learn how to quote online to eliminate unnecessary coverages and save money.

Save big with these discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don't necessarily list every available discount very well, so we took the time to find both the well known and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using. If you don't get every credit available, you are throwing money away.

  • Passive Restraints - Vehicles with factory air bags can receive discounts up to 30%.
  • No Accidents - Claim-free drivers can save substantially compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Safety Course Discount - Taking part in a defensive driving course could save 5% or more if you qualify.
  • Good Students Pay Less - Performing well in school can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.
  • E-sign - A handful of insurance companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application online.

Keep in mind that most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. Most only apply to specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. Just because you may think having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it just doesn't work that way.

West Virginia auto insurance

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates enables informed choices that can help you get big savings.

  • Poor credit can mean higher rates - Your credit score is a big factor in your rate calculation. Drivers who have high credit ratings tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims as compared to drivers with lower credit scores. So if your credit score is low, you could potentially save money when insuring your by improving your rating.
  • Your stress level may be raising your rates - Occupations like lawyers, business owners and stock brokers tend to have the highest rates due to high stress and lots of time spent at work. On the other hand, professions such as farmers, students and retirees receive lower rates.
  • Don't get talked into coverage you don't need - There are quite a few extra bells and whistles you can purchase when buying auto insurance. Things like roadside assistance, better glass coverage and term life insurance may be costing you every month. These coverages may sound good initially, but if they're wasting money remove them from your policy.
  • Cautious drivers pay less - Your driving record has a big impact on rates. Careful drivers get better rates than their less careful counterparts. Even one speeding ticket can boost insurance rates by twenty percent. Drivers who get dangerous violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to prevent a license revocation.
  • Pay less if you're married - Having a spouse helps lower the price on your policy. Marriage means you're more mature and statistics show drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Men are more aggressive - The statistics show women tend to be less risk to insure than men. Now that doesn't mean men are worse drivers. They both tend to get into accidents in similar percentages, but men tend to have more serious accidents. Men also receive more costly citations like DUI and reckless driving.
  • More claims means more premium - If you frequently file small claims, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Insurance companies in West Virginia award discounts to drivers who are claim-free. Insurance coverage is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • What type of vehicle do you drive? - The make and model of the car you drive makes a huge difference in the rate you pay. The lowest base rates are usually for small economy passenger cars, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Consumers in West Virginia get pounded daily by advertisements for the lowest price auto insurance by State Farm and Allstate. All the ads make an identical promise that you can save if you change to their company.

But how can every company claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

All the different companies can use profiling for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk might be over the age of 50, is a homeowner, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and most likely will save a lot of money.

Potential insureds who fall outside this ideal profile will be charged more money and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state "customers who switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That's why insurance companies can advertise the savings. That is why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. It's impossible to know the company that will fit your personal profile best.

Learn more today

Additional detailed information can be found at the West Virginia Insurance Commission website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, read industry bulletins, discover disciplinary actions, and file complaints about a company.

Also read more on NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of Cyclone insurance agents.

A tidy conclusion

We covered some good ideas how you can reduce auto insurance prices online. It's most important to understand that the more you quote, the higher the chance of saving money. You may be surprised to find that the biggest savings come from some of the smallest insurance companies. Regional companies can often insure niche markets at a lower cost than their larger competitors like .

Affordable auto insurance is attainable both online and also from your neighborhood Cyclone agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.