Compare Davenport Auto Insurance Prices With These Techniques

Are you overwhelmed by the wide range of auto insurance choices in Davenport? You have a lot of company. There are so many companies to choose from that it can turn into a challenge to locate the lowest price.

It's important to check auto insurance prices at least once a year since insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best rates a few years ago you can probably find a better price now. There is a lot of wrong information about auto insurance on the web, but we're going to give you some great ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.

This information will tell you the most effective way to quote insurance and some money-saving tips. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using these methods. But Washington vehicle owners do need to know the methods companies use to determine prices.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get much lower annual insurance costs.

The list below includes some of the items companies use to determine your rates.

  • Traffic citations inflate rates - Your driving record has a big impact on rates. Even a single ticket can increase rates by twenty percent. Good drivers receive lower rates than people who have multiple driving citations. Drivers who get severe violations such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may be required to file a SR-22 with the DMV in their state in order to drive a vehicle legally.
  • Drive a safer car and pay less - Vehicles with high crash test scores can get you lower premiums. Safer cars result in less severe injuries and better occupant protection means lower claim amounts passed on to you as lower rates.
  • Better credit means lower rates - Your credit rating is a large factor in calculating your auto insurance rates. Drivers with high credit ratings tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than drivers with lower credit ratings. So if your credit can use some improvement, you could save money insuring your by improving your rating.
  • Theft deterrents lower rates - Choosing a vehicle that has an advanced theft prevention system can help lower your rates. Anti-theft devices such as GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can thwart car theft.
  • Liability coverage is peace of mind - The liability section of your policy provides coverage in the event that a jury decides you are liable for damages from an accident. It will provide you with a defense in court which can be incredibly expensive. Liability is cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
  • Rates may be lower depending on your job - Occupations like real estate brokers, business owners and stock brokers tend to pay the highest rates attributed to stressful work requirements and long work days. On the other hand, professions such as actors, students and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
  • With age comes lower rates - Teenage drivers in Washington tend to be less responsible when behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Older insureds tend to be more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations.

Washington auto insurance

Save big with these discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, but there are discounts available to help offset the cost. Most are applied when you get a quote, but some may not be applied and must be manually applied before you will receive the discount.

  • Air Bag Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts of more than 20%.
  • Low Mileage - Keeping the miles down could qualify for discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
  • Military Rewards - Being on active duty in the military can result in better rates.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you can actually save on your bill.
  • Organization Discounts - Affiliation with a professional or civic organization is a good way to get lower rates on your policy.
  • Accident Free - Drivers with accident-free driving histories pay less compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Federal Government Employee - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with certain companies.
  • Senior Discount - If you're over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
  • Defensive Driving Course - Successfully completing a course teaching defensive driving skills could possibly earn you a 5% discount if your company offers it.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply the the whole policy. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. Even though it may seem like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will help reduce your overall premium however.

To choose providers with the best auto insurance discounts in Washington, click here to view.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Companies like State Farm and Allstate regularly use ads on TV and radio. All the ads make an identical promise that you'll save big if you move to them. But how can every company say the same thing?

Insurance companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that makes them money. A good example of a preferred risk might be profiled as over the age of 40, has no tickets, and has a short commute. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will get the preferred rates and most likely will save a lot of money.

Drivers who fall outside this ideal profile will be charged higher premiums and ends up with business not being written. The ads state "people who switch" not "people who quote" save money. That's the way companies can make the claims of big savings.

That is why you should get quotes from several different companies. It's not possible to predict which auto insurance company will fit your personal profile best.

Find out more about auto insurance

Much more information about auto insurance in Washington can be read on the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website through this link. Washington drivers can file complaints about a company, find disaster information, and find out industry alerts.

Other informative sites include NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of Davenport insurance agents.

auto insurance in Davenport

Affordable insurance is out there

In this article, we covered many tips how you can save on auto insurance. The key concept to understand is the more you quote, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers could even find that the lowest premiums are with an unexpected company.

Discount auto insurance is possible on the web and with local Davenport insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers do not offer online price quotes and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

People who switch companies do it for many reasons like poor customer service, delays in responding to claim requests, unfair underwriting practices or even denial of a claim. Whatever your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is easier than you think.