Tightwads Tips for Saving on Davis Auto Insurance

I can't think of anyone who likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when they are paying too much. Drivers have multiple to pick from, and even though it's nice to have a choice, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

Finding the best rates in Davis is easy if you know what you're doing. If you are insured now or need a new policy, you can use these techniques to find better prices and possibly find even better coverage. California vehicle owners just need to know the proper methods to buy auto insurance online.

Auto Insurance Comparison Rates in Davis, CA

Most major insurance companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO give coverage prices online. Getting online rates is pretty painless as you simply type in your personal and coverage information as detailed in the form. Behind the scenes, the company's rating system will obtain your credit score and driving record and provides a quote based on these and other factors. This helps simplify price comparisons, but the work required to visit several different sites and fill out multiple forms gets old quite quickly. But it's very important to have as many quotes as possible in order to get the best price on auto insurance.

The easy way to compare rates

A less time-consuming method to compare rates uses one simple form to obtain quotes from more than one company. The form is fast, reduces the work, and makes online price comparison much easier. Once the form is submitted, your coverage is rated and you are able to buy any one of the returned quotes. If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, you can simply submit the application and purchase coverage. This process takes just a few minutes to complete and may result in a nice savings.

To save time and find out if lower rates are available, click here to open in new window and input your coverage information. If you have a policy now, it's recommended you enter the limits and deductibles identical to your current policy. This way, you're receiving comparison quotes based on similar coverages.

Davis Rates are Influenced by These Factors

It's important that you understand some of the elements that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

  • An active claims history can cost you - Companies in California provide lower rates to people who are claim-free. If you are a frequent claim filer, you can look forward to higher rates. Auto insurance is designed for larger claims.
  • Credit scores impact auto insurance rates - Having a bad credit rating is a huge factor in determining your rates. Drivers who have high credit scores tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers who have poor credit. If your credit history can use some improvement, you could be paying less to insure your by spending a little time repairing your credit.
  • Lower miles equals lower premium - The more you drive each year the higher your rate. Most insurance companies apply a rate based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles left parked in the garage can get a lower rate than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Make sure your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage, because it can save money.
  • Older drivers save more - Teen drivers in California tend to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Having to add a young driver to your auto insurance policy can break the bank. Older drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to file fewer claims and get fewer tickets.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies don't necessarily list every discount very clearly, so here is a list both well-publicized and the harder-to-find auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you're just leaving money on the table.

  • Federal Employees - Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of more than 20%.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
  • Discount for New Cars - Adding a new car to your policy can save up to 30% since new cars are generally safer.
  • Defensive Driving Course - Completing a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more depending on where you live.
  • Drivers Education - Require your teen driver to successfully complete driver's ed class in high school.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your bill all at once rather than paying monthly you may reduce your total bill.
  • Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies will allow you to have one accident without raising rates if your claims history is clear prior to the accident.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - When you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like it's possible to get free car insurance, companies don't profit that way.

For a list of insurance companies with the best auto insurance discounts in California, follow this link.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Everyone's situation is unique and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For instance, these questions may help highlight whether you might need professional guidance.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
  • Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It's fast, free and may give you better protection.

More detailed California auto insurance information is available at the California Department of Insurance website. California consumers can download brochures, find out industry alerts, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Other useful links include this site for auto insurance rates in California and this list of insurance agents in Davis.

California auto insurance

In the end, you save

In this article, we presented a lot of tips how to lower your auto insurance rates. The key concept to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers may even find the best prices are with a smaller regional carrier. Smaller companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than the large multi-state companies such as .

As you restructure your insurance plan, make sure you don't reduce needed coverages to save money. There are too many instances where someone dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that they should have had better coverage. Your strategy should be to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.