How to Find Cheap Dublin Auto Insurance

Comparison shopping for Dublin auto insurance is nearly impossible for consumers not familiar with comparing rates online. Consumers have so many choices that it can be more work than you anticipated to locate the lowest price in Dublin.

The purpose of this article is to let you in on the most effective way to quote insurance and some tips to save money. If you currently have car insurance, you will be able to reduce your rates substantially using this information. Virginia drivers only need an understanding of the proper way to compare rates online.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that could result in better auto insurance rates.

The list below includes some of the items that factor into premiums.

Safer occupants lowers premiums - Safer cars get lower rates. Safe vehicles have better occupant injury protection and lower injury rates translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims and thus lower rates.
Rates may be lower depending on your job - Occupations such as real estate brokers, social workers and financial analysts are shown to have higher average rates because of job stress and long work hours. Conversely, occupations like farmers, engineers and the unemployed pay the least.
Your car's features help determine rates - Driving a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all hinder auto theft.
Proper usage rating affects rates - The more you drive every year the more you'll pay to insure your vehicle. The majority of insurers apply a rate determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars that are left in the garage get more affordable rates compared to those used for work or business. Verify your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage.
Protect your assets with liability insurance - The liability section of your policy will protect you if a court rules you are at fault for damages caused by your negligence. It provides you with a defense in court up to the limits shown on your policy. Carrying liability coverage is mandatory and cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not skimp.
Small claims can cost you - Auto insurance companies in Virginia generally give lower rates to policyholders who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Car insurance is designed for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
Where you live is a factor - Being located in a small town is a positive aspect when insuring your vehicles. Urban drivers regularly have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Less people living in that area means reduced accidents and a lower car theft rate.
Multi-policy discounts can save money - The majority of insurance companies will award you with lower prices to customers who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you still need to comparison shop to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. Consumers may find better rates by buying auto insurance from a different company.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Insurance can be prohibitively expensive, but companies offer discounts to help offset the cost. Some trigger automatically at the time of purchase, but some may not be applied and must be specially asked for prior to receiving the credit. If you're not getting every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.

Military Discounts - Being deployed with a military unit can result in better rates.
No Claims - Claim-free drivers pay less when compared with accident-prone drivers.
Pay Upfront and Save - By paying your policy upfront instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.
Life Insurance Discount - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.
Organization Discounts - Participating in a qualifying organization may earn a discount when buying auto insurance.
Employee of Federal Government - Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% depending on your company.
Auto/Home Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you will save 10% to 20% off each policy.
Anti-theft System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.

Consumers should know that some credits don't apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. So even though they make it sound like you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies don't profit that way. Any qualifying discounts will bring down the amount you have to pay.

To choose insurers with the best auto insurance discounts in Virginia, click here.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Virginia consumers can't ignore all the ads for the lowest price auto insurance from companies such as 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm. All the companies have a common claim of big savings if you move your policy.

How does each company make almost identical claims?

Different companies can use profiling for the right customer that makes them money. A good example of a profitable customer could possibly be between 25 and 40, is a homeowner, and chooses high deductibles. A customer getting a price quote that hits that "sweet spot" receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't qualify for these standards must pay higher prices and this can result in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that kind of money. That's why insurance companies can confidently state the savings.

This illustrates why you should quote coverage with many companies. It's impossible to know the company that will give you the biggest savings.

Additional auto insurance information can be read on the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website located here. Virginia consumers can find disaster information, read industry bulletins, and view a list of available companies.

Other informative sites include this page for auto insurance prices in Virginia and this page of Dublin insurance agents.

And the best car insurance company is...

Cost effective auto insurance is possible online in addition to many Dublin insurance agents, so you should compare both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance companies do not provide online price quotes and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

Drivers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as delays in responding to claim requests, high rates after DUI convictions, unfair underwriting practices or even delays in paying claims. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.

When buying insurance coverage, make sure you don't buy poor coverage just to save money. There are a lot of situations where an accident victim reduced collision coverage and discovered at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The proper strategy is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.