Best Way to Find the Cheapest East Alton Auto Insurance

Shopping online for East Alton auto insurance may seem to be difficult if you have never used online price comparisons. But don't let that discourage you because using the internet to shop for auto insurance is actually quite easy.

It's important to price shop coverage periodically since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest price six months ago you can probably find a better price now. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you're about to find out the only way to properly buy coverages while reducing your premium.

Learn How to Buy Auto Insurance Cheaper

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that go into determining auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that can help you get big savings.

Listed below are a partial list of the pieces that factor into your rates.

Performance influences rates - The type of car you drive makes a significant difference in your rates. Economy passenger cars generally receive the lowest base rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
Traffic citations inflate rates - Even a single citation may increase your cost twenty percent or more. Drivers with clean records get better rates than bad drivers. Drivers who get serious violations like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with the DMV in their state in order to continue driving.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - Most insurance companies give discounts to people who buy several policies from them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can amount to 10 percent or more. Even with this discount, it's still a good idea to comparison shop to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
More claims means more premium - Insurance companies in Illinois generally give cheaper rates to drivers who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you frequently file small claims, you can pretty much guarantee either higher rates or even cancellation. Insurance coverage is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, buy you may qualify for discounts that many people don't even know exist. Most are applied when you purchase, but less common discounts must be requested specifically before being credited. If you aren't receiving every discount you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Early Signing - Some companies give discounts for signing up prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.
Theft Prevention System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems help deter theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Drivers Ed for Students - Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver's ed class in school.
Military Discounts - Being deployed with a military unit could mean lower rates.
Anti-lock Brakes - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.

Keep in mind that some of the credits will not apply to the entire policy premium. Most cut specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it just doesn't work that way. But any discount will reduce your premiums.

To choose providers offering auto insurance discounts in East Alton, click here.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Illinois drivers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance from companies such as State Farm and Allstate. All the ads have a common claim that you can save if you switch your policy.

How can each company say the same thing? It's all in the numbers.

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that makes them money. For instance, a preferred risk might be profiled as over the age of 40, a clean driving record, and has a high credit rating. A propective insured that hits that "sweet spot" gets the lowest rates and therefore will save when they switch companies.

Consumers who don't measure up to the requirements will be charged higher prices and this can result in business not being written. The ads say "customers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That is how insurance companies can state the savings.

That is why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's not possible to predict which company will have the lowest rates.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's.

Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight whether or not you could use an agent's help.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?

If you can't answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. If you don't have a local agent, complete this form. It is quick, free and you can get the answers you need.

Additional Illinois consumer information

More information is located on the Illinois Department of Insurance website found here. Illinois drivers can learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, and read consumer alerts.

Best coverage at the best price

In this article, we covered a lot of techniques to save on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers may even find the lowest premiums are with a small mutual company.

As you restructure your insurance plan, it's not a good idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many cases where someone dropped liability coverage limits only to discover later that they should have had better coverage. Your goal should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Drivers switch companies for a variety of reasons including high prices, policy non-renewal, extreme rates for teen drivers or even unfair underwriting practices. Regardless of your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is easier than you think.