Top 7 Ways to Pay Less on Car Insurance in Effingham

No one in their right mind likes having to buy car insurance, particularly when the price is too high. Drivers have so many to pick from, and although it's a good thing to have a choice, too many choices makes it more difficult to compare rates.

It's important to compare prices occasionally since rates are constantly changing. Even if you think you had the best deal six months ago you may be paying too much now. Starting now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because we're going to show you the proper way to find lower rates on car insurance.

Finding Car Insurance Deals in Effingham, SC

Most major insurance companies like Allstate and Progressive allow you to get price estimates directly from their websites. Getting quotes is quite simple as you simply enter your coverage preferences as detailed in the form. Behind the scenes, the system will obtain your driving and credit reports and generates pricing information based on these and other factors. This streamlines rate comparisons, but the time it takes to visit different websites and fill out multiple forms is not the best way to spend an afternoon. But it's very important to have as many quotes as possible in order to find the best price on car insurance.

A less time-consuming method to get multiple rate quotes is to use a quote form to return rates from several different companies. The form is fast, eliminates repetitive work, and makes online shopping much more enjoyable and efficient. Once the form is submitted, it is rated with multiple companies and you can pick any one of the returned quotes. If you find a better price you simply finish the application and purchase coverage. The entire process only takes a few minutes and could lower your rates considerably.

To 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 duplicate the limits and deductibles exactly as shown on your declarations page. This way, you will be getting a price comparison based on similar coverages.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies do not advertise every available discount very clearly, so here is a list both the well known and also the lesser-known car insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you're just leaving money on the table.

Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can avoid accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Anti-theft System - Anti-theft and alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Safety Course Discount - Taking a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more depending on where you live.
Discount for Life Insurance - Some companies give a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.
Multiple Cars - Buying coverage for all your vehicles on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies allow you one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
Discount for Swiching Early - Some companies give discounts for buying a policy before your current policy expires. The savings is around 10%.

It's important to note that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. So even though they make it sound like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you're out of luck.

For a list of providers with discount car insurance rates in South Carolina, follow this link.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a "best" method to buy coverage. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For instance, these questions might point out whether you would benefit from an agent's advice.

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?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
What are the financial responsibility laws in South Carolina?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area. It's fast, free and you can get the answers you need.

Additional detailed information is available at the South Carolina Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, discover disciplinary actions, and view agent and company licensing information.

Other useful links include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Effingham insurance agents.

And the best car insurance company is...

As you restructure your insurance plan, make sure you don't reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that they should have had better coverage. The aim is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Lower-priced car insurance is attainable both online as well as from independent agents in Effingham, so you should compare both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance companies don't offer online quoting and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

We just covered a lot of tips how to lower your car insurance rates. It's most important to understand that the more quotes you get, the better chance you'll have of finding lower rates. Consumers may even find the most savings is with a small mutual company. Smaller companies often have lower prices on specific markets than the large multi-state companies such as .