How to Get Low-Cost Frederick Auto Insurance

Buying low-cost Frederick auto insurance on the web is challenging for consumers new to price shopping online. With dozens of companies in the marketplace, how can consumers possibly compare the different rates to find the best available rates?

Where Can I Get Cheap Frederick Auto Insurance?

There are several ways of comparing rate quotes from local Frederick auto insurance companies. The recommended way to find the cheapest insurance rates is to perform an online rate comparison. This can be accomplished in a couple of different ways.

The first (and easiest) way to get quotes for comparison is to use a rate comparison form (click to open form in new window). This form prevents you from having to do separate quote forms for each company you want a rate for. A single, simple form compares rates from many national carriers. Just one form and you're done.

A less efficient way to compare rate quotes is going to the website of each company to request a price quote. For example, we'll pretend you want comparison quotes from , and . To get each rate you have to visit each site and enter your information, which is why most consumers use the first method. To view a list of companies in Frederick, click here.

The hardest way to compare rates is to waste gas driving to local insurance agencies. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you prefer the trained guidance that only a license agent can provide. Drivers can compare the best prices online and still use a local agent.

It's up to you how you get prices quotes, just make sure you use apples-to-apples coverage limits and deductibles for each price quote. If you compare different liability limits it will be impossible to truly determine the lowest rate in Frederick. Having just a slight variation in coverages may cause a big price difference. And when comparing auto insurance rates, know that obtaining a wide range of quotes gives you a better chance of getting the best rates.

Frederick Rates are Influenced by These Factors

It's important that you understand the rating factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels enables informed choices that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

  • Claim-free discounts can add up - Companies in Maryland give discounts to insureds who are claim-free. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can expect either higher rates or even cancellation. Your insurance policy is designed for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.
  • Where you live can impact rates - Residing in small towns and rural areas can save you money when insuring your vehicles. Drivers in populated areas have to deal with traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Fewer drivers translates into fewer accidents.
  • Credit scores impact auto insurance rates - Having a bad credit score is a large factor in determining what you pay for auto insurance. So if your credit history is lower than you'd like, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your rating. Drivers who have excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers who have poor credit.
  • Traffic violations increase rates - Even one moving violation can boost insurance rates forty percent or more. Careful drivers receive lower rates than bad drivers. If you have serious violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to file a SR-22 with their state DMV in order to continue driving.
  • Policy add-ons can waste money - There are many add-on coverages that can waste your money on your auto insurance policy. Things like roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and term life insurance may be wasting your money. These may sound like a good investment at first, but if they're wasting money remove them from your policy.

Take advantage of discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but you can get discounts that many people don't even know exist. Certain discounts will be applied when you get a quote, but lesser-known reductions have to be inquired about before you will receive the discount.

  • Government Employees - Simply working for the federal government could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - When you have multiple policies with the same company you could get a discount of at least 10% off all policies.
  • Braking Control Discount - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Air Bag Discount - Cars that have air bags or automatic seat belts can receive discounts of 20% or more.
  • Defensive Driver - Successfully completing a course in driver safety could cut 5% off your bill depending on where you live.
  • Save over 55 - Older drivers may qualify for better auto insurance rates.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So when it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will help reduce your overall premium however.

For a list of insurance companies offering auto insurance discounts in Maryland, click this link.

How to know if you need help

When it comes to choosing adequate coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different.

These are some specific questions can help discover whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
  • Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
  • Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
  • Should I buy additional glass protection?
  • Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?

If it's difficult to answer those questions then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, fill out this quick form.

Additional information can be found on the Maryland Insurance Administration website through this link. Maryland consumers can download brochures, view agent and company licensing information, and find out industry alerts.

Other useful links include this online resource for auto insurance quotes in Maryland and this list of insurance agents in Frederick.

Maryland auto insurance quotes

Affordable insurance is out there

Insureds switch companies for many reasons like high rates after DUI convictions, policy non-renewal, policy cancellation and poor customer service. No matter why you want to switch, finding the right auto insurance provider is not as hard as you think.

When you buy insurance online, don't be tempted to reduce needed coverages to save money. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your strategy should be to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

In this article, we presented some good ideas how to lower your auto insurance rates. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. You may even discover the lowest rates come from an unexpected company.