Tightwads Guide to Saving on Fruitland Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when they are paying too much.

Because you have many companies and agents to choose from, it's difficult to choose the cheapest company.

It's important to check auto insurance prices periodically because prices are constantly changing. Just because you found the best rates a few years ago you may be paying too much now. You can find a lot of misleading information regarding auto insurance on the web, but I'm going to show you some great ways to slash your auto insurance rates.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Fruitland is easy if you know what you're doing. If you have car insurance now, you should be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. But Idaho drivers do need to know the methods companies use to sell online.

Fruitland Auto Insurance Comparisons

Most major insurance companies give prices for coverage online. This process is fairly straightforward as you just type in your personal and coverage information into the quote form. Behind the scenes, the company's rating system will obtain your credit score and driving record and provides a quote based on many factors. This makes comparing rates easy, but the work required to visit different websites and type in the same information is monotonous and tiresome. Unfortunately, it is important to compare as many rates as possible in order to get a lower rate.

A less time-consuming method to compare rates uses one form that gets price quotes from more than one company. It's a real time-saver, reduces the work, and makes rate comparisons much easier. As soon as you send your information, your coverage is rated and you can select any or none of the returned quotes. If you find a better price you can simply submit the application and purchase coverage. This process can be completed in a matter of minutes and may result in a nice savings.

To find out how much you're overpaying now, click here and begin entering your coverage information. If you have your current policy handy, we recommend you replicate the limits and deductibles identical to your current policy. This way, you will have a price comparison based on similar coverages.

What determines how much you pay?

It's important that you understand the rating factors that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

The following are some of the items companies use to determine rates.

Older drivers save more - Teen drivers in Idaho are known to be more careless behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Having to add a teenage driver to your policy can break the bank. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.
Careful drivers pay lower rates - Just one ticket can increase rates forty percent or more. Good drivers get better rates compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who have flagrant citations such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state DMV in order to keep their license.
Women pay lower rates - Statistics show women tend to be less risk to insure than men. However, this does not mean women are better drivers. Women and men cause accidents at a similar rate, but the males have costlier accidents. They also have more aggressive citations such as DWI and reckless driving. Teenage male drivers are the most expensive to insure and thus pay the highest rates.
Consolidate policies to earn discounts - Many auto insurance companies will give a discount to customers who buy several policies from them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it's still a good idea to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal.

More discounts equal less premium

Car insurance companies don't always list all their discounts very well, so the following is a list of both well-publicized and also the lesser-known ways to save on auto insurance.

Discount for New Cars - Adding a new car to your policy can save up to 30% since new cars are generally safer.
Good Student - Getting good grades can get you a discount of up to 25%. The good student discount can last well after school through age 25.
Accident Forgiveness - Some insurance companies allow you one accident without raising rates as long as you don't have any claims prior to the accident.
Anti-theft Discount - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and earn discounts up to 10%.
Homeowners Savings - Owning a house in Fruitland may earn you a small savings due to the fact that maintaining a home demonstrates responsibility.
Club Memberships - Participating in a professional or civic organization could trigger savings on auto insurance.
Early Switch Discount - Some companies give discounts for switching policies before your current policy expires. It's a savings of about 10%.
Payment Method - If paying your policy premium upfront rather than paying monthly you can actually save on your bill.
Save over 55 - Older drivers may be able to get reduced rates.

Consumers should know that many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So when it seems like you can get free auto insurance, companies don't profit that way.

For a list of companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Idaho, click this link.

It's not one size fits all

When it comes to choosing coverage for your vehicles, there really is no cookie cutter policy. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's so this has to be addressed. Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight if you could use an agent's help.

Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Idaho?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

More detailed Idaho auto insurance information can be read at the Idaho Department of Insurance website. Idaho consumers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, file complaints about a company, learn about insurance regulations, and read consumer alerts.

Other useful links include Auto Insurance 101 and this page where you can research Fruitland insurance agents.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

When shopping online for auto insurance, do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There are many occasions where someone dropped collision coverage and discovered at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your aim should be to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price.

You just read many ideas to lower your auto insurance rates. The most important thing to understand is the more times you quote, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. Drivers may discover the lowest premiums are with a small mutual company. Smaller companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates as compared to the big name companies such as .

Discount auto insurance can be sourced online and with local Fruitland insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some auto insurance companies do not offer online quoting and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.