Tightwads Tips for Saving on Gridley Car Insurance

Tired of being strong-armed each month for car insurance? Your situation is no different than most other car owners in California. Drivers have multiple to pick from, and even though it's nice to have a choice, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

It's important to take a look at other company's rates once or twice a year because rates are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the best deal six months ago you may be paying too much now. So just forget all the misinformation about car insurance because you're going to learn the only way to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.

Buying car insurance in Gridley is quite easy. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you stand a good chance to be able to save some money using these methods. California drivers only need an understanding of the most effective way to get comparison quotes over the internet.

Compare the Market for Car Insurance in Gridley

Getting better car insurance pricing can be quick and easy. Just spend a little time comparing rate quotes provided by online insurance companies. This can be done 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 view form in new window. This method eliminates the need for boring form submissions for each company you want a rate for. Taking the time to complete one form will get you rate comparisons from all major companies.

Another way to compare rate quotes requires you to visit each company's website and request a quote. For examples sake, let's say you want rates from , and . To get each rate you have to take the time to go to each site and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is more popular.

To view a list of companies in Gridley, click here.

The least efficient way to get comparison rates is driving to different Gridley agent offices. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you require the professional guidance that only a license agent can provide. You can, however, compare the best prices online and still use a local agent and we'll talk about that later.

Which method you use is up to you, but double check that you are using identical coverage information with every price quote. If you use unequal deductibles or liability limits it's not possible to find the best deal in Gridley.

Gridley car insurance comparison

Gridley Rates are Influenced by These Factors

It's important that you understand some of the elements that help determine your car insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are some of the factors car insurance companies consider when setting rates.

  • Men pay higher rates - The statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Both sexes tend to get into accidents at about the same rate, but the males have costlier accidents. They also get cited for more serious violations such as reckless driving. Male drivers age 16 to 19 are most likely to cause an accident and thus pay the highest rates.
  • Equipment add-ons that lower car insurance rates - Driving a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Theft prevention features like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all hinder your car from being stolen.
  • Older drivers save more - Young drivers in California are known to be more careless in a vehicle so they pay higher car insurance rates. Mature drivers are viewed as being more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations.
  • More people means more accidents - Being located in small towns and rural areas can be a good thing when it comes to car insurance. City drivers have to deal with much more traffic and longer commute times. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
  • How's your driving record? - Your driving citation history has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Careful drivers have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Just one citation can boost insurance rates by twenty percent. Drivers who have flagrant citations such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may need to file a SR-22 with their state motor vehicle department in order to keep their license.
  • Add-on coverages can add up - There are a ton of extra bells and whistles that you can buy on your policy. Coverages for roadside assistance, towing coverage and term life insurance are examples of these. They may seem good when you first buy your policy, but if they're wasting money eliminate them to save money.
  • Low deductibles can be expensive - Coverage for physical damage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply are a windshield shattered by a rock, damage from fire, and windstorm damage. Your deductibles are how much you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. The more money you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your company will charge you for insurance.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance companies don't list all their discounts very clearly, so here is a list some of the more common as well as the least known car insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit available, you're just leaving money on the table.

  • 55 and Retired - Older drivers may be able to get better car insurance rates.
  • Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once rather than paying monthly you may reduce your total bill.
  • College Student - Children who live away from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may qualify for this discount.
  • Bundle and Save - When you have multiple policies with the same company you will save at least 10% off all policies.
  • Good Students Pay Less - Getting good grades can earn a discount of 20% or more. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
  • New Car Discount - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can save up to 30% because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Factory air bags may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.

It's important to understand that most credits do not apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like adding up those discounts means a free policy, it doesn't quite work that way.

For a list of companies who offer car insurance discounts in California, follow this link.

More tips and info about car insurance is available at the California Department of Insurance website. Consumers can learn about insurance regulations, view a list of available companies, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and view agent and company licensing information.

Other useful links include this Car Insurance FAQ and this page of insurance agents in Gridley.

compare Gridley car insurance rates

In the end, you save

As you restructure your insurance plan, make sure you don't reduce needed coverages to save money. There are many occasions where an insured dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that they should have had better coverage. Your aim should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford.

We just showed you a lot of information how to lower your car insurance rates. The most important thing to understand is the more times you quote, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may even find the best price on car insurance is with the least-expected company. Smaller companies can often provide lower rates in certain areas than their larger competitors like .