Comparison Shop Gulfport Car Insurance Prices With These Techniques

Shopping for the most affordable Gulfport car insurance on the web may be rather challenging for consumers new to buying insurance online. When there are so many companies in the marketplace, how can you even start to compare the different rates to find the lowest price?

It's important to do rate comparisons quite often because rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the best rates a few years ago you can probably find a better price now. Don't believe everything you read about car insurance on the web, but we're going to give you some great ways to quit paying high car insurance rates.

Finding affordable coverage in Gulfport is easy if you know what you're doing. If you are paying for car insurance now, you should be able to reduce your rates substantially using this information. But Florida car owners do need to know the way insurance companies sell online.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Gulfport

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that play a part in calculating your car insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get big savings.

Shown below are some of the items companies use to determine your rates.

Discounts for multiple policies - Some car insurance companies give discounts to policyholders who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it's still a good idea to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal.
With age comes lower rates - Young drivers in Florida have a tendency to be less responsible when driving so they pay higher car insurance rates. Having to add a teenage driver to your policy can be quite pricey. More mature drivers tend to be more responsible, file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
Increase deductibles and save - Coverage for physical damage, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, protects your car from damage. Examples of covered claims are collision with another vehicle, vandalism, or theft. Physical damage deductibles are the amount of money you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. The more expense you're willing to pay, the bigger discount you will receive.
Your location is important - Residing in less populated areas has it's advantages when it comes to car insurance. Drivers in populated areas regularly have congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Fewer people means fewer accidents and a lower car theft rate.
How's your driving record? - Good drivers get better rates than their less careful counterparts. Only having one ticket can increase rates by as much as thirty percent. Drivers who get dangerous violations such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may be required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state motor vehicle department in order to prevent a license revocation.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies don't list every available discount very clearly, so the following is a list of some of the more common and also the lesser-known ways to save on car insurance.

Braking Control Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can avoid accidents and will save you 10% or more.
55 and Retired - If you're over the age of 55, you may receive reduced rates.
Multiple Cars - Buying insurance for all your vehicles with the same company can get a discount on all vehicles.
Multi-policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you could get a discount of approximately 10% to 15%.
Discount for Swiching Early - Some companies give discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiration. The savings is around 10%.
Government Employees - Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with certain companies.
Safety Course Discount - Taking part in a driver safety course could cut 5% off your bill if your company offers it.
Theft Prevention System - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver's ed class if offered at their school.

Consumers should know that most discount credits are not given to the overall cost of the policy. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies don't profit that way.

To choose providers with discount car insurance rates in Florida, click this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive consistently run television and radio advertisements. All the ads make the same claim that you'll save big if you change to them. How does each company make the same claim? It's all in the numbers.

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that makes them money. A good example of a preferred risk could be a mature driver, insures multiple vehicles, and has a short commute. A customer who matches those parameters will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Consumers who don't measure up to these standards will be charged higher prices which leads to business going elsewhere. The ads state "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. This is how companies can make the claims of big savings. That is why you should compare many company's rates. Because you never know which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a best way to insure your cars. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's.

For example, these questions may help you determine whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Florida?
Am I covered by my employer's commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
What are the best liability limits?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
Should I buy additional glass protection?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but one or more may apply to you, you may need to chat with an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form.

More sites with car insurance information

More detailed Florida car insurance information can be read at the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website. Consumers can read consumer alerts, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and report car insurance fraud.

Other informative sites include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Gulfport insurance agents.

Shop smart and save

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don't buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, drivers have reduced collision coverage and discovered at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Discount car insurance can be sourced from both online companies and with local Gulfport insurance agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance providers do not offer online price quotes and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

We just showed you some good ideas how to save on car insurance. It's most important to understand that the more quotes you get, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers may even find the best price on car insurance is with a small mutual company.