Proven Techniques to Save on Guntersville Car Insurance

Paying for high-priced car insurance can overdraw your personal savings and force you to prioritize other expenses. Comparison shopping is a great way to make sure you're not throwing money away.

Multiple compete for your hard-earned dollar, and because of this it can be hard to compare to find the absolute lowest rate

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. Understanding what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to big savings.

The list below includes a partial list of the pieces companies use to determine prices.

High numbers of claims are not good - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can expect higher rates. Companies in Alabama generally give better rates to insureds who file claims infrequently. Insurance coverage is intended for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.
The more you drive the more you pay - The more you drive in a year's time the higher your rate. Most companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars not used for work or commuting receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your car insurance policy is showing the correct driver usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Careers like judges, social workers and accountants tend to pay higher rates than average attributed to high stress levels and lots of time spent at work. On the flip side, occupations like pilots, athletes and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
Don't buy coverages you don't need - There are a lot of add-on coverages that can waste your money when buying car insurance. Coverages like vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and motor club memberships are some examples. These may sound like a good investment at first, but if you don't need them get rid of them and save.
With age comes lower rates - More mature drivers are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and are safer drivers. Youthful drivers tend to be more careless when driving therefore car insurance rates are much higher.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies don't list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so we researched both the well known and the more hidden discounts you could be receiving.

Government Employees - Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with a few car insurance companies.
Save with a New Car - Buying coverage on a new vehicle can cost up to 25% less due to better safety requirements for new cars.
Accident Free - Drivers who don't have accidents pay much less when compared to accident-prone drivers.
Defensive Driving Course - Taking part in a defensive driving course could cut 5% off your bill if your company offers it.
Good Student Discount - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you up to age 25.
Paperwork-free - A handful of insurance companies may give you up to $50 for buying your policy on their website.

A little note about advertised discounts, some of the credits will not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you won't be that lucky.

To choose insurance companies with the best car insurance discounts in Guntersville, click here.

Is there truth in advertising?

Car insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO regularly use television and radio advertisements. They all have a common claim about savings if you move to them. How do they all claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that makes them money. For instance, a driver they prefer might be between 25 and 40, has no prior claims, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. Any driver that hits that "sweet spot" is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to cut their rates substantially.

Drivers who don't measure up to the "perfect" profile will be quoted a higher premium and this can result in the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. This is how companies can truthfully advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why you should get a wide range of price quotes. You cannot predict which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying the best car insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there is no perfect coverage plan. Everyone's needs are different and your policy should reflect that. For example, these questions can help discover whether or not you would benefit from an agent's advice.

Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
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 Alabama?
Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?

If you can't answer these questions but you know they apply to you, you might consider talking to an agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

Learn more about car insurance in Alabama

Even more information is located at the Alabama Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to download brochures, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, read industry bulletins, and discover disciplinary actions.

Final considerations

When shopping online for car insurance, you should never buy poor coverage just to save money. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice liability coverage limits only to discover later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your strategy should be to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

Cheaper car insurance is definitely available both online and with local Guntersville insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best selection. Some car insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.