Easy Techniques to Spend Less on Halethorpe Auto Insurance

If you're new to shopping for auto insurance online, it's easy to get confused by the vast number of auto insurance companies competing for business in Halethorpe.

If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will most likely be able to save some money using these methods. Buying the lowest cost auto insurance coverage in Halethorpe is simple if you know the tricks. Although Maryland consumers do need to know how the larger insurance companies market on the web and take advantage of how the system works.

Tips to Get Lower Halethorpe Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

Keep rates low by being claim-free - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can look forward to either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Companies in Maryland award better rates to insureds who do not file claims often. Your insurance policy is intended for larger claims.
High credit ratings translate to low rates - Having a bad credit rating is a huge factor in determining your rates. People with high credit ratings tend to be more responsible than drivers with poor credit. So if your credit score can use some improvement, you could save money insuring your by repairing your credit.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Careers like doctors, business owners and accountants have higher rates than average in part from high stress levels and long work days. On the flip side, professions such as scientists, athletes and the unemployed get better rates.
Don't skimp on liability - The liability section of your policy is the coverage that protects you when you are found liable for personal injury or accident damage. It will provide legal defense coverage which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.

Auto Insurance Comparison Rates in Halethorpe, MD

There are several ways of comparing rates from different Halethorpe insurance companies. One of the best ways to find the cheapest insurance rates is to perform an online rate comparison. This is very easy and can be done in a couple of different ways.

The fastest way to find low rates is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This easy form eliminates the need for a different quote for each company you want a rate for. Just one form gets you coverage quotes . This is perfect if you don't have a lot of time.
A slightly less efficient method to get quotes online consists of going to the website of each company to complete their respective quote request forms. For instance, let's assume you want to compare , and . To get each rate you have to go to every website to enter your coverage information, and that's why the first method is more popular. To view a list of companies in Halethorpe, click here.
The least recommended method of comparing rate quotes is to spend your day driving to insurance agents' offices. Shopping for auto insurance online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you have a need for the trained guidance that only a license agent can provide. However, consumers can find lower rates online and still use a local agent. We'll cover that shortly.

It's your choice how you get your quotes, but be sure to compare the exact same coverages on every quote you get. If your comparisons have different limits and deductibles on each one it will be very difficult to determine which rate is truly the best in Halethorpe. Quoting even small variations in coverages may result in large price differences. Keep in mind that comparing more company's prices will enable you to find lower pricing.

Save big with these discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, buy you may qualify for discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically when you quote, but some must be asked about prior to getting the savings.

Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts can get savings of 20% or more.
Claim Free - Good drivers with no accidents can earn big discounts when compared to accident-prone drivers.
More Vehicles More Savings - Insuring multiple cars or trucks with the same company qualifies for this discount.
Paperwork-free - A few companies may give you up to $50 for buying your policy on their website.
Low Mileage Discounts - Keeping the miles down can qualify you for discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
Lower Rates for Military - Being on active duty in the military can result in better rates.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will cut your overall premium however.

To choose insurance companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Halethorpe, click here to view.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Auto insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO regularly use ads on TV and radio. They all make an identical promise about savings if you move your coverage to them. How do they all claim to save you money? This is how they do it.

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that makes them money. An example of a driver they prefer might be between the ages of 40 and 55, a clean driving record, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications receives the best rates and most likely will cut their rates substantially.

Potential customers who fall outside the "perfect" profile will be quoted a higher premium and ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "drivers who switch" not "people who quote" save that much money. That is how companies can truthfully advertise the way they do.

This emphasizes why you need to get quotes from several different companies. It's impossible to know which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no perfect coverage plan. Everyone's situation is unique.

These are some specific questions may help highlight if your situation will benefit from professional help.

Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form.

Additional information is available on the Maryland Insurance Administration website. Click here for link. Visitors are able to download brochures, find out industry alerts, and read industry bulletins.

Affordable insurance is out there

People who switch companies do it for any number of reasons including extreme rates for teen drivers, poor customer service, high rates after DUI convictions or even lack of trust in their agent. Whatever your reason, switching auto insurance companies is easier than you think.

We covered many tips how you can compare auto insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may be surprised to find that the lowest priced auto insurance comes from a smaller regional carrier.

The cheapest auto insurance is definitely available both online as well as from independent agents in Halethorpe, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some auto insurance companies don't offer online price quotes and these smaller companies work with independent agents.