Tightwads Tips for Saving on Harrison Auto Insurance

No one likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when the cost is way too high.

You have so many to pick from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, lots of choices makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to price shop coverage occasionally because insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best price two years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate the only way to find better coverage at a better price.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Harrison is easy if you know what you're doing. Essentially everyone who is required by state law to have auto insurance stands a good chance to be able to cut their insurance bill. But New Jersey drivers do need to know how the larger insurance companies price online insurance and apply this information to your search.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Companies don't always list all their discounts very clearly, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using.

Bundle and Save - If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.
Payment Discounts - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
Sign Online - Some insurance companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
Drive Less and Save - Driving fewer miles can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
Clubs and Organizations - Participating in a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates on auto insurance.
Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with select insurance companies.
Good Student - Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply until age 25.
Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may qualify for a discount up to 10%.

Drivers should understand that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. Just because you may think you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies wouldn't make money that way.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether or not you will benefit from professional help.

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you don't have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Auto insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. They all seem to make an identical promise that you'll save big if you switch your policy. How does each company make almost identical claims?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a desirable insured could possibly be between the ages of 40 and 55, owns a home, and chooses high deductibles. A driver who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and therefore will save when switching.

Potential customers who don't measure up to these standards will have to pay a more expensive rate and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads say "people who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That is how companies can state the savings. Because of the profiling, you should compare many company's rates. It is impossible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

More detailed New Jersey auto insurance information can be found at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website. New Jersey consumers can view agent and company licensing information, find out industry alerts, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and view a list of available companies.

Also read more on Wikipedia and this Harrison agent directory.

Final considerations

When buying insurance coverage, make sure you don't buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In many instances, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate.

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be found online in addition to many Harrison insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.