10 Methods to Save on Car Insurance in Homer

Expensive car insurance can dwindle your bank account and put a big crunch on your finances. Comparison shopping is free and is an excellent way to make sure you're not throwing money away. There are many to pick from, and although it's nice to be able to choose, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to check car insurance prices quite often since rates are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the best deal on your last policy there is a good chance you can find better rates now. So just ignore everything you know about car insurance because we're going to show you the only way to save money, get proper coverage and the best rates.

How to Buy Homer Car Insurance Online

Reducing your insurance rates is actually quite simple. Just take time comparing rates from different insurance companies. This can be done using a couple different methods.

The fastest way to get quotes is to use a rate comparison form (click to open form in new window). This form saves time by eliminating separate quote forms to each individual car insurance company. One form will get you rate comparisons from many national carriers.
A different way to compare rate quotes requires you to visit the website for each individual company to complete a price quote. For instance, let's say you want comparison quotes from , and . To find out each rate you need to go to every website and enter your policy data, which is why most consumers use the first method.

To view a list of companies in Homer, click here.
The hardest way to get comparison rates is to waste gas driving to different Homer agent offices. The internet eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you prefer the trained guidance only provided by licensed Homer agents. Drivers can find lower rates online and still use a local agent and we'll cover that in a bit.

It doesn't matter which method you choose, just make darn sure you compare identical coverage information for every company. If your comparisons have unequal deductibles or liability limits it will be impossible to decipher which rate is best in Homer.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance companies don't always list every available discount very clearly, so here is a list some of the more common and the more hidden ways to save on car insurance. If you're not getting every credit you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.

Braking Control Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
Resident Student - Any of your kids who live away from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may qualify for this discount.
Multi-policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you could get a discount of approximately 10% to 15%.
Good Student Discount - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
55 and Retired - If you're over the age of 55, you may be able to get reduced rates.
Accident Free - Drivers who don't have accidents can earn big discounts compared to accident-prone drivers.
Organization Discounts - Belonging to a qualifying organization could trigger savings on your policy.
Multiple Vehicles - Insuring multiple vehicles with the same company could earn a price break for each car.
Auto/Life Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
Military Rewards - Having a family member in the military may qualify for rate reductions.

As a disclaimer on discounts, many deductions do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like all those discounts means the company will pay you, car insurance companies aren't that generous.

To choose providers who offer car insurance discounts in Illinois, click this link.

Are car insurance companies telling the truth?

Consumers can't ignore all the ads for car insurance savings by companies like Allstate and Progressive. All the ads make the same claim about savings after switching to them.

How does each company make the same claim?

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that makes them money. An example of a preferred risk could be between the ages of 30 and 50, insures multiple vehicles, and has great credit. Any new insured who matches those parameters receives the best rates and most likely will save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for these standards will be charged more money which leads to business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "people who switch" not "people who quote" save money. This is how companies can truthfully advertise the savings. That is why you need to compare as many rates as you can. It's just too difficult to predict which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

How to know if you need help

When buying proper insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a "perfect" insurance plan. Everyone's needs are different so this has to be addressed. These are some specific questions may help you determine whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.

Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Illinois?
Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Homer?
Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Illinois?
Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with an agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area. It is quick, free and can provide invaluable advice.

Even more information is available at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Consumers can read consumer alerts, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, view agent and company licensing information, and file complaints about a company.

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

A tidy conclusion

When you buy insurance online, make sure you don't reduce coverage to reduce premium. Too many times, drivers have reduced comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

You just learned many ideas to compare car insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more quotes you get, the better your comparison will be. Drivers may discover the lowest rates come from an unexpected company. These smaller insurers may have significantly lower rates on certain market segments than their larger competitors like .