Huntsville Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

Comparison shopping for Huntsville auto insurance is challenging for consumers new to buying insurance online. There are so many options that it can quickly become a challenge to compare prices in Huntsville.

If you currently have car insurance, you should be able to cut costs considerably using this information. Shopping for the lowest cost auto insurance in Huntsville is easy if you know what you're doing. Nevertheless, Alabama vehicle owners do need to know how the larger insurance companies sell online because it can help you find the best coverage.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Companies offering auto insurance don't always list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so we researched some of the best known and also the lesser-known ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Seat Belts Save more than Lives - Requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could cut 10% or more off your PIP or medical payments premium.
  • No Accidents - Claim-free drivers pay much less when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Affiliation with certain professional organizations could trigger savings when shopping for auto insurance.
  • Pay Now and Pay Less - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Safety Course Discount - Taking a course teaching defensive driving skills could save 5% or more if you qualify.
  • New Vehicle Savings - Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper compared to insuring an older model.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with a few auto insurance companies.

It's important to understand that most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. Most only cut specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. So when it seems like you could get a free auto insurance policy, it doesn't quite work that way.

You have some control over your rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. Understanding what determines base rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

  • Always keep insurance in force - Driving with no insurance can get your license suspended and you will pay a penalty because you let your coverage have a gap. Not only will rates go up, but not being able to provide proof of insurance can result in a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.
  • Do you work long hours in a high stress job? - Careers like judges, executives and accountants tend to have higher rates than average due to job stress and long work hours. On the flip side, occupations like farmers, athletes and retirees receive lower rates.
  • Protect yourself with liability coverage - Your policy's liability coverage will protect you when a jury decides you are liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability insurance is quite affordable as compared to coverage for physical damage, so drivers should carry high limits.
  • Car features impact rates - Driving a car with a theft deterrent system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention devices like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all hinder your vehicle from being stolen.
  • Policy add-ons can waste money - There are quite a few extra bells and whistles that can waste your money if you aren't careful. Coverages like vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and term life insurance may be wasting your money. They may seem good initially, but if they're wasting money get rid of them and save.
  • Where do you drive? - The higher the mileage driven every year the higher your rate. Most insurance companies price each vehicle's coverage determined by how the vehicle is used. Autos that are left in the garage receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. Verify your auto insurance declarations sheet is showing the correct usage for each vehicle, because improper ratings can cost you money.
  • Small claims can cost you - Companies in Alabama give better rates to policyholders who are claim-free. If you file claims often, you can pretty much guarantee either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Car insurance is intended to be relied upon for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Traffic citations inflate rates - A bad driving record impacts your car insurance rates tremendously. Even one citation can boost insurance rates forty percent or more. Careful drivers get better rates than their less careful counterparts. If you have dangerous violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with the DMV in their state in order to prevent a license revocation.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Auto insurance providers like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO consistently run television and radio advertisements. They all make the same claim of big savings if you change to their company. How do they all say the same thing? It's all in the numbers.

Different companies can use profiling for the driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a driver they prefer might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, is a homeowner, and has a short commute. A propective insured who matches those parameters will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to cut their rates substantially.

Consumers who don't qualify for the "perfect" profile will be quoted higher rates which leads to business not being written. The ad wording is "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That's why insurance companies can confidently make the claims of big savings. This emphasizes why drivers should get a wide range of price quotes. It's not possible to predict the company that will fit your personal profile best.

More tips and info about auto insurance is located at the Alabama Department of Insurance website. Alabama drivers can find a variety of consumer forms, read industry bulletins, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

Do the work, save more money

Insureds leave their current company for a variety of reasons including being labeled a high risk driver, high rates after DUI convictions, questionable increases in premium and even unfair underwriting practices. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new auto insurance company is less work than it seems.

Low-cost auto insurance can be sourced on the web and also from your neighborhood Huntsville agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance providers may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.

As you shop your coverage around, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where an accident victim reduced collision coverage and learned later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your strategy should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.