Easy Ways to Cut Costs on Huntsville Auto Insurance

If you are a novice to online auto insurance shopping, it's easy to get confused by the large number of auto insurance companies offering insurance in Huntsville.

It's important to check auto insurance prices occasionally because prices are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest price last year you may be paying too much now. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because I'm going to let you in on the secrets to the tricks you need to know to eliminate unnecessary coverages and save money.

If you are paying for car insurance now, you should be able to cut costs considerably using these methods. The purpose of this post is to introduce you to the best way to quote coverages and some tips to save money. Nevertheless, Texas consumers do need to know the way insurance companies price insurance differently because it can help you find the best coverage.

Automobile Insurance Quotes in Huntsville, TX

There are several ways of comparing rates from different Huntsville insurance companies. The recommended way to compare insurance prices is to use the internet to compare rates. This can be accomplished in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

The first (and easiest) way to get quotes is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This form prevents you from having to do separate forms to each individual auto insurance company. A single form gets rate comparisons from several companies. This is perfect if you don't have a lot of time.

A slightly less efficient method to compare rate quotes is spending the time to visit each company website to complete their respective quote request forms. For sake of this example, we'll pretend you want to compare , and . To find out each rate you need to spend time on each company's site and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is quicker. To view a list of companies in Huntsville, click here.

It's up to you how you get prices quotes, just make absolute certain that you use the exact same information on every quote you get. If each company quotes higher or lower deductibles then you won't be able to determine which rate is truly the best in Huntsville. Having just a slight variation in coverage limits can make a big difference in price. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that quoting more will enable you to find the best price.

Texas auto insurance

What determines how much you pay?

It's important that you understand the rating factors that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get big savings.

The following are a partial list of the pieces companies use to determine your rates.

  • Cautious drivers pay less - Good drivers get better rates compared to drivers with tickets. Only having one citation can increase rates twenty percent or more. Drivers who get flagrant violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may be required to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to keep their license.
  • Better credit means lower rates - Your credit history is a big factor in determining your rates. So if your credit score is not that good, you could be paying less to insure your by repairing your credit. Drivers with good credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than drivers with lower credit scores.
  • Where do you drive? - Driving more miles each year the higher your rates will be. Most companies charge to insure your cars determined by how the vehicle is used. Autos not used for work or commuting receive lower rates than those used for commuting. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
  • Protect your assets with liability insurance - Liability coverage is the coverage that protects you in the event that you are found liable for damages from an accident. It will provide legal defense which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability is cheap when compared with rates for comp and collision, so drivers should carry high limits.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, but there are discounts available to reduce the price significantly. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied when you quote, but less common discounts must be asked for before you get the savings.

  • Early Switch Discount - Some companies give discounts for buying a policy before your current policy expires. It's a savings of about 10%.
  • Braking Control Discount - Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Auto/Life Discount - Larger companies have lower rates if you buy auto and life insurance together.
  • Multiple Vehicles - Insuring multiple vehicles on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
  • Accident Forgiveness - A few companies allow you one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
  • Passive Restraints - Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts can get savings of up to 25% or more.
  • Military Rewards - Having a family member in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
  • Low Mileage - Fewer annual miles could be rewarded with better rates on cars that stay parked.

Consumers should know that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. So when the math indicates all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies don't profit that way. Any qualifying discounts will cut your overall premium however.

For a list of providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Huntsville, click this link.

How to know if you need help

When it comes to choosing the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no perfect coverage plan. Every situation is different.

These are some specific questions might point out whether your personal situation would benefit from professional advice.

  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • 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?
  • Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
  • Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.

Additional auto insurance information is located on the Texas Department of Insurance website found here. Visitors are able to file complaints about a company, find out industry alerts, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Huntsville auto insurance quote

Affordable insurance is out there

We covered some good ideas how to lower your auto insurance rates. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even discover the best price on auto insurance is with some of the smallest insurance companies.

As you prepare to switch companies, never reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many cases where an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Cost effective auto insurance can be purchased both online and with local Huntsville insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who do not offer online quoting and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.