Jackson Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

Using the web to shop for Jackson auto insurance can seem like an uphill battle if you have never used quoting online. But don't be discouraged because online price shopping is actually quite simple.

It's important to compare rates periodically since insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best deal last year you can probably find a better price now. So forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the proper way to properly buy coverages and cut your premium.

Finding the best rates in Jackson is quite easy. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you should be able to save some money using this strategy. Nevertheless, Alabama vehicle owners do need to know how companies market on the web and take advantage of how the system works.

You have some control over your rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

The list below includes some of the factors auto insurance companies consider when setting rates.

  • Where you live is a factor - Living in small towns and rural areas can be a good thing when buying auto insurance. Drivers in populated areas regularly have much more traffic and longer commute times. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
  • How credit affects auto insurance rates - Credit rating is a important factor in determining your rates. Drivers who have excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers with poor credit. If your credit can use some improvement, you could save money insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit.
  • Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Jobs such as doctors, executives and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of job stress and long work days. Conversely, occupations such as scientists, engineers and the unemployed receive lower rates.
  • What are your deductibles? - Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply are a windshield shattered by a rock, damage from fire, and rolling your vehicle. Physical damage deductibles are how much you are required to spend out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. The more money you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the lower your rates will be.

Alabama auto insurance quotes

These discounts can lower your rates

Companies don't always advertise all their discounts very clearly, so here is a list some of the best known as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Bundle and Save - If you insure your home and vehicles with one insurance company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Factory air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • No Accidents - Good drivers with no accidents can earn big discounts as compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Homeowners Savings - Owning a house in Jackson may earn you a small savings because of the fact that having a home requires personal responsibility.
  • Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with select insurance companies.
  • New Vehicle Savings - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can cost up to 25% less because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Auto/Life Discount - Larger companies have a discount if you purchase life insurance.

Consumers should know that most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to individual premiums such as collision or personal injury protection. So even though they make it sound like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Alabama, click this link.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

Auto insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive regularly use ads on television and other media. They all seem to make the same claim of big savings if you move to their company. How does each company say the same thing?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. An example of a desirable insured might be profiled as between 25 and 40, a clean driving record, and drives newer vehicles. A propective insured who matches those parameters is entitled to the best price and as a result will probably save when switching.

Potential customers who are not a match for these standards will have to pay a higher premium which leads to business not being written. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can confidently claim big savings. Because of the profiling, you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's not possible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

Different people need different coverages

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Everyone's situation is a little different.

For instance, these questions may help highlight whether you would benefit from an agent's advice.

  • What are the best liability limits?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
  • Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
  • Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?

If it's difficult to answer those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.

Additional Alabama consumer information

More tips and info about auto insurance is available at the Alabama Department of Insurance website. Alabama drivers can view agent and company licensing information, find out industry alerts, and read industry bulletins.

Alabama auto insurance

Affordable insurance is out there

When trying to cut insurance costs, never buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, someone dropped liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that it was a big mistake. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.

Throughout this article, we presented some good ideas how to save on auto insurance. The key concept to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the better chance you'll have of finding lower rates. Consumers may even find the most savings is with some of the lesser-known companies.

Insureds who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as policy non-renewal, poor customer service, high rates after DUI convictions or even an unsatisfactory settlement offer. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.