Tightwads Instructions on Saving on Knoxville Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind likes paying for auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are too high. Lots of contend to insure your vehicles, and it can be difficult to compare rates and get the best coverage at the lowest rate

It's important to get comparison quotes occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest price on your last policy a different company probably has better rates today. 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 properly buy coverages while reducing your premium.

More discounts equal less premium

Auto insurance companies don't always advertise every available 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. If they aren't giving you every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Braking Control Discount - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Auto/Life Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give lower rates if you buy life insurance.
Student Driver Training - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to take driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with certain companies.
Military Discounts - Having a family member in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
Senior Discount - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get a discount up to 10%.

A little note about advertised discounts, many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. So when the math indicates all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that help determine auto insurance rates. Understanding what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that can help you get much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are a partial list of the pieces that factor into your rates.

Clean credit earns discounts - Your credit history is a big factor in determining your rates. Therefore, if your credit is not that good, you could potentially save money when insuring your by repairing your credit. Consumers who have good credit tend to be less risk to insure than drivers who have lower credit scores.
Please use or commuting - Driving more miles each year the higher your rates will be. The majority of insurers price each vehicle's coverage based upon how you use the vehicle. Autos used primarily for pleasure use receive lower rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Double check that your auto insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
Keep rates low by being claim-free - Insurance companies in Iowa give better rates to insureds who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you frequently file small claims, you can pretty much guarantee either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Your insurance policy is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.
Safe vehicles cost less to insure - Vehicles with high crash test scores tend to have better insurance rates. Safer cars have better occupant injury protection and better occupant protection means less money paid by your insurance company and lower rates for you.

It's not one size fits all

When it comes to buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's so this has to be addressed. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if you might need an agent's assistance.

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?
Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Iowa?
Am I covered by my employer's commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?

If it's difficult to answer those questions, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and you can get the answers you need.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Iowa drivers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance from companies such as Allstate and Progressive. All the ads make the same claim about savings after switching your policy.

How do they all say the same thing? It's all in the numbers.

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that earns them a profit. For instance, a preferred risk might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and has great credit. A propective insured who matches those parameters will qualify for the lowest rates and therefore will cut their rates substantially.

Consumers who do not match the "perfect" profile will be charged higher prices which leads to business not being written. The ad wording is "customers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That is how companies can truthfully advertise the savings. That is why drivers should quote coverage with many companies. It's not possible to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

For more Iowa car insurance information

Even more information is located at the Iowa Insurance Division website. Iowa drivers can find out industry alerts, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, download brochures, and find disaster information.

And the best car insurance company is...

When you buy insurance online, you should never skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Cheaper auto insurance can be purchased on the web in addition to many Knoxville insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. There are still a few companies who do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.