Comparison Shop Lancaster Auto Insurance Prices With These Techniques

Finding the cheapest Lancaster auto insurance over the internet may be intimidating for consumers new to comparing rates online. Since there are so many insurers available, how can you even start to compare the different rates to find the lowest price?

It's important to check auto insurance prices yearly because insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best rates on your last policy a different company probably has better rates today. There is too much inaccurate information about auto insurance online, so we're going to give you some great ways to find cheap auto insurance.

Finding affordable coverage in Lancaster is easy if you know what you're doing. In a nutshell, anyone who is required by state law to have auto insurance should be able to save money. But California drivers do need to know how insurance companies price insurance differently.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don't always list every available discount very clearly, so the following is a list of both well-publicized as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using.

Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more.
Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.
Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get reduced rates.
Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags or automatic seat belts may earn rate discounts of more than 20%.
Government Employees - Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% with certain companies.
Discount for New Cars - Adding a new car to your policy is cheaper compared to insuring an older model.
Military Rewards - Being on active duty in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
Payment Method - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
Good Student Discount - Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. The good student discount can last well after school through age 25.
E-sign - Some insurance companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.

Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies wouldn't make money that way.

What determines how much you pay?

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

Better credit means lower rates - Your credit history is a important factor in determining what you pay for auto insurance. If your credit history is not that good, you could potentially save money when insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit. Drivers with high credit scores tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records as compared to drivers with lower credit scores.
Your location affects your rates - Residing in a small town has it's advantages when insuring your vehicles. Drivers who live in large cities tend to have congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Less people living in that area means fewer accidents and a lower car theft rate.
Do men or women drive better? - Statistics have proven that women are safer drivers than men. However, this does not mean women are better drivers. Men and women have accidents at a similar rate, but men have costlier accidents. Men also receive more costly citations such as DWI and reckless driving. Teenage male drivers are most likely to cause an accident and therefore are the most expensive to insure.
Do you have a high stress job? - Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Occupations like real estate brokers, business owners and financial analysts tend to pay higher average rates because of stressful work requirements and long work hours. Conversely, occupations like pilots, engineers and performers have the lowest average rates.
Small claims can cost you - Insurance companies in California award lower rates to people who file claims infrequently. If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Car insurance is designed for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When it comes to buying coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Everyone's situation is a little different.

For example, these questions can help discover whether or not you may require specific advice.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?

If you're not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

Is there truth in advertising?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive continually stream television and radio advertisements. All the ads make an identical promise that you'll save big after switching to them. How does each company make almost identical claims?

Different companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a preferred risk could possibly be over the age of 50, has no prior claims, and has great credit. A driver who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Drivers who don't measure up to these standards will be charged higher premiums and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. This is how companies can advertise the savings. That is why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

More detailed California auto insurance information can be read at the California Department of Insurance website. California consumers can find out industry alerts, view agent and company licensing information, and learn about insurance regulations.

Shop smart and save

When you buy insurance online, it's very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be purchased online and with local Lancaster insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. There are still a few companies who do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

People change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as policy cancellation, delays in paying claims, denial of a claim and even poor customer service. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new insurance company is less work than it seems.