How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Car Insurance in Lanett

No one looks forward to paying for car insurance, particularly when the cost is way too high.

Big-name insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive continually bombard you with advertising and it is challenging if not impossible to sift through the bull and take the time to shop coverage around.

It's important to get comparison quotes periodically due to the fact that insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you think you had the best price a few years ago you can probably find a better price now. Block out anything you think you know about car insurance because you're about to find out how to quote online to get good coverage at a lower rate.

If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. Buying car insurance in Lanett is easy if you know what you're doing. But Alabama consumers do need to know how insurance companies market insurance on the web and apply this information to your search.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay helps enable you to make changes that can help you get big savings.

Performance influences rates - The type of car you drive makes a huge difference in the rate you pay. Small economy passenger cars usually have the lowest rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
Bad driving skills means higher rates - Drivers with clean records have lower premiums than their less careful counterparts. Even one ticket may increase your cost twenty percent or more. Drivers who get dangerous violations like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to prevent a license revocation.
High crash test scores lower rates - Vehicles with good safety scores can get you lower premiums. Safer cars have better occupant injury protection and any reduction in injury severity means less money paid by your insurance company and more competitive rates for policyholders.
Your car's features help determine rates - Owning a car with an alarm system can help bring down rates. Theft prevention devices such as vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems can help prevent car theft.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, but companies offer discounts to help bring down the price. Some discounts apply automatically at the time of purchase, but a few need to be manually applied prior to receiving the credit.

Discount for Swiching Early - Some insurance companies reward drivers for buying a policy prior to your current policy expiration. The savings is around 10%.
Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts can qualify for discounts of more than 20%.
Low Mileage - Low mileage vehicles can earn discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
Pay Now and Pay Less - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.
Senior Citizens - If you're over the age of 55, you may receive a discount up to 10%.
No Claims - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially compared to accident-prone drivers.
Drivers Ed for Students - Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver's ed class if offered at their school.
Homeowners Savings - Being a homeowner can help you save on car insurance because maintaining a house is proof that your finances are in order.
Resident Student - Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home and don't have a car may qualify for this discount.

Consumers should know that most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. Most cut individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So when the math indicates all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will reduce your overall premium however.

To choose providers with discount car insurance rates in Lanett, click here to view.

Are car insurance companies telling the truth?

Companies like State Farm and Allstate consistently run ads on TV and radio. All the ads make an identical promise that you'll save big if you change your policy. How can each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that makes them money. For example, a preferred risk might be over the age of 50, a clean driving record, and has a short commute. Any driver who meets those qualifications gets the lowest rates and most likely will save when they switch companies.

Potential customers who don't qualify for the requirements will be charged higher prices and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that kind of money. That is how companies can make the claims of big savings.

That is why you should get a wide range of price quotes. You cannot predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

How to know if you need help

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Everyone's needs are different so your insurance should reflect that These are some specific questions may help highlight whether your personal situation may require specific advice.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?

If you're not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. If you don't have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area.

Additional Alabama consumer information

Much more information about car insurance in Alabama can be found on the website for the Alabama Department of Insurance located here. Visitors are able to learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, find disaster information, and view a list of available companies.

Do the work, save more money

We just presented some good ideas how you can save on car insurance. It's most important to understand that the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even discover the biggest savings come from a small local company. Some small companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than their larger competitors like .

Discount car insurance is attainable both online in addition to many Lanett insurance agents, and you should be comparing both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers do not provide online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.

As you shop your coverage around, it's not a good idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many cases where someone dropped physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your goal should be to purchase plenty of coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.