Proven Ways to Save on Lansing Auto Insurance

No one looks forward to paying for auto insurance, particularly when their premiums are too high.

Insurance companies such as GEICO and Progressive constantly blast consumers with catchy ads and it is difficult to sift through the bull and take the time to shop coverage around.

It's important to shop coverage around occasionally because prices are constantly changing. Just because you found the lowest price last year you can probably find a better price now. Ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you're about to find out the quickest way to find better coverage at a better price.

Tips to Get Lower Lansing Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get big savings.

Shown below are a partial list of the pieces used by your company to calculate your rates.

High credit ratings translate to low rates - Your credit score is a large factor in determining your rates. People with excellent credit tend to be more responsible as compared to drivers with lower ratings. If your credit score is low, you could save money insuring your by improving your credit score.
Multiple policies with one company can save - Some auto insurance companies give discounts to insureds who have multiple policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can amount to ten or even up to twenty percent in some cases. Even with this discount, you may still want to comparison shop to verify if the discount is saving money.
Liability insurance protects assets - Your policy's liability coverage is the coverage that protects you in the event that you are found liable for personal injury or accident damage. It provides legal defense which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability is cheap as compared to coverage for physical damage, so drivers should carry high limits.
Do you work long hours in a high stress job? - Occupations like judges, executives and dentists have the highest average rates attributed to high stress and lots of time spent at work. Other occupations like scientists, historians and retirees get better rates.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don't always advertise every available discount in a way that's easy to find, so we researched both the well known and the more hidden ways to save on auto insurance.

Braking Control Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can avoid accidents and will save you 10% or more.
Theft Prevention System - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems help deter theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Organization Discounts - Being a member of a civic or occupational organization could trigger savings on your policy.
Claim Free - Good drivers with no accidents pay much less compared to accident-prone drivers.
E-sign - A handful of insurance companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application digitally online.

It's important to note that many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So even though they make it sound like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, you're out of luck.

To choose providers with discount auto insurance rates in Lansing, click this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive consistently run television and radio advertisements. All the ads make the same claim that you can save if you change your coverage to them. How can each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that makes them money. For instance, a preferred risk might be between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives newer vehicles. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to save when they switch companies.

Drivers who don't measure up to the requirements will be charged higher premiums which leads to the customer not buying. The ads state "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much money. That is how insurance companies can claim big savings. That is why you should get quotes from several different companies. It's impossible to know which company will give you the biggest savings.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Everyone's needs are different so this has to be addressed. For example, these questions might point out whether or not you might need an agent's assistance.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Do I qualify for additional discounts?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area.

For more Illinois car insurance information

Additional detailed information is located at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, find out which companies have the most complaints, and read industry bulletins.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

When trying to cut insurance costs, it's a bad idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that it was a big mistake. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

Lower-priced auto insurance can be sourced both online as well as from independent agents in Lansing, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies don't offer online price quotes and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.