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

I can't think of a single person who likes having to buy car insurance, particularly when the cost is way too high. Drivers have multiple to pick from, and although it's a good thing to have multiple companies, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

Buying car insurance in Middletown is not that difficult. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. Rhode Island consumers only need to know the most efficient way to get comparison rates on the web.

Save big with these discounts

Companies don't list every discount very clearly, so we took the time to find both the well known and the more hidden discounts you could be receiving. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment may qualify you for a discount with a few car insurance companies.
Theft Prevention System - Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Safety Course Discount - Taking part in a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more if you qualify.
Life Insurance Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
Distant Student - Youth drivers who attend school more than 100 miles from home and don't have a car may qualify for this discount.
Save with a New Car - Buying coverage on a new vehicle is cheaper due to better safety requirements for new cars.
No Accidents - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially when compared to drivers who are more careless.

A little note about advertised discounts, some credits don't apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So when the math indicates all those discounts means the company will pay you, you won't be that lucky.

Middletown Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels enables informed choices that will entitle you to big savings.

Shown below are a few of the "ingredients" car insurance companies consider when setting prices.

High numbers of claims are not good - If you frequently file small claims, you can look forward to higher rates. Companies in Rhode Island generally give lower rates to insureds who are claim-free. Insurance coverage is intended for larger claims.
Multiple policies with one company can save - Some insurance companies provide better rates to insureds who carry more than one policy in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you may still want to compare other company rates to ensure the best deal.
Extra add-on coverages are wasting money - There are quite a few additional coverages that can waste your money when buying car insurance. Coverages for roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and term life insurance are some examples. These may sound like a good investment at first, but if they're wasting money eliminate them to save money.
Where you reside plays a part - Living in less populated areas can save you money when talking about car insurance. Urban drivers tend to have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Fewer drivers translates into fewer accidents.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Each situation is unique and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions might point out if your situation might need an agent's assistance.

Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Middletown?
Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?

If you can't answer these questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.

Car insurance ads bend the truth

Consumers in Rhode Island get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all have a common claim about savings if you change to their company.

How does each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that earns them a profit. For example, a driver they prefer might be between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives newer vehicles. Any driver that hits that "sweet spot" is entitled to the best price and most likely will save when switching.

Consumers who fall outside these standards will be quoted higher rates and this can result in the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "people who switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That is how companies can truthfully claim big savings. This emphasizes why drivers should compare many company's rates. You cannot predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

For more Rhode Island car insurance information

Even more information can be found at the Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation website. Visitors are able to download brochures, read consumer alerts, discover disciplinary actions, and view agent and company licensing information.

Also read more on this online resource for car insurance quotes in Rhode Island and this list of insurance agents in Middletown.

And the best car insurance company is...

When trying to cut insurance costs, make sure you don't skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your strategy should be to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

The cheapest car insurance is attainable both online and also from your neighborhood Middletown agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. A few companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.