9 Ways to Save on Car Insurance in Mill Creek

No one looks forward to paying for car insurance, particularly when they are paying too much.

Big companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive continually hit you with ad campaigns and consumers find it hard to sift through the bull and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.

It's important to do rate comparisons occasionally since rates are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the lowest price a few years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. There is a lot of bad advice regarding car insurance on the web, but we're going to give you some great ways to put money back in your pocket.

If you have car insurance now, you will most likely be able to cut costs considerably using this information. Finding affordable coverage in Mill Creek is not that difficult. Although Washington consumers do need to know the methods companies use to compete online because it can help you find the best coverage.

How much can you save with these nine discounts?

Companies do not list every available discount in a way that's easy to find, so we researched both the well known 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.
Senior Citizens - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get reduced rates.
Multi-policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with one company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems help deter theft and will save you 10% or more.
Homeowners Savings - Being a homeowner can help you save on car insurance due to the fact that maintaining a home shows financial diligence.
Drivers Ed for Students - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to take driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
Payment Method - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
E-sign - Certain companies may give you up to $50 for buying your policy digitally online.
Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% with certain companies.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So even though they make it sound like it's possible to get free car insurance, you won't be that lucky.

How much car insurance do I need?

When it comes to buying the best car insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a "best" method to buy coverage. Everyone's needs are different so your insurance should reflect that For example, these questions might point out if your insurance needs could use an agent's help.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Washington?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?

If you're not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, then you may want to think about talking to an agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area.

Save 15 percent in 15 minutes? Is it for real?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive continually stream television and radio advertisements. All the ads make an identical promise about savings after switching to them. How can each company claim to save you money?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a preferred risk might be over the age of 40, owns a home, and has a short commute. Any new insured who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to save when they switch companies.

Potential insureds who don't meet the requirements will be charged more money and ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That is how companies can truthfully make the claims of big savings. That is why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's just too difficult to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

Even more information is located at the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, learn about insurance regulations, and view a list of available companies.

Final considerations

As you shop your coverage around, it's not a good idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. Too many times, an insured cut collision coverage and learned later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

The cheapest car insurance can be bought both online and with local Mill Creek insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.