Tightwads Tips for Saving on Moncks Corner Auto Insurance

Tired of scraping the payment together each month for car insurance? Your situation is no different than many other drivers in South Carolina.

You have multiple to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to be able to choose, having more makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to do rate comparisons once or twice a year because prices are constantly changing. If you had the best rates a couple years back you can probably find a better price now. There is too much inaccurate information about auto insurance on the web, but I'm going to show you some great ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Moncks Corner

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

The list below includes some of the items companies use to determine rates.

  • Pay less after the wedding - Getting married actually saves money on your policy. It is viewed as being more responsible and it's proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Frequent auto insurance claims increase rates - Car insurance companies in South Carolina award lower rates to insureds who file claims infrequently. If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Auto insurance is designed for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Jobs such as real estate brokers, business owners and financial analysts tend to pay higher average rates because of high stress levels and lengthy work days. Conversely, occupations like farmers, engineers and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
  • With age comes lower rates - Teen drivers in South Carolina tend to be more careless in a vehicle so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Mature drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
  • Low deductibles can be expensive - Coverage for physical damage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims could be a windshield shattered by a rock, damage caused by hail, or theft. Deductibles for physical damage are how much you are required to spend out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. The more expense you're willing to pay, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
  • One company can mean more discounts - The majority of insurers will give a discount to customers who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal. Consumers may find better rates by insuring with multiple companies.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Driving a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all hinder car theft.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Companies offering auto insurance don't always advertise all their discounts very clearly, so the following is a list of both well-publicized as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using.

  • Homeowners Pay Less - Owning a house in Moncks Corner can help you save on auto insurance because of the fact that having a home demonstrates responsibility.
  • Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver complete a driver education course in high school.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Employees or retirees of the government can save as much as 8% with select insurance companies.
  • Save over 55 - If you're over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
  • More Vehicles More Savings - Buying insurance for multiple cars or trucks with the same company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
  • Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in South Carolina, click here to view.

Save $429 a year? Really?

Auto insurance companies such as State Farm, GEICO and Progressive regularly use television and radio advertisements. They all seem to make an identical promise about savings if you move to them. How does each company make almost identical claims?

All companies can use profiling for the type of driver that makes them money. A good example of a desirable insured could possibly be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no tickets, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential insureds who don't qualify for these standards will have to pay more money 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. That's why companies can truthfully advertise the way they do. Because of the profiling, you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know the company that will provide you with the cheapest rates.

More South Carolina auto insurance information

Even more information can be read at the South Carolina Department of Insurance website. South Carolina consumers can get help finding coverage, download brochures, read industry bulletins, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

compare Moncks Corner auto insurance rates

Affordable insurance is out there

Cheaper auto insurance is definitely available online and with local Moncks Corner insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some auto insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it's very important that you do not buy poor coverage just to save money. In many cases, an insured dropped full coverage and found out when filing a claim that the savings was not a smart move. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.