How to Get Cheaper Moseley Auto Insurance

Finding better rates for Moseley auto insurance is challenging for consumers not familiar with comparing rates online. There are so many options that it can turn into more work than you anticipated to locate the lowest price in Moseley.

It's important to get comparison quotes before your policy renews since insurance rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the lowest rates a few years ago you can probably find a better price now. Starting now, forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the tricks you need to know to save on auto insurance.

If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using these techniques. This information will let you in on how to get online quotes and some money-saving tips. But Virginia vehicle owners do need to know the way insurance companies price insurance differently and use this information to your advantage.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that help determine auto insurance rates. Understanding what controls the rates you pay helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are a few of the "ingredients" that factor into rates.

  • Where do you drive? - Driving more miles every year the more you will pay for auto insurance. The majority of insurers price each vehicle's coverage based on how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks used primarily for pleasure use qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Double check that your auto insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage.
  • Keep rates low by being claim-free - Car insurance companies in Virginia award better rates to people who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you frequently file small claims, you can expect either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Your insurance policy is intended to be relied upon for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Don't sacrifice liability coverage - Liability coverage will protect you if ever a jury decides you are liable for damages caused by your negligence. Liability insurance provides for a legal defense which can be incredibly expensive. This coverage is very inexpensive when compared with rates for comp and collision, so do not cut corners here.
  • Do you have a high stress job? - Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Jobs such as lawyers, business owners and accountants are shown to have higher rates than average due to stressful work requirements and long work days. On the flip side, jobs such as farmers, athletes and performers pay the least.
  • Do men or women drive better? - The statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, this does not mean men are WORSE drivers than women. Both sexes cause accidents in similar percentages, but the males have costlier accidents. They also receive more costly citations like reckless driving and DUI. Teenage male drivers are the most expensive to insure and are penalized with high auto insurance rates.
  • Discounts for multiple policies - Many insurers will give a discount to people who buy several policies from them. It's known as a multi-policy discount. This can amount to five, ten or even twenty percent. Even though this discount sounds good, it's still a good idea to comparison shop to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. You may still find better rates by buying insurance from more than one company.
  • Don't buy coverages you don't need - There are a ton of extra bells and whistles that you can buy if you aren't careful. Coverages like personal injury protection, towing coverage and membership fees may be costing you every month. They may seem like a good idea initially, but your needs may have changed so get rid of them and save.
  • Clean credit earns discounts - Credit history is a big factor in your rate calculation. Therefore, if your credit is not that good, you could save money insuring your by repairing your credit. Consumers who have good credit tend to be less risk to insure as compared to drivers with lower credit scores.

Virginia auto insurance quotes

More discounts equal less premium

Companies offering auto insurance don't always publicize all their discounts in an easy-to-find place, so we break down some of the best known and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using.

  • New Vehicle Savings - Adding a new car to your policy can cost up to 25% less because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with select insurance companies.
  • Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with lower rates if you buy life insurance.
  • Organization Discounts - Affiliation with certain professional organizations is a good way to get lower rates on auto insurance.
  • Seat Belts Save - Using a seat belt and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could save 15% on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
  • No Claims - Claim-free drivers can save substantially as compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • One Accident Forgiven - A few companies allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge as long as you don't have any claims for a set time period.
  • Theft Prevention Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Driver Safety - Successfully completing a course teaching defensive driving skills could save 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Passive Restraints - Factory air bags can get savings of more than 20%.

Drivers should understand that most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. So even though they make it sound like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies wouldn't make money that way.

To choose companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Moseley, click here to view.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Auto insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive continually stream ads in print and on television. They all seem to make an identical promise that you'll save big after switching your policy. How do they all say the same thing? It's all in the numbers.

Insurance companies can use profiling for the right customer that makes them money. For example, a desirable insured might be profiled as a mature driver, is a homeowner, and has a short commute. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will get the preferred rates and therefore will cut their rates substantially.

Consumers who do not match the "perfect" profile will have to pay higher rates and ends up with business not being written. The ads state "customers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That's why companies can make the claims of big savings. Because of the profiling, you should get as many quotes as possible. It's not possible to predict the company that will fit your personal profile best.

Learn more today

More detailed Virginia auto insurance information can be found at the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website. Virginia drivers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, download brochures, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

Final considerations

As you shop your coverage around, never buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at the best price.

People change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including delays in paying claims, high rates after DUI convictions, questionable increases in premium or even denial of a claim. It doesn't matter why you want to switch finding a new auto insurance company is easier than you think.

Budget-conscious auto insurance can be purchased on the web in addition to many Moseley insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance providers do not provide online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.