Tightwads Tips for Saving on Mountainside Auto Insurance

Nobody I know looks forward to buying auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are through the roof. There is such a variety of to buy insurance from, and although it's nice to have multiple companies, so many choices can make it hard to compare rates.

It's important to get comparison quotes occasionally since insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the lowest rates six months ago a different company probably has better rates today. So just forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the tricks you need to know to save on auto insurance.

Choosing the best insurance company for you in Mountainside is not that difficult. If you are insured now or need new coverage, you can learn to shop for the lowest rates while maximizing coverage. New Jersey consumers only need to know the proper methods to shop their coverage around online.

More discounts equal less premium

Companies that sell car insurance don't list all their discounts very clearly, so we break down some of the best known as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Bundle and Save - If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
Anti-theft Discount - Vehicles with anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
Pay Upfront and Save - By paying your policy upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
Senior Discount - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for a discount up to 10%.
Seat Belt Usage - Buckling up and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could save 15% off your PIP or medical payments premium.
Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% with select insurance companies.
Military Discounts - Being deployed with a military unit can result in better rates.

A little note about advertised discounts, some credits don't apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as collision or personal injury protection. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Knowing what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

Where you reside plays a part - Living in a rural area can be a good thing when buying auto insurance. Urban drivers tend to have much more traffic and longer commute times. Less people living in that area means reduced accidents.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - The majority of insurance companies will give a discount to people who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to compare other company rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
Your car's features help determine rates - Owning a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems can help prevent auto theft.
Sex matters - Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that men are WORSE drivers than women. Women and men cause accidents in similar percentages, but the males cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. They also get more serious tickets like reckless driving and DUI.

It's not one size fits all

When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a single plan that fits everyone. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs and your policy should reflect that. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if you might need professional guidance.

What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
Should I buy additional glass protection?

If you can't answer these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can help protect your family.

Switch companies and save? Really?

New Jersey drivers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance from companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all seem to have a common claim about savings if you move your policy.

How does each company say the same thing?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a desirable insured might be profiled as between 30 and 50, owns a home, and has a high credit rating. A propective insured that hits that "sweet spot" is entitled to the best price and therefore will save when switching.

Potential customers who do not match these standards will have to pay higher prices and this can result in business not being written. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That is how companies can truthfully state the savings. Because of the profiling, drivers should get quotes from several different companies. It's not possible to predict which company will have the lowest rates.

For more New Jersey car insurance information

Even more information can be found at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website. New Jersey drivers can view agent and company licensing information, read consumer alerts, view a list of available companies, and learn about insurance regulations.

A tidy conclusion

As you restructure your insurance plan, it's very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many instances, an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that they should have had better coverage. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.

The cheapest auto insurance is possible on the web in addition to many Mountainside insurance agents, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.