How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in Norco

No one looks forward to buying auto insurance, in particular when their premiums are through the roof.

You have so many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have a choice, lots of choices makes it harder to compare rates.

Finding Auto Insurance in Norco, CA

Most major insurance companies like Allstate, GEICO and Progressive provide coverage price quotes directly from their websites. This process is fairly simple as you just enter your coverage preferences as detailed in the form. Behind the scenes, the company's rating system will obtain your credit score and driving record and gives you a price quote determined by many factors. Being able to quote online streamlines rate comparisons, but the process of having to visit many different websites and complete many quote forms can be a bit repetitive. But it's very important to do this if you want to find the best price on auto insurance.

Quote rates the easy way

A less time-consuming method to get multiple rate quotes uses one form to get prices from multiple companies. The form is fast, reduces the work, and makes online quotes much easier to do. After sending your information, it gets priced and you are able to buy any one of the returned quotes.

If the quotes result in lower rates, you can click and sign and purchase coverage. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes and you'll know if lower rates are available.

To find out if lower rates are available, click here to open in new window and enter your vehicle and coverage information. To compare your current rates, we recommend that you enter your coverages identical to your current policy. This way, you will have rate quotes based on similar coverages.

Tips to Get Lower Norco Rates

It's important that you understand the factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that could result in better auto insurance rates.

Lower deductibles cost more - The deductibles represent how much money you are required to spend out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, is used to repair damage to your car. A few examples of covered claims could be colliding with a building, vandalism, and burglary. The higher the amount you have to pay, the lower your rates will be.
Bundling policies can get discounts - The majority of insurance companies will award you with lower prices to customers who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you may still want to shop around to verify if the discount is saving money.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Occupations such as lawyers, social workers and financial analysts have higher average rates attributed to high stress levels and long work hours. Conversely, occupations such as scientists, engineers and the unemployed get better rates.
Older drivers save more - Teen drivers in California tend to get distracted easily behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. If you've ever had to add a youthful driver onto a policy can really hurt. Older drivers are more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, buy you may qualify for discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at the time of purchase, but lesser-known reductions have to be asked for prior to receiving the credit.

More Vehicles More Savings - Buying coverage for multiple cars or trucks on one policy could earn a price break for each car.
Auto/Home Discount - When you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
Federal Employees - Simply working for the federal government can earn a discount up to 10% depending on your company.
Save over 55 - Older drivers can possibly qualify for a small decrease in premiums.
Club Memberships - Participating in a qualifying organization may earn a discount when buying auto insurance.
Lower Rates for Military - Being deployed with a military unit can result in better rates.

As a disclaimer on discounts, some of the credits will not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. Even though it may seem like you could get a free auto insurance policy, auto insurance companies aren't that generous. Any amount of discount will bring down the cost of coverage.

For a list of insurers with the best auto insurance discounts in California, click here.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to choosing adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Everyone's needs are different and your policy should reflect that. For instance, these questions might point out whether you would benefit from professional advice.

Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
Am I covered by my employer's commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?
Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?

If you can't answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

Additional information can be found on the website for the California Department of Insurance through this link. California consumers can report car insurance fraud, read consumer alerts, read industry bulletins, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Shop smart and save

Cheap auto insurance is definitely available online as well as from independent agents in Norco, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who don't offer online quoting and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

As you prepare to switch companies, it's very important that you do not reduce needed coverages to save money. In too many instances, an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.