Easy Techniques to Save Money on Ocean Shores Auto Insurance

Finding lower rates for Ocean Shores auto insurance is nearly impossible for consumers not familiar with comparison shopping online. Consumers have so many options that it can easily become more work than you anticipated to find lower rates in Ocean Shores.

It's important to do rate comparisons before your policy renews because prices are constantly changing. If you had the best rates two years ago you can probably find a better price now. There is a lot of bad advice regarding auto insurance online but I'm going to show you some great ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.

If you are insured now or need new coverage, you will benefit by learning to get lower rates and possibly find even better coverage. The purpose of this article is to let you in on the most effective way to quote insurance and some tips to save money. Washington drivers only need an understanding of the proper way to compare company rates online.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Ocean Shores

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

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

Lower miles equals lower premium - The more you drive every year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most companies apply a rate determined by how the vehicle is used. Vehicles that are left in the garage get more affordable rates compared to those used for work or business. Verify your auto insurance policy is rated on the correct driver usage.
Don't cancel a policy without a new one in place - Driving your car without having proper coverage is a misdemeanor and you will pay a penalty because you let your coverage have a gap. Not only will rates go up, failure to provide proof of insurance can result in a steep fine or even jail time.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Jobs such as real estate brokers, architects and dentists tend to pay the highest average rates in part from job stress and long work hours. Other occupations like farmers, historians and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
Car features impact rates - Driving a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft devices like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all hinder your car from being stolen.
Bump up deductibles to save - Insurance for physical damage to your car, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims could be running into the backend of another car, collision with an animal, or theft. Your deductibles are how much you are required to spend out-of-pocket before your auto insurance pays a claim. The more expense you're willing to pay, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
Your credit rating is important - Credit rating is a huge factor in your rate calculation. Drivers with high credit scores tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than those with lower credit ratings. If your credit history can use some improvement, you could save money insuring your by improving your credit score.
Where you live is a factor - Being located in a small town can be a good thing when insuring your vehicles. Lower population means fewer accidents and a lower car theft rate. Drivers who live in large Washington cities regularly have much more traffic to deal with and a longer drive to work. Higher commute times means higher likelihood of an accident.
Careful drivers pay lower rates - Your driving citation history has a huge affect on how much you pay. Just one ticket can increase rates by as much as thirty percent. Good drivers tend to pay less for car insurance than people who have multiple driving citations. Drivers who have severe citations such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state DMV in order to drive a vehicle legally.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Auto insurance companies don't list all their discounts in a way that's easy to find, so the following is a list of both well-publicized and the harder-to-find auto insurance savings. If you aren't receiving every discount available, you are paying more than you should be.

Discount for New Cars - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can cost up to 25% less compared to insuring an older model.
Use Seat Belts - Buckling up and requiring all passengers to use their safety belts could save 15% on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
Accident Free - Claim-free drivers pay less as compared to accident-prone drivers.
Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you can actually save on your bill.
More Vehicles More Savings - Buying insurance for multiple cars or trucks with the same company qualifies for this discount.
Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control prevent accidents and will save you 10% or more.
Bundle and Save - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you will save 10% to 20% off each policy.
Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Factory air bags can qualify for discounts of up to 25% or more.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to the entire cost. Some only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. Just because it seems like you could get a free auto insurance policy, companies don't profit that way.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Ocean Shores, follow this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Washington consumers can't ignore all the ads for the lowest price auto insurance by companies like GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all seem to say the same thing of big savings if you move to them.

How can each company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

Different companies can use profiling for the type of driver that makes them money. A good example of a desirable insured could possibly be between 25 and 40, is a homeowner, and chooses high deductibles. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile will get very good rates and is almost guaranteed to save when they switch companies.

Consumers who don't measure up to the requirements will have to pay higher rates which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads say "drivers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That's why insurance companies can confidently state the savings. Because of the profiling, you should quote coverage with many companies. It's impossible to know the company that will give you the biggest savings.

More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website. Washington consumers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, find a variety of consumer forms, and read industry bulletins.

And the best car insurance company is...

When buying insurance coverage, it's not a good idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, an accident victim reduced collision coverage and discovered at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price.

Consumers who switch companies do it for any number of reasons including delays in paying claims, being labeled a high risk driver, high rates after DUI convictions or even extreme rates for teen drivers. Regardless of your reason, switching auto insurance companies is easier than you think.

Cost effective auto insurance is definitely available online and with local Ocean Shores insurance agents, so you should compare both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.