How to Get Cheap Olympia Auto Insurance

Searching for low-cost Olympia auto insurance online can be challenging for consumers new to shopping for insurance online. With dozens of online companies available, how can consumers effectively compare the different rates to find the best price?

It's important to compare rates quite often because prices are constantly changing. If you had the best price two years ago you may be paying too much now. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate one of the easiest ways to eliminate unnecessary coverages and save money.

Free Olympia Auto Insurance Quotes

There are multiple methods to compare auto insurance quotes, and some are easier and takes less work. You could spend your day talking to insurance companies in Olympia, or you could use the web to achieve your goal.

All the larger companies belong to an insurance system that enables customers to only type in their quote data once, and each company can provide price quotes determined by their information. This prevents consumers from doing quote forms to each individual auto insurance company.

To submit your quote information now, click here (opens in new window).

One minor caviat to pricing coverage this way is you can't choose which companies you will receive quotes from. So if you want to choose from a list of companies to compare prices, we have assembled a list of companies who write auto insurance in Washington. View list of Washington insurance companies.

Whichever method you choose, make darn sure you compare identical deductibles and coverage limits with every price quote. If your comparisons have different values for each quote then you won't be able to find the best deal in Olympia. Slightly different limits may result in a large different in cost. And when comparison shopping, getting more free quotes helps locate better pricing.

You have some control over your rates

It's important that you understand the factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what influences your rates enables informed choices that can help you get much lower annual insurance costs.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" auto insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

Careful drivers pay lower rates - Even a single moving violation can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Careful drivers get better rates than people who have multiple driving citations. Drivers who get severe violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state DMV in order to drive a vehicle legally.
Sex matters - Statistics have proven that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that men are worse drivers. Both sexes cause accidents in similar percentages, but men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also get more serious tickets such as DWI and reckless driving.
Equipment add-ons that lower auto insurance rates - Purchasing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping auto theft.
Having a spouse can save you money - Having a spouse actually saves money on auto insurance. Marriage means you're more mature and statistics show married drivers get in fewer accidents.
Increase deductibles and save - Coverage for physical damage, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, protects your car from damage. Some instances where coverage would apply could be collision with another vehicle, damage from fire, and burglary. The deductibles are the amount of money you are required to spend out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the bigger discount you will receive.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Auto insurance companies don't always list every available discount very clearly, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving.

Good Student Discount - Getting good grades can earn a discount of 20% or more. This discount can apply up to age 25.
Save over 55 - Older drivers can possibly qualify for better auto insurance rates.
Pay Upfront and Save - By paying your policy upfront rather than paying monthly you may reduce your total bill.
E-sign - A few companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks just for signing your application over the internet.
More Vehicles More Savings - Having multiple cars or trucks on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.

It's important to note that some credits don't apply to the overall cost of the policy. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. So even though they make it sound like adding up those discounts means a free policy, you're out of luck.

For a list of providers with the best auto insurance discounts in Washington, click here.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Every situation is different.

Here are some questions about coverages that may help you determine whether or not you might need an agent's assistance.

Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Washington?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?

If you can't answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form.

Additional detailed information can be found at the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website. Washington consumers can file complaints about a company, learn about insurance regulations, and view a list of available companies.

Shop smart and save

You just read a lot of ways to lower your auto insurance rates. The key concept to understand is the more you quote, the better chance you'll have of finding lower rates. Drivers may discover the lowest rates come from some of the smallest insurance companies.

When buying insurance coverage, never reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many cases where drivers have reduced physical damage coverage only to discover later that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your goal should be to buy enough coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Drivers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including poor customer service, denial of a claim, unfair underwriting practices and an unsatisfactory settlement offer. Regardless of your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is not as hard as you think.