Lower Online Oneonta Auto Insurance Prices With These Methods

If shopping for auto insurance online is new to you, it's easy to get confused by the vast number of auto insurance companies offering coverage in Oneonta.

It's important to shop coverage around periodically because prices are constantly changing. Even if you got the best price a year ago you can probably find a better price now. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you're about to learn the tricks you need to know to find better coverage at a better price.

Tips to Get Lower Oneonta Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get big savings.

  • The type of vehicle makes a difference - The type of vehicle you drive makes a huge difference in the rate you pay. The most favorable rates are usually for economy passenger cars, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
  • Cautious drivers pay less - Drivers who don't get tickets receive lower rates compared to drivers with tickets. Even one speeding ticket can bump up the cost twenty percent or more. Drivers who get flagrant violations like DUI or reckless driving may be required to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to keep their license.
  • Where you live - Living in less populated areas has it's advantages when talking about auto insurance. Drivers who live in large cities regularly have congested traffic and longer commutes to work. Fewer drivers means a lower chance of having an accident.
  • How many coverages with the same company - Many insurers give discounts to insureds who carry more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, you may still want to comparison shop to verify if the discount is saving money.

Alabama auto insurance

Save big with these discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, buy you may qualify for discounts to reduce the price significantly. A few discounts will automatically apply when you complete an application, but a few need to be specifically requested before they will apply.

  • Early Switch Discount - A few companies offer discounts for buying a policy prior to your current policy expiration. It's a savings of about 10%.
  • Good Student - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply well after school through age 25.
  • Multi-policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you may earn approximately 10% to 15%.
  • Theft Prevention System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • E-sign - A handful of insurance companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application online.

Keep in mind that most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. Some only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it just doesn't work that way. But any discount will help reduce your overall premium however.

To choose providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Alabama, click here to view.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Companies like State Farm and Allstate continually stream ads on TV and radio. All the ads make an identical promise that you can save after switching your coverage to them. But how can every company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that makes them money. For example, a preferred risk might be between 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and has excellent credit. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and most likely will save a lot of money.

Consumers who fall outside this ideal profile will be charged higher rates and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say "people who switch" not "people who quote" save that much money. That is how insurance companies can make those claims.

That is why you should get as many comparisons as possible. It's impossible to know which company will have the lowest rates.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Everyone's needs are different.

These are some specific questions may help highlight if your situation might need professional guidance.

  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Should I buy only the required Alabama minimum liability coverage?
  • What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
  • Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
  • Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
  • Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, complete this form.

Additional Alabama consumer information

More information can be found on the Alabama Department of Insurance website through this link. Visitors are able to learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, and view agent and company licensing information.

Other informative sites include III.org's auto insurance page and this directory of insurance agents in Oneonta Alabama.

Alabama auto insurance

Affordable insurance is out there

We covered some good ideas how you can save on auto insurance. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even find the best prices are with an unexpected company.

While you're price shopping online, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many cases where someone dropped physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time they didn't purchase enough coverage. Your goal should be to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

Affordable auto insurance can be purchased both online as well as from independent agents in Oneonta, so compare prices from both to get a complete price analysis. Some companies don't offer online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.