Free Guide to Saving Money on Otis Orchards Auto Insurance Online

No one likes having to buy auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are through the roof. There are many to pick from, and even though it's nice to have a selection, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to check auto insurance prices periodically since insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you had the lowest rates a few years ago the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. So 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 money, get proper coverage and the best rates.

Buying car insurance in Otis Orchards is quite easy. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you stand a good chance to be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. Washington drivers only need an understanding of the most efficient way to get comparison rates online.

Save big with these discounts

Companies do not list all their discounts very clearly, so we break down some of the best known and the more hidden auto insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you're paying more than you need to.

  • New Vehicle Savings - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can be considerably cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Early Signing - A few companies offer discounts for signing up before your current expiration date. This can save 10% or more.
  • Good Student - A discount for being a good student can earn a discount of 20% or more. This discount can apply until age 25.
  • Military Rewards - Having a deployed family member could mean lower rates.
  • Air Bag Discount - Factory air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • Accident Free - Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially as compared to bad drivers.
  • Sign Online - A few companies give back up to $50 simply for signing over the internet.
  • Memberships - Affiliation with a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break on auto insurance.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. So when it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

To see a list of companies offering auto insurance discounts in Washington, follow this link.

Otis Orchards auto insurance comparison

Otis Orchards Auto Insurance Comparisons

Finding cheaper auto insurance prices is actually quite simple. You just have to invest a little time getting comparison quotes provided by online insurance companies. This can be done using a couple different methods.

  • The best way to get quotes is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This method eliminates the need for separate quotes for each company you want a rate for. Just one form will return quotes instantly.
  • A less efficient way to get quotes online is to take the time to go to each company's website and request a quote. For instance, we'll assume you want to compare , and . To get each rate you have to go to every website and enter your information, which is why most consumers use the first method.

    To view a list of companies in Otis Orchards, click here.
  • The least efficient method to compare rates is to waste gas driving to and from local insurance agencies. The internet has reduced the need for local agents unless you prefer the professional guidance that only a license agent can provide. You can, however, obtain prices from the web and still use a local agent and we'll touch on that later.

Which method you use is up to you, but be sure to compare identical coverages and limits with every price quote. If your comparisons have different deductibles it will be impossible to find the best deal in Otis Orchards.

What determines how much you pay?

An important part of buying insurance is that you know some of the elements that go into determining auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine rates.

  • Mature drivers pay less - Teenage drivers in Washington are statistically proven to be more careless behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Parents adding a youthful driver to your policy can be very expensive. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations.
  • Performance makes a difference - The type of car you own makes a significant difference in the rate you pay. The most favorable rates are for economy passenger vehicles, but the final cost of insurance is determined by many other factors.
  • Traffic citations inflate rates - Just one moving violation can increase rates by as much as thirty percent. Good drivers receive lower rates than bad drivers. Drivers who have serious citations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to file a SR-22 with the DMV in their state in order to continue driving.
  • The more you drive the more you pay - The more miles you rack up on your car each year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most companies price each vehicle's coverage determined by how the vehicle is used. Vehicles used primarily for pleasure use qualify for better rates than those used for commuting. Double check that your auto insurance policy shows how each vehicle is driven.

But I don't know anything about car insurance

When choosing adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. These are some specific questions may help highlight if your situation might need an agent's assistance.

  • Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Should I buy only the required Washington minimum liability coverage?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
  • Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with an agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and can provide invaluable advice.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Washington drivers can't get away from ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. They all seem to say the same thing of big savings if you switch to them.

How does each company say the same thing?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that is profitable for them. For example, a desirable insured might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A propective insured who fits that profile receives the best rates and most likely will save when switching.

Potential customers who fall outside these standards will have to pay a more expensive rate which usually ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say "people who switch" not "people who quote" save money. That is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do. Because of the profiling, drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It's not possible to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

In the end, you save

When shopping online for auto insurance, make sure you don't reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are many occasions where someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate.

In this article, we covered a lot of information how to compare auto insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more times you quote, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. Consumers may even find the lowest rates come from an unexpected company. These smaller insurers may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than their larger competitors like .

Washington auto insurance

Additional Washington consumer information

More tips and info about auto insurance can be found at the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website. Washington drivers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Additional helpful sites include Auto Insurance 101 and this page where you can research Otis Orchards insurance agents.