Tightwads Guide to Saving on Pasco Auto Insurance

Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can drain your bank account and force you to prioritize other expenses. Comparison shopping is free and is an excellent way to tighten up your finances. Because you have many auto insurance companies to choose from, it can be impossible to choose the lowest cost car insurance company.

It's important to compare prices yearly because prices are constantly changing. If you had the best price a few years ago you may be paying too much now. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you're about to learn the fastest and easiest way to reduce your cost while improving coverage.

Finding affordable coverage in Pasco is not that difficult. If you have car insurance now, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using this information. Washington consumers only need to know the most effective way to compare company rates online.

Where Can I Get Cheap Pasco Auto Insurance?

There are several ways to compare auto insurance quotes, but some are easier and takes less work. You could spend your day talking to insurance agencies in Pasco, or you could save time and use online quoting for quick rates.

All the larger companies enroll in a system that allows shoppers to enter their policy data once, and each company then gives them pricing based on that data. This system prevents you from having to do quote forms to each individual auto insurance company.

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

One minor caviat to getting quotes like this is you are unable to specify which companies you want pricing from. If you wish to select specific providers to compare rates, we put together a list of auto insurance companies in Washington. View list of Washington insurance companies.

It's up to you how you get prices quotes, just make sure you use apples-to-apples coverages for every quote you compare. If you have different limits and deductibles on each one it's impossible to determine the best price in Pasco.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

It's important that you understand the rating factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels enables informed choices that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

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

  • Discounts for married couples - Having a spouse actually saves money on your auto insurance policy. It means you're more responsible and it's proven that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
  • Proper usage rating affects rates - The more you drive in a year's time the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most insurance companies apply a rate based upon how you use the vehicle. Autos left parked in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance policy properly reflects the correct driver usage.
  • An active claims history can cost you - Car insurance companies in Washington give discounts to insureds who are claim-free. If you file claims often, you can expect higher rates. Auto insurance is designed for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.
  • Careful drivers pay lower rates - Just one moving violation can boost insurance rates forty percent or more. Careful drivers have lower premiums than people who have multiple driving citations. Drivers who have severe citations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state DMV in order to drive a vehicle legally.
  • Don't skimp on liability - The liability section of your policy is the protection if ever a court rules you are at fault for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides for a legal defense starting from day one. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so drivers should carry high limits.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Car insurance companies don't always advertise all their discounts very well, so we took the time to find both well-publicized as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance. If you don't get every credit you deserve, you're just leaving money on the table.

  • Accident Waiver - Some insurance companies will forgive one accident without raising rates as long as you don't have any claims prior to the accident.
  • Discount for New Cars - Buying coverage on a new vehicle can save up to 30% since new cars are generally safer.
  • Government Employees - Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% with select insurance companies.
  • Good Student Discount - Getting good grades can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply up to age 25.
  • More Vehicles More Savings - Buying insurance for multiple cars or trucks on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Factory air bags or automatic seat belts can receive discounts of 20% or more.
  • Auto/Life Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give a break if you buy a life insurance policy as well.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. So when the math indicates it's possible to get free car insurance, you won't be that lucky.

For a list of companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Washington, click this link.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no cookie cutter policy. Everyone's situation is a little different so this has to be addressed. For example, these questions can help discover whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

  • I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
  • Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
  • Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, fill out this quick form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It's fast, free and can help protect your family.

Even more information can be found at the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website. Washington consumers can get help finding coverage, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, download brochures, and file complaints about a company.

Other useful links include this site for Washington auto insurance information and see this list of insurance agents in Pasco.

Washington auto insurance quotes

In the end, you save

The cheapest auto insurance is definitely available online and also from your neighborhood Pasco agents, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers may not provide online quoting and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

As you shop your coverage around, don't be tempted to reduce needed coverages to save money. In many cases, consumers will sacrifice physical damage coverage only to discover later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford.