Tightwads Tips for Saving on Pearsall Auto Insurance

Expensive auto insurance can overdraw your savings account and make it impossible to make ends meet. Comparison shopping is a smart way to cut your insurance bill. Drivers have so many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to be able to choose, too many choices makes it more difficult to compare rates.

How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that help determine auto insurance rates. Knowing what impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to big savings.

Do you have a high stress job? - Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Careers like real estate brokers, architects and financial analysts have higher average rates due to high stress levels and lots of time spent at work. Conversely, occupations like pilots, engineers and performers get better rates.
Teen drivers pay high rates - Teenage drivers in Texas are known to be careless and easily distracted when driving so they pay higher auto insurance rates. If you've ever had to add a teenage driver onto a policy can be quite pricey. More mature drivers are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
Please use or commuting - Driving more miles in a year's time the higher your rate. Almost all companies price each vehicle's coverage based upon how you use the vehicle. Vehicles not used for work or commuting get more affordable rates compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
Your spouse saves you money - Getting married can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other translates into being more responsible and statistics show married drivers get in fewer accidents.
Lower rates with optional equipment - Purchasing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM's OnStar system all aid in stopping your car from being stolen.

Free Pearsall Auto Insurance Quotes

Effectively comparing auto insurance prices can take hours if you don't understand the most efficient way. You can spend your afternoon talking about coverages with insurance agencies in Pearsall, or you could use online quoting to achieve your goal.

Most of the larger companies belong to a marketplace that allows shoppers to only type in their quote data once, and each participating company returns a competitive quote based on the submitted data. This eliminates the need for quote requests to each individual auto insurance company.

To submit your quote information now, click here to open in new window.

The one disadvantage to comparing rates this way is buyers cannot specifically choose which providers to get quotes from. So if you want to choose specific insurance companies to request quotes from, we put together a list of companies who write auto insurance in Texas. Click to view list.

It doesn't matter which method you choose, just make darn sure you compare identical information on every quote you get. If each company quotes higher or lower deductibles you can't possibly determine which rate is truly the best in Pearsall.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but discounts can save money and there are some available to reduce the price significantly. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically when you quote, but some may not be applied and must be manually applied before you get the savings. If you're not getting every credit you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.

Government Employees - Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with a few auto insurance companies.
Distant Student - Children living away from home attending college and do not have access to a covered vehicle can receive lower rates.
Discount for Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
Own a Home - Simply owning a home may trigger a auto insurance policy discount due to the fact that maintaining a home demonstrates responsibility.
Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you could save up to 5%.
Multiple Vehicles - Buying insurance for multiple vehicles with the same company can get a discount on all vehicles.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most credits do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, auto insurance companies aren't that generous. Any amount of discount will bring down the amount you have to pay.

To choose insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Texas, follow this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Texas drivers can't ignore all the ads for car insurance savings from the likes of Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing about savings after switching your coverage to them.

How does each company say the same thing? It's all in the numbers.

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the type of customer that makes them money. A good example of a driver they prefer might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, insures multiple vehicles, and has a short commute. A propective insured who fits that profile will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Drivers who don't measure up to these standards will be quoted a higher premium which usually ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much money. This is how companies can truthfully make the claims of big savings.

This emphasizes why you need to quote coverage with many companies. It's not possible to predict which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For example, these questions may help you determine whether or not you will benefit from professional help.

Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
What are the financial responsibility laws in Texas?
Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It is quick, free and you can get the answers you need.

Additional information can be read on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance found here. Texas drivers can read industry bulletins, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and get help finding coverage.

A tidy conclusion

As you shop your coverage around, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are too many instances where drivers have reduced full coverage and found out when filing a claim that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at the best price while still protecting your assets.

Cheap auto insurance can be purchased on the web as well as from independent agents in Pearsall, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best selection. Some insurance providers don't offer online price quotes and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.