Proven Techniques to Save on Plummer Auto Insurance

Sick and tired of not being able to afford each month for car insurance? Your situation is no different than many other drivers in Idaho.

Consumers have many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to be able to choose, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

You have some control over your rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels enables informed choices that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

  • Small claims can cost you - If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on either higher rates or even cancellation. Companies in Idaho give lower rates to insureds who are claim-free. Car insurance is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Your auto insurance rates can be influenced by your job - Did you know your occupation can influence how much you pay for auto insurance? Careers like lawyers, executives and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates attributed to high stress levels and long work hours. Conversely, professions such as farmers, engineers and performers receive lower rates.
  • Teen drivers pay high rates - Youthful drivers in Idaho are known to be careless and easily distracted in a vehicle so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Mature drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations.
  • Being married can save on auto insurance - Having a spouse can get you a discount on your auto insurance policy. Having a significant other means you're more responsible and it's statistically proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • The more you drive the more you pay - Driving more miles every year the higher your rate. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Autos that are left in the garage qualify for better rates than those used for commuting. Verify your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage.
  • Liability coverage protects you - Liability coverage will protect you when you are found liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It will provide for a legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability insurance is quite affordable when compared with rates for comp and collision, so drivers should carry high limits.
  • Bump up deductibles to save - Physical damage deductibles define the amount you are required to spend if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply would be running into the backend of another car, damage caused by hail, or theft. The higher the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
  • Big city or small town - Being located in a small town can save you money when talking about auto insurance. Drivers in populated areas regularly have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Fewer drivers translates into fewer accidents.

compare Plummer auto insurance rates

Compare Plummer Auto Insurance Costs

There are several ways of comparing rates and find the best price. One of the best ways to find the cheapest insurance rates consists of shopping online. This is very easy and can be done in several different ways.

  1. The fastest way to find the lowest comparison rates is to use a rate comparison form click to view form in new window. This form eliminates the need for separate quotes for each company. In just a few minutes this one form will get you rate comparisons instantly.
  2. A slightly less efficient method to compare rate quotes requires you to visit the website of each company and fill out their own quote form. For example, let's say you want rates from , and . You would have to visit each site and enter your policy data, which is why most consumers use the first method.

    To view a list of companies in Plummer, click here.
  3. The hardest way to get comparison rates is to spend your day driving to insurance agents' offices. Buying insurance online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you prefer the trained guidance of a licensed agent. Drivers can find lower rates online and still use a local agent. We'll cover that shortly.

It doesn't matter which method you choose, just ensure you're using identical coverage information for every quote you compare. If you compare unequal deductibles or liability limits it will be impossible to determine the best price in Plummer. Having just a slight variation in coverages may result in a large different in cost. And when price shopping your coverage, getting more free quotes helps locate the best offered rates.

Take advantage of discounts

Car insurance companies don't always advertise every discount very clearly, so we break down both the well known and the more hidden ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Drivers Education - Cut your cost by having your teen driver successfully complete driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Distant Student - Any of your kids who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may qualify for this discount.
  • Paperwork-free - Some insurance companies may give you up to $50 for buying your policy over the internet.
  • One Accident Forgiven - Certain companies permit an accident before hitting you with a surcharge if your claims history is clear for a certain period of time.
  • Auto/Life Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase life insurance from them.

As a disclaimer on discounts, many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So when it seems like you could get a free auto insurance policy, auto insurance companies aren't that generous.

To choose insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Idaho, click this link.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO continually stream ads on TV and radio. They all make the same claim about savings after switching to their company. How does each company claim to save you money?

Different companies can use profiling for the driver that makes them money. For example, a driver they prefer might be between the ages of 40 and 55, is a homeowner, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters gets the lowest rates and most likely will save when switching.

Potential customers who don't qualify for these standards will be quoted higher prices which leads to the customer not buying. The ads say "people who switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That's why companies can truthfully advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why you need to get as many comparisons as possible. It's impossible to know the company that will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Even more information can be found at the Idaho Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to download brochures, read industry bulletins, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and get help finding coverage.

Do the work, save more money

When shopping online for auto insurance, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The proper strategy is to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

Cheap auto insurance can be bought both online and also from your neighborhood Plummer agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some auto insurance companies may not provide online price quotes and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.