Finding the Cheapest Pocatello Auto Insurance

No one looks forward to paying for auto insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much.

Big-name insurance companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive all claim big savings with ad campaigns and consumers find it hard to sift through the bull and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.

If you have car insurance now, you will most likely be able to save some money using this strategy. Finding the best rates in Pocatello is easy if you know what you're doing. But Idaho vehicle owners do need to know how big insurance companies price insurance differently and take advantage of how the system works.

These discounts can lower your rates

Companies don't always advertise all available discounts in a way that's easy to find, so here is a list some of the best known and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using.

  • Driver Safety - Completing a course teaching defensive driving skills can save you 5% or more if you qualify.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • New Vehicle Savings - Adding a new car to your policy is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
  • Drivers Ed for Students - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to enroll in driver's education if it's offered in school.
  • Payment Method - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Affiliation with a civic or occupational organization is a good way to get lower rates when buying auto insurance.
  • Fewer Miles Equal More Savings - Fewer annual miles can qualify you for discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
  • Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% depending on your company.
  • Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems help deter theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So even though they make it sound like you can get free auto insurance, companies don't profit that way.

auto insurance in Pocatello

Different people need different coverages

When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions might point out whether you might need professional guidance.

  • Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
  • Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
  • Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
  • Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
  • Are rental cars covered under my policy?
  • Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?

If you're not sure about those questions, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

Are you falling for claims of savings?

21st Century, Allstate and State Farm continually stream ads on television and other media. All the companies make an identical promise that you'll save big after switching your coverage to them. How can each company say the same thing?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that earns them a profit. An example of a profitable customer might be profiled as between 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A propective insured who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and as a result will probably save when they switch companies.

Drivers who are not a match for the requirements must pay a higher premium and ends up with business not being written. The ads state "people who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much money. That is how companies can advertise the way they do. This illustrates why you should get a wide range of price quotes. It's not possible to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

More detailed Idaho auto insurance information is available at the Idaho Department of Insurance website. Idaho drivers can discover disciplinary actions, find out industry alerts, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and download brochures.

Pocatello auto insurance quote

Do the work, save more money

Discount auto insurance can be purchased on the web as well as from independent agents in Pocatello, so compare prices from both to have the best selection. Some auto insurance companies don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

When shopping online for auto insurance, it's not a good idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The proper strategy is to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.