Tightwads Guide to Saving on Port Orange Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind likes having to buy auto insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much.

Since consumers have many auto insurance companies to choose from, it is hard for the average consumer to pick the most cost effective provider.

It's important to compare prices periodically since insurance rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the best deal six months ago the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. So just forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it's time to teach you the only way to find lower rates on auto insurance.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don't list every available discount very well, so here is a list some of the best known and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using.

Discount for Swiching Early - Some companies give discounts for signing up before your current expiration date. The savings is around 10%.
Good Student - A discount for being a good student can earn a discount of 20% or more. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
Multiple Cars - Buying insurance for all your vehicles on the same auto insurance policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
Theft Prevention Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and earn discounts up to 10%.
Pay Now and Pay Less - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of paying each month you may reduce your total bill.
E-sign - A few companies give back up to $50 for buying your policy online.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. So despite the fact that it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, you won't be that lucky.

To see a list of providers with discount auto insurance rates in Florida, click here to view.

How to Get Port Orange Auto Insurance Comparison Quotes

There are several ways to shop for auto insurance, and some are less time-consuming than others. You can waste a lot of time driving to insurance companies in Port Orange, or you could use the internet to get the quickest rates.

Many insurance companies enroll in a system that allows shoppers to submit their information once, and every company can provide price quotes determined by their information. This saves time by eliminating repetitive form submissions to each individual auto insurance company.

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

The only drawback to using this type of form is you can't choose which carriers you will receive quotes from. So if you prefer to choose from a list of companies to compare prices, we put together a list of companies who write auto insurance in Florida. Click here to view list.

It's up to you which method you use, but be sure to compare apples-to-apples quote information with each company. If your comparisons have mixed coverages you can't possibly make an equal comparison in Port Orange. Quoting even small variations in coverages may cause a big price difference. Keep in mind that obtaining a wide range of quotes provides better odds of finding a better price.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels enables informed choices that can help you get much lower annual insurance costs.

Shown below are some of the factors auto insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

The type of vehicle makes a difference - The type of car you drive makes a significant difference in determining your rates. The lowest base rates are generally reserved for economy passenger cars, but the final cost of insurance is determined by many other factors.
Traffic citations inflate rates - Even a single speeding ticket can boost insurance rates by twenty percent. Careful drivers get better rates than their less careful counterparts. Drivers who get dangerous violations such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with the DMV in their state in order to prevent a license revocation.
What are your deductibles? - Physical damage coverage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, protects your car from damage. Some instances where coverage would apply are collision with another vehicle, damage from fire, or theft. Deductibles for physical damage are the amount of money you are willing to pay out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. The more money you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the lower your rates will be.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - Some insurers give discounts to people who have multiple policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount it's still a good idea to compare rates to ensure the best deal.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's so your insurance should reflect that For example, these questions may help highlight whether or not you might need an agent's assistance.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?

If you're not sure about those questions then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area.

Is there truth in advertising?

Companies like State Farm and Allstate consistently run television and radio advertisements. All the ads make an identical promise about savings if you change to their company. But how can every company say the same thing? It's all in the numbers.

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that is profitable for them. An example of a preferred risk might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and has a high credit rating. A propective insured who meets those qualifications receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save a lot of money.

Potential insureds who don't measure up to this ideal profile will be charged more money and ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say "customers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That is how companies can truthfully state the savings. That is why drivers must get quotes from several different companies. It's not possible to predict which company will have the lowest rates.

Final considerations

In this article, we covered some good ideas how you can compare auto insurance prices online. It's most important to understand that the more you quote, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. You may be surprised to find that the lowest rates come from a small mutual company. These smaller insurers may cover specific market segments cheaper compared to the large companies like .

Cheaper auto insurance can be sourced on the web and also from your neighborhood Port Orange agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

Additional Florida consumer information

Even more information is available at the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website. Florida drivers can learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, report car insurance fraud, and read consumer alerts.

Additional helpful sites include III.org's auto insurance page and this directory of insurance agents in Port Orange Florida.