Car Insurance in Puyallup - 6 Discounts You Might be Unaware of

People who are new to buying insurance online may find finding affordable Puyallup car insurance is harder than they anticipated.

It's important to price shop coverage periodically since rates are constantly changing. Even if you got the best rates last year there is a good chance you can find better rates now. There is too much inaccurate information about car insurance online, so I'm going to show you some great ways to reduce your car insurance bill.

Locating the cheapest coverage in Puyallup can be fairly easy. Essentially everyone who is required by state law to have car insurance stands a good chance to be able to save money. But Washington car owners do need to know how big insurance companies price online insurance.

Puyallup Car Insurance Comparisons

Comparing car insurance rates can take time and effort if you don't understand the most efficient way. You can spend your afternoon talking about coverages with local insurance agents in Puyallup, or you could use the web to quickly compare rates.

Most of the larger companies are enrolled in a marketplace that enables customers to submit their information once, and each company then gives them pricing determined by their information. This saves time by eliminating quote requests to each individual car insurance company. To submit your quote information now, click here to open in new window.

The one disadvantage to getting quotes like this is that consumers can't choose which providers you want pricing from. So if you prefer to choose specific providers to request quotes from, we have a page of companies who write car insurance in Washington. Click here for list of insurance companies in Washington.

It's up to you which method you use, but be sure to compare identical coverage limits and deductibles for every quote you compare. If your comparisons have different liability limits then you won't be able to determine the best price in Puyallup. Quoting even small variations in insurance coverages may result in large price differences. Keep in mind that comparing more company's prices helps locate the best rates.

Don't pay full price with these six discounts

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, buy you may qualify for discounts that many people don't even know exist. A few discounts will automatically apply at the time of purchase, but some may not be applied and must be asked for prior to receiving the credit.

  • Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge as long as you don't have any claims prior to the accident.
  • Early Signing - Some companies give discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.
  • Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • College Student - Kids in college living away from home attending college and do not have a car may be able to be covered for less.
  • Anti-theft Discount - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Payment Discounts - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.

Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears it's possible to get free car insurance, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will bring down your premiums.

To choose companies offering car insurance discounts in Washington, click here to view.

The car insurance bait and switch

Car insurance companies such as State Farm, GEICO and Progressive constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. They all seem to make an identical promise that you'll save big if you switch your policy. How does each company make the same claim? It's all in the numbers.

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that makes them money. A good example of a desirable insured could be between 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and drives newer vehicles. Any new insured who meets those qualifications receives the best rates and therefore will save when switching.

Potential customers who don't measure up to these standards will have to pay higher prices and ends up with business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "customers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that kind of money. That is how companies can claim big savings.

Because of the profiling, you need to compare as many rates as you can. It's just too difficult to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When buying coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a "perfect" insurance plan. Every situation is different.

Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight whether or not you might need professional guidance.

  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Washington?
  • What are Washington no-fault laws?
  • 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?

If you're not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

Much more information about car insurance in Washington can be read on the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website found here. Consumers can learn about insurance regulations, file complaints about a company, and read consumer alerts.

Washington car insurance

Final considerations

Budget-conscious car insurance can be found from both online companies in addition to many Puyallup insurance agents, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies do not provide online price quotes and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.

You just learned some good ideas how you can compare car insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more rate comparisons you have, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Drivers may discover the best prices are with some of the smallest insurance companies.

When trying to cut insurance costs, it's very important that you do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many cases, someone dropped collision coverage and discovered at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage at the best price.