Tightwads Tips for Saving on Sacramento Auto Insurance

I can't think of anyone who looks forward to buying auto insurance, in particular when their premiums are through the roof. Consumers have many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have a selection, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

Finding the best rates in Sacramento is not that difficult. If you have a policy now or need new coverage, you can follow these tips to find better prices and possibly find even better coverage. California consumers only need to know the most effective way to buy auto insurance on the web.

Auto Insurance Comparison Rates in Sacramento, CA

Most companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO provide prices directly from their websites. This process is quite easy as you simply type in your personal and coverage information as detailed in the form. When the form is submitted, the company's rating system will obtain your driving record and credit report and generates a price. Being able to quote online simplifies rate comparisons, but the time required to go to several different sites and fill out multiple forms can be a bit repetitive. But it's very important to do this if you want to find the best price on auto insurance.

Quote rates the easy way

A quicker way to compare rates uses one form to obtain quotes from many companies. The form is fast, requires less work, and makes online quotes much simpler. After your information is entered, it gets priced with multiple companies and you can pick any one of the quotes returned. If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, you can simply submit the application and purchase coverage. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes and you will find out if you're overpaying now.

To find out if lower rates are available, click here to open in new window and enter your vehicle and coverage information. To compare your current rates, we recommend you duplicate the insurance coverages as close as possible to your current policy. This ensures you will have comparison quotes for similar insurance coverage.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies that sell car insurance don't always advertise every discount very clearly, so we break down both well-publicized and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you're paying more than you need to.

  • Federal Employees - Being employed by or retired from a federal job can earn a discount up to 10% with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Good Student - A discount for being a good student can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.
  • Multiple Cars - Buying coverage for all your vehicles on the same auto insurance policy qualifies for this discount.
  • Save over 55 - Mature drivers may receive better auto insurance rates.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - When you combine your home and auto insurance with one insurance company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
  • Safety Course Discount - Taking a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.
  • Discount for New Cars - Buying coverage on a new vehicle can be considerably cheaper compared to insuring an older model.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you won't be that lucky.

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

Tailor your coverage to you

When choosing adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Everyone's situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions may help highlight whether you would benefit from professional advice.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
  • Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
  • Am I covered by my employer's commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
  • Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
  • What are the best liability limits?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It only takes a few minutes and may give you better protection.

Even more information can be found at the California Department of Insurance website. California consumers can download brochures, file complaints about a company, report car insurance fraud, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.