Getting Low-Cost San Luis Obispo Car Insurance

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an overpriced car insurance policy? Believe me, you are not the only one feeling buyer's remorse. Having so many choices, it's difficult to locate the lowest price car insurance company.

It's important to price shop coverage every six months because rates are constantly changing. If you had the lowest rates on your last policy you will most likely find a better rate today. So block out anything you think you know about car insurance because you're going to learn the tricks you need to know to lower your annual insurance bill.

The purpose of this post is to help educate you on how to get online quotes and some money-saving tips. If you are paying for car insurance now, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. California vehicle owners just need to know the most efficient way to get comparison rates online.

Save big with these discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, buy you may qualify for discounts to help offset the cost. Certain discounts will be applied when you purchase, but lesser-known reductions have to be inquired about before being credited. If you don't get every credit possible, you are throwing money away.

  • Discount for Good Grades - Performing well in school can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply up to age 25.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Belonging to a professional or civic organization could trigger savings on your policy.
  • Military Discounts - Having a family member in the military can result in better rates.
  • Sign Early and Save - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. It can save you around 10%.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts of more than 20%.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
  • 55 and Retired - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for a discount up to 10%.
  • New Car Discount - Adding a new car to your policy is cheaper due to better safety requirements for new cars.
  • Low Mileage - Keeping the miles down can earn better rates on cars that stay parked.
  • Multi-policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with the same company you may save approximately 10% to 15%.

Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given to all coverage premiums. Most cut individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So despite the fact that it appears all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will help reduce your overall premium however.

California car insurance

Car insurance ads bend the truth

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements that promise big savings from companies such as State Farm and Allstate. All the ads make the same claim that you'll save big if you move your policy.

But how can every company make the same claim?

All the different companies are able to cherry pick for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk could be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no driving citations, and has great credit. A customer who matches those parameters gets the lowest rates and most likely will save a lot of money.

Consumers who fall outside this ideal profile will be charged higher prices which leads to business going elsewhere. The ads say "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that kind of money. That's the way companies can advertise the savings.

That is why you should compare as many rates as you can. Because you never know which car insurance company will fit your personal profile best.

Learn more about California car insurance

Much more information about car insurance in California can be found on the website for the California Department of Insurance located here. Consumers can file complaints about a company, find out which companies have the most complaints, find disaster information, and learn about specific coverages.

Also read more on NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of insurance agents in San Luis Obispo California.

A tidy conclusion

We just showed you some good ideas how to reduce car insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more you quote, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Drivers may discover the lowest rates come from some of the lesser-known companies. Regional companies may only write in your state and offer lower rates than their larger competitors like .

Budget-conscious car insurance is possible from both online companies in addition to many San Luis Obispo insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. There are still a few companies who do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.