Santa Fe Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

Saving money on Santa Fe auto insurance is hard for consumers not familiar with comparing rates online. There are so many choices that it can be a lot of work to compare prices in Santa Fe.

It's important to compare prices before your policy renews because prices are constantly changing. If you had the lowest price on your last policy there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you're about to find out the fastest and easiest way to get good coverage at a lower rate.

If you have car insurance now, you will be able to cut costs considerably using these methods. Shopping for affordable auto insurance coverage in Santa Fe is easy if you know what you're doing. Although New Mexico consumers do need to know how insurance companies market on the web because it can help you find the best coverage.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what impacts premium levels enables informed choices that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

  • Pleasure use saves money - The more you drive every year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars left parked in the garage receive lower rates than those used for commuting. Make sure your auto insurance policy is rated on the correct driver usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
  • Don't cancel a policy without a new one in place - Driving your car without having proper coverage is against the law and your next policy will cost more because you let your coverage have a gap. Not only will you pay more, but not being able to provide proof of insurance will get you a license revocation or jail time.
  • Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Jobs such as judges, social workers and dentists tend to have the highest average rates because of high stress levels and lengthy work days. Other professions such as farmers, historians and the unemployed receive lower rates.
  • Your car's features help determine rates - Driving a car with an alarm system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft devices like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all hinder auto theft.
  • Having a spouse can save you money - Having a wife or husband actually saves money on auto insurance. It means you're more responsible and it's proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Bump up deductibles to save - Insurance for physical damage to your car, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Some instances where coverage would apply would be a windshield shattered by a rock, damage caused by hail, and windstorm damage. The deductibles are how much you are required to spend out-of-pocket before your auto insurance pays a claim. The more you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
  • Frequent auto insurance claims increase rates - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can definitely plan on either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Car insurance companies in New Mexico generally give cheaper rates to insureds who are claim-free. Auto insurance is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Don't skimp on liability - The liability section of your policy will protect you if ever you are found liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It will provide legal defense starting from day one. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not skimp.

New Mexico auto insurance quotes

Compare Santa Fe Auto Insurance Costs

There are several ways of comparing rates and find the best price. One of the best ways to find competitive insurance rates is to perform an online rate comparison. This is very easy and can be done using a couple different methods.

  1. The fastest way to compare a lot of rates at once is to use a rate comparison form click to view form in new window. This type of form eliminates the need for separate quote forms for every auto insurance company. In just a few minutes this one form gets you coverage quotes from many national carriers. It's the fastest way to compare.
  2. A slightly less efficient method to get quotes online consists of going to the website for each individual company and fill out their own quote form. For instance, we'll pretend you want rates from , and . To get rate quotes you would need to go to every website to enter your coverage information, which is why the first method is more popular. To view a list of companies in Santa Fe, click here.

Whichever method you choose, ensure you're using exactly the same coverages for every quote you compare. If you are comparing different limits and deductibles on each one it will be impossible to determine the best price in Santa Fe. Slightly different coverages may cause a big price difference. And when price shopping your coverage, obtaining a wide range of quotes will increase your chances of finding lower pricing.

Save big with these discounts

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but you can get discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Some discounts apply automatically at the time of purchase, but less common discounts must be inquired about prior to receiving the credit.

  • Save with a New Car - Buying coverage on a new vehicle can cost up to 25% less since new cars are generally safer.
  • Seat Belt Usage - Buckling up and requiring all passengers to wear their seat belts could save 15% on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
  • No Accidents - Claim-free drivers pay much less as compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - By paying your policy upfront instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Sign Online - Certain companies may give you up to $50 for buying your policy digitally online.
  • Homeowners Pay Less - Owning a house in Santa Fe can save you money because of the fact that having a home shows financial diligence.
  • Employee of Federal Government - Employees or retirees of the government can save as much as 8% with select insurance companies.

A little note about advertised discounts, some credits don't apply to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as collision or personal injury protection. So when the math indicates all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will reduce your overall premium however.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Santa Fe, click here.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Auto insurance companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive regularly use ads on TV and radio. They all seem to have a common claim about savings if you move to their company. How can each company claim to save you money?

All companies can use profiling for the driver that makes them money. For instance, a desirable insured might be over the age of 50, is a homeowner, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote that hits that "sweet spot" gets the lowest rates and most likely will save when they switch companies.

Potential customers who fall outside the requirements will have to pay higher prices and this can result in the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that much. That's why companies can truthfully advertise the savings.

Because of the profiling, you need to get as many quotes as possible. It's impossible to know the company that will fit your personal profile best.

Additional information is located on the New Mexico Insurance Division website located here. Visitors are able to file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, find a variety of consumer forms, and read industry bulletins.

Shop smart and save

When you buy insurance online, it's not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many instances, an accident victim reduced liability coverage limits only to discover later that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford.

Drivers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as delays in paying claims, being labeled a high risk driver, high rates after DUI convictions or even unfair underwriting practices. Whatever your reason, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.

The cheapest auto insurance is definitely available both online and also from your neighborhood Santa Fe agents, and you should be comparing both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who may not provide online price quotes and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.