Tightwads Guide for Saving on Scales Mound Car Insurance

No one looks forward to paying for car insurance, particularly when the cost is way too high. Companies like State Farm, Allstate, GEICO and Progressive continually bombard you with advertising and it is difficult to sift through the bull and take the time to shop coverage around.

It's important to check car insurance prices occasionally due to the fact that insurance rates are constantly changing. If you had the best price on your last policy a different company probably has better rates today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because you're about to find out one of the easiest ways to find better coverage at a better price.

If you are insured now or need new coverage, you can learn to get lower rates while maintaining coverages. Finding affordable coverage in Scales Mound is easy if you know what you're doing. Illinois vehicle owners just need to know how to compare prices online.

How much can you save with discounts?

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, but there are discounts available to help offset the cost. Most are applied when you get a quote, but a few need to be inquired about before you will receive the discount. If you aren't receiving every discount you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

  • Accident Forgiveness - A handful of insurance companies permit an accident before your rates go up as long as you don't have any claims for a particular time prior to the accident.
  • Theft Prevention System - Anti-theft and alarm systems help deter theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Drivers Ed for Students - Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to complete a driver education course in high school.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
  • Save with a New Car - Adding a new car to your policy is cheaper due to better safety requirements for new cars.
  • Sign Early and Save - A few companies offer discounts for buying a policy prior to your current policy expiring. It can save you around 10%.
  • Military Rewards - Having a deployed family member can result in better rates.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Being a member of a civic or occupational organization could qualify you for a break on car insurance.
  • Federal Employees - Active or retired federal employment may qualify you for a discount with select insurance companies.
  • Senior Citizens - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for reduced rates.

Drivers should understand that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. So even though it sounds like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies wouldn't make money that way. But all discounts will reduce the amount you have to pay.

What determines how much you pay?

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with big savings.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" companies use to determine rates.

  • Sex matters - Statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, don't assume that women are better drivers. They both have accidents in similar percentages, but the males cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. They also get cited for more serious violations like DUI and reckless driving.
  • More than one policy can earn a discount - The majority of companies will give a discount to insureds who have multiple policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. This can amount to anywhere from five to ten percent in most cases. Even though this discount sounds good, you may still want to compare other company rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
  • More claims means more premium - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can look forward to higher rates. Car insurance companies in Illinois provide cheaper rates to people who file claims infrequently. Insurance coverage is intended for larger claims.
  • Theft deterrents lower rates - Owning a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft devices such as GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can help prevent your car from being stolen.

How much car insurance do I need?

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Everyone's needs are different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For example, these questions might point out if your insurance needs could use an agent's help.

  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
  • Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
  • What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
  • Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to an agent. If you don't have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.

Save 15 percent in 15 minutes? Is it for real?

Consumers in Illinois get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by companies like State Farm, GEICO and Progressive. They all seem to say the same thing that you'll save big if you move to them.

How can each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For example, a desirable insured might be over the age of 40, owns a home, and has great credit. Any driver who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when they switch companies.

Drivers who don't meet the requirements will have to pay higher premiums which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That is how companies can advertise the savings.

Because of the profiling, drivers should get quotes from several different companies. You cannot predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

For more Illinois car insurance information

Much more information about car insurance in Illinois can be found on the website for the Illinois Department of Insurance through this link. Visitors are able to learn about insurance regulations, read consumer alerts, download brochures, and view a list of available companies.

Scales Mound car insurance quote

Best coverage at the best price

Budget-conscious car insurance is possible both online and with local Scales Mound insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. There are still a few companies who do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

When you buy insurance online, it's not a good idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many cases, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your aim should be to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate.