Seattle Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

Purchasing affordable Seattle auto insurance on the internet may be intimidating for people who are new to price shopping online. Since there are so many insurance companies available, how can you even start to compare them all to find the lowest rates?

If you have a current auto insurance policy or need new coverage, you can learn to find better prices and possibly find even better coverage. This article will help educate you on the best way to quote coverages and some money-saving tips. Washington vehicle owners just need to know how to compare prices over the internet.

How much can you save with discounts?

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but you can get discounts that you may not know about. Most are applied when you purchase, but less common discounts must be manually applied before being credited. If they aren't giving you every credit you deserve, you are throwing money away.

  • Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
  • Paperwork-free - Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up on their website.
  • Clubs and Organizations - Participating in certain professional organizations could qualify you for a break when shopping for auto insurance.
  • Discount for New Cars - Adding a new car to your policy is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
  • Good Student Discount - Performing well in school can get you a discount of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you well after school through age 25.
  • No Accidents - Drivers who don't have accidents pay much less when compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Select insurance companies reward you with lower rates if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
  • Multiple Vehicles - Buying insurance for multiple vehicles on one policy could earn a price break for each car.
  • Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get better auto insurance rates.

Consumers should know that most of the big mark downs will not be given to all coverage premiums. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. Just because you may think all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will cut the amount you have to pay.

compare Seattle auto insurance rates

Seattle Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

The following are a partial list of the pieces auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

  • Optional equipment can affect rates - Purchasing a vehicle that has an advanced theft prevention system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping your car from being stolen.
  • Marriage pays dividends - Having a wife or husband can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other means you're more mature than a single person and it's statistically proven that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
  • Liability coverage is peace of mind - Liability coverage is the protection when a court rules you are at fault for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides legal defense starting from day one. Liability insurance is quite affordable when compared with rates for comp and collision, so buy as much as you can afford.
  • Older drivers pay less - More mature drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to file fewer claims and are safer drivers. Teen drivers are known to be careless and easily distracted when driving therefore auto insurance rates are much higher.
  • Traffic violations increase rates - Even one citation can boost insurance rates by as much as thirty percent. Careful drivers receive lower rates compared to drivers with tickets. If you have flagrant violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state DMV in order to keep their license.
  • The more you drive the more you pay - Driving more miles in a year's time the higher your rate. Most insurance companies apply a rate based on how the vehicle is used. Vehicles left parked in the garage receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.

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

Washington consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for car insurance savings by State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing that you'll save big after switching to their company.

How do they all make almost identical claims?

All companies have a preferred profile for the driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a driver they prefer could possibly be over the age of 40, insures multiple vehicles, and has a short commute. A driver who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to cut their rates substantially.

Consumers who don't meet the "perfect" profile will be quoted higher prices which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. This is how companies can make the claims of big savings.

This emphasizes why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

For more Washington auto insurance information

Much more information about auto insurance in Washington is located on the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website through this link. Washington consumers can view a list of available companies, get help finding coverage, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

In the end, you save

Consumers change insurance companies for many reasons like unfair underwriting practices, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, questionable increases in premium and even not issuing a premium refund. It doesn't matter what your reason, finding the right auto insurance provider is less work than it seems.

Discount auto insurance can be sourced online and also from your neighborhood Seattle agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance providers may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.

As you shop your coverage around, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced liability coverage limits only to discover later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.