Free Guide to Saving Money on Shacklefords Auto Insurance Online

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me when I say you are not the only one feeling buyer's remorse.

There are many to pick from, and though it is a good thing to be able to choose, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to check auto insurance prices every six months because prices are constantly changing. If you had the lowest price on your last policy you can probably find a better price now. Don't believe everything you read about auto insurance online but we're going to give you some great ways to quit paying high auto insurance rates.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get big savings.

The list below includes a partial list of the pieces companies use to determine your rates.

  • Cautious drivers pay less - Your driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Good drivers have lower premiums than people who have multiple driving citations. Only having one moving violation can increase rates forty percent or more. Drivers who get severe violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may be required to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to drive a vehicle legally.
  • Liability coverage protects you - The liability section of your policy provides coverage in the event that you are found liable for damages from an accident. It will provide legal defense which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability is cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so drivers should carry high limits.
  • More claims means more premium - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can pretty much guarantee higher rates. Insurance companies in Virginia give lower rates to insureds who file claims infrequently. Insurance coverage is intended for the large, substantial claims.
  • Proper usage rating affects rates - The more you drive in a year the higher your rates will be. Most companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Autos not used for work or commuting receive lower rates than those used for commuting. Ask your agent if your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
  • Men fork out a little more - Statistics demonstrate that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that women are better drivers. They both tend to get into accidents in similar numbers, but men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also have more aggressive citations like DUI and reckless driving.
  • Higher safety ratings means cheaper insurance - Vehicles with good safety scores tend to have better insurance rates. Safer cars result in less severe injuries and any reduction in injury severity means lower claim amounts and thus lower rates.

Virginia auto insurance

Save big with these discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, but there are discounts available that can drop the cost substantially. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied when you complete an application, but a few must be inquired about before they will apply.

  • Discount for Good Grades - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you up to age 25.
  • Organization Discounts - Being a member of a qualifying organization could trigger savings on your policy.
  • Federal Government Employee - Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with certain companies.
  • Auto/Life Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • No Charge for an Accident - Certain companies will forgive one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Vehicles with factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems may earn rate discounts of 20% or more.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most discount credits are not given to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. Just because you may think having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, auto insurance companies aren't that generous. Any amount of discount will bring down your overall premium however.

To choose providers with the best auto insurance discounts in Virginia, click this link.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Companies like State Farm and Allstate regularly use ads on TV and radio. All the ads make the same claim about savings if you move to them. How does each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that makes them money. For instance, a preferred risk might be a mature driver, has no driving citations, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters is entitled to the best price and most likely will save when switching.

Consumers who fall outside these standards will be charged higher rates which leads to the customer not buying. The ads state "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save money. That's the way companies can truthfully advertise the savings.

That is why you should quote coverage with many companies. It's impossible to know which auto insurance company will fit your personal profile best.

Learn more about Virginia auto insurance

Additional information is located on the website for the Virginia Bureau of Insurance located here. Visitors are able to file complaints about a company, find out which companies have the most complaints, download brochures, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Other informative sites include NAIC.org's Understanding your Policy and this directory of insurance agents in Shacklefords Virginia.

Do the work, save more money

We covered some good ideas how to save on auto insurance. The key concept to understand is the more you quote, the higher the chance of saving money. Drivers may discover the best price on auto insurance is with some of the lesser-known companies. Some small companies may have significantly lower rates on certain market segments than their larger competitors like .

Cheap auto insurance is definitely available both online and with local Shacklefords insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to get a complete price analysis. There are still a few companies who do not offer online price quotes and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.