Find Cheaper Skowhegan Auto Insurance

If you've never shopped for auto insurance online, you may be overwhelmed because of the huge number of auto insurance companies all offering big savings in Skowhegan.

It's important to compare prices occasionally because insurance rates are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the lowest rates two years ago a different company probably has better rates today. So forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're about to learn the tricks you need to know to find lower rates on auto insurance.

If you have a current auto insurance policy or are shopping for new coverage, you can learn to find the best rates and possibly find even better coverage. Finding the cheapest protection in Skowhegan is not that difficult. Maine vehicle owners just need to know the proper methods to buy auto insurance over the internet.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Car insurance can cost a lot, but discounts can save money and there are some available to cut the cost considerably. A few discounts will automatically apply when you get a quote, but lesser-known reductions have to be specially asked for before you will receive the discount. If they aren't giving you every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Early Switch Discount - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching policies prior to your current policy expiring. It's a savings of about 10%.
Anti-lock Brake Discount - Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Save over 55 - If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get a small decrease in premiums.
Clubs and Organizations - Participating in certain professional organizations could qualify you for a break on your policy.
Low Mileage - Fewer annual miles can earn lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
Multiple Vehicles - Buying coverage for multiple vehicles on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
Multi-policy Discount - If you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
Discount for New Cars - Adding a new car to your policy is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So even though it sounds like it's possible to get free car insurance, companies don't profit that way. But all discounts will cut the cost of coverage.

How to Lower your Auto Insurance Rates

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 empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.

Traffic violations increase rates - Even a single moving violation can bump up the cost by as much as thirty percent. Drivers who don't get tickets have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who get flagrant violations like DUI or reckless driving may be required to submit a SR-22 form with their state DMV in order to keep their license.
Multi-policy discounts can save money - Many companies give discounts to customers who consolidate policies with them. It's known as a multi-policy discount. This can amount to anywhere from five to ten percent in most cases. Even though this discount sounds good, you still need to compare other company rates to verify if the discount is saving money.
Older drivers pay less - Older drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and get fewer tickets. Teen drivers are known to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel therefore auto insurance rates are much higher.
Liability coverage is peace of mind - Liability coverage is the coverage that protects you in the event that a court rules you are at fault for personal injury or accident damage. Liability provides for a legal defense starting from day one. Liability is cheap when compared with rates for comp and collision, so buy as much as you can afford.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there is no one size fits all plan. Everyone's situation is a little different.

For instance, these questions might point out whether you might need professional guidance.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Maine?
Am I covered by my employer's commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?
Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. If you don't have a local agent, take a second and complete this form. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can help protect your family.

How can State Farm and Allstate save drivers who switch?

Maine consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance from the likes of State Farm and Allstate. All the ads say the same thing that you'll save big after switching your coverage to them.

How do they all make almost identical claims?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of customer that earns them a profit. For example, a preferred risk could possibly be between 30 and 50, owns a home, and chooses high deductibles. A driver who fits that profile will get very good rates and as a result will probably cut their rates substantially.

Drivers who are not a match for the "perfect" profile will be charged higher premiums which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads say "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much money. That is how companies can state the savings.

That is why drivers should get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

Much more information about auto insurance in Maine can be found on the Maine Bureau of Insurance website located here. Maine consumers can file complaints about a company, read consumer alerts, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Best coverage at the best price

In this article, we presented a lot of tips how to reduce auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the better your comparison will be. You may even discover the best prices are with some of the lesser-known companies.

When buying insurance coverage, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many cases where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your goal should be to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Discount auto insurance can be bought online as well as from independent agents in Skowhegan, so compare prices from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies don't offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.