Tightwads Tips for Saving on South Bend Auto Insurance

No one cherishes buying auto insurance, particularly when their premiums are too high.

There are many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have a selection, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It's important to check auto insurance prices occasionally because prices are constantly changing. If you had the lowest price a couple years back the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. Ignore everything you know about auto insurance because we're going to demonstrate the fastest and easiest way to find better coverage at a better price.

Finding affordable coverage in South Bend is easy if you know what you're doing. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you stand a good chance to be able to cut costs considerably using this information. But Indiana consumers do need to know the methods companies use to market on the web because it can help you find the best coverage.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies don't always advertise all their discounts very clearly, so we researched both the well known and the more hidden auto insurance savings.

College Student - Children who are attending college without a vehicle on campus can receive lower rates.
Bundle and Save - When you combine your home and auto insurance with one company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.
Accident Free - Good drivers with no accidents pay much less as compared to bad drivers.
Sign Online - A few companies may give you up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies permit an accident before raising your premiums as long as you don't have any claims for a set time period.
Air Bag Discount - Factory air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of more than 20%.
Drivers Education - Have your child complete a driver education course in high school.
Drive Less and Save - Keeping the miles down could be rewarded with lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
Memberships - Being a member of a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break on auto insurance.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don't profit that way.

To see a list of companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Indiana, follow this link.

Finding Auto Insurance in South Bend, IN

There are several ways to shop for auto insurance, but there is one way that is less labor-intensive and much quicker. You can waste a lot of time discussing policy coverages with agents in South Bend, or you can utilize online quotes to achieve your goal.

Many insurance companies participate in an industry program that allows shoppers to enter their coverage request one time, and each participating company then gives them pricing for coverage. This eliminates the need for quotation requests to each individual auto insurance company.

To submit your quote information now, click to open in new window.

One minor caviat to comparing rates this way is that you can't choose which carriers to receive prices from. If you would rather choose from a list of companies for rate comparison, we have a page of low cost auto insurance companies in Indiana. View list of Indiana insurance companies.

Which method you use is up to you, but make absolute certain that you use identical coverages on every quote you get. If you use different limits and deductibles on each one it will be impossible to determine which rate is truly the best in South Bend. Just a small difference in insurance coverages can make a big difference in price. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that quoting more helps locate lower pricing.

What determines how much you pay?

An important part of buying insurance is that you know some of the elements that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

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

Mature drivers pay less - Youthful drivers in Indiana tend to be more careless behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Having to add a teen driver to your policy can be very expensive. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and are safer drivers.
One company can mean more discounts - The majority of companies will give a discount to insureds who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, you may still want to compare rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation - Jobs such as judges, architects and financial analysts tend to pay higher average rates attributed to stressful work requirements and long work days. Conversely, occupations like scientists, engineers and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
Marriage brings a discount - Having a wife or husband actually saves money when buying auto insurance. It is viewed as being more mature than a single person and it's statistically proven that married couples file fewer claims.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When choosing the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Everyone's needs are different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For example, these questions might point out whether or not you could use an agent's help.

What are Indiana no-fault laws?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

Is there truth in advertising?

Auto insurance companies such as Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm regularly use television and radio advertisements. They all seem to say the same thing that you'll save big if you move to them. How does each company claim to save you money?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that is profitable for them. For instance, a desirable insured might be over the age of 40, owns a home, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Drivers who don't measure up to these standards will have to pay a higher premium which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save money. That is how companies can advertise the way they do. Because of the profiling, drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Affordable insurance is out there

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are many occasions where an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that the savings was not a smart move. Your aim should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate.

Discount auto insurance is definitely available both online and with local South Bend insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best selection. Some auto insurance companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.

For more Indiana car insurance information

More detailed Indiana auto insurance information is located at the Indiana Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to read enforcement actions against agents and companies, read consumer alerts, read industry bulletins, and get help finding coverage.