Lower Online South Boston Auto Insurance Prices With These Methods

If shopping for auto insurance online is new to you, you may be overwhelmed by the hoards of auto insurance companies competing for business in South Boston.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" that factor into prices.

Claim-free discounts can add up - Companies in Massachusetts provide better rates to insureds who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can expect either higher rates or even cancellation. Your insurance policy is designed for larger claims.
Type of vehicle determines base rates - The type of car you are buying insurance for makes a substantial difference in the rate you pay. Lower performance four cylinder passenger cars usually have the lowest rates, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
Traffic violations increase rates - Even one moving violation may increase your cost by as much as thirty percent. Drivers with clean records have lower premiums than bad drivers. If you have serious violations like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may find they need to file a SR-22 with their state DMV in order to continue driving.
Safer cars are cheaper to insure - Vehicles with high crash test scores are cheaper to insure. The safest vehicles have better occupant injury protection and lower injury rates means less money paid by your insurance company and lower rates for you.

Auto Insurance Comparison Rates in South Boston, MA

Reducing your insurance rates is not a difficult process. Just spend a few minutes on the computer getting comparison quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done in several different ways.

The fastest way consumers can analyze rates is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This method prevents you from having to do repetitive form submissions for each company you want a rate for. Just one form will return quotes from multiple companies. It's the fastest way to compare.
A less efficient way to compare rate quotes is to take the time to go to the website of each company to request a price quote. For example, let's say you want to compare , and . To get each rate you have to visit each site and enter your information, which is why the first method is more popular. To view a list of companies in South Boston, click here.
The least efficient method to compare rates to local insurance agencies. The ability to buy insurance online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you require the trained guidance that only a license agent can provide. You can, however, find lower rates online and still use a local agent.

Whichever way you use, be sure to compare the exact same coverages and limits for each price quote. If you have different deductibles it will be impossible to truly determine the lowest rate in South Boston.

Take advantage of discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but companies offer discounts that you may not even be aware of. Most are applied when you get a quote, but a few need to be specifically requested before you will receive the discount. If they aren't giving you every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Federal Employees - Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with a few auto insurance companies.
Early Signing - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.
Passive Restraint Discount - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts can get savings of 20% or more.
Low Mileage Discounts - Driving fewer miles can earn lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
Military Discounts - Having a deployed family member could mean lower rates.
Discount for Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give lower rates if you buy life insurance.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given to the entire policy premium. Some only reduce individual premiums such as comp or med pay. Just because you may think adding up those discounts means a free policy, auto insurance companies aren't that generous. Any amount of discount will cut your overall premium however.

To choose insurance companies offering auto insurance discounts in South Boston, follow this link.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Massachusetts consumers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance from companies such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing about savings if you switch your policy.

How do they all make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that makes them money. For example, a driver they prefer could possibly be over the age of 40, a clean driving record, and has excellent credit. A driver who fits that profile will get very good rates and most likely will cut their rates substantially.

Drivers who don't qualify for the "perfect" profile will be quoted higher premiums which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads say "customers that switch" not "people who quote" save that kind of money. That is how companies can truthfully make those claims.

This emphasizes why you need to compare as many rates as you can. It is impossible to predict which company will have the lowest rates.

How to know if you need help

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no one size fits all plan. Everyone's needs are different.

These are some specific questions may help highlight whether your personal situation could use an agent's help.

Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?

If you don't know the answers to these questions, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. If you don't have a local agent, fill out this quick form. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.

Additional information can be found on the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website located here. Massachusetts consumers can download brochures, learn about specific coverages, and file complaints about a company.

And the best car insurance company is...

Consumers switch companies for a number of reasons such as extreme rates for teen drivers, high prices, poor customer service or even delays in responding to claim requests. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.

In this article, we presented many ways to compare auto insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the higher the chance of saving money. Drivers may discover the lowest premiums are with a small local company.

Cheap auto insurance is available online in addition to many South Boston insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some companies do not provide online price quotes and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.