Easy Methods to Cut Costs on Spokane Auto Insurance

Are you overwhelmed by the number of auto insurance options in Spokane? Lot's of other consumers are too. People have so many options that it can turn into a real hassle to find the best price.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but you can get discounts to cut the cost considerably. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at the time you complete a quote, but some must be specifically requested prior to getting the savings. If you're not getting every credit possible, you're paying more than you need to.

  • Drivers Education - Have your child successfully complete driver's ed class if it's offered in school.
  • Driver Safety - Taking part in a defensive driving course could possibly earn you a 5% discount and easily recoup the cost of the course.
  • Distant Student - Children who live away from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle can receive lower rates.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Some companies give a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • Paperwork-free - A handful of insurance companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application over the internet.

Keep in mind that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. Some only reduce individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. So when it seems like all those discounts means the company will pay you, it just doesn't work that way. But any discount will bring down the amount you have to pay.

To see a list of insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Washington, follow this link.

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Quick Spokane Auto Insurance Quotes

Effectively comparing auto insurance prices can take hours if you aren't aware of the most efficient way to do it. You can waste a lot of time driving to insurance agencies in Spokane, or you could save time and use the internet to get prices fast.

Many insurance companies enroll in a system that allows shoppers to submit one quote, and each company provides a quote based on that data. This eliminates the need for repetitive form submissions to each individual auto insurance company.

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

The only downside to pricing coverage this way is buyers cannot specifically choose which carriers to get quotes from. So if you want to select specific insurance companies to request quotes from, we have assembled a list of auto insurance companies in Washington. Click to view list.

Which method you use is up to you, but compare identical coverage information with every price quote. If you have unequal deductibles or liability limits it's impossible to find the best deal in Spokane.

Spokane Rates are Influenced by These Factors

An important part of buying insurance is that you know some of the elements that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what influences your rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to big savings.

  • Equipment add-ons that lower auto insurance rates - Choosing a vehicle with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can thwart your car from being stolen.
  • Policy add-ons can waste money - There are a ton of extra coverages that can waste your money when buying auto insurance. Coverages for vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and term life insurance are examples of these. These coverages may sound good when you first buy your policy, but if they're wasting money eliminate them to save money.
  • Mature drivers pay less - Youthful drivers in Washington are known to be careless and easily distracted when behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Older insureds are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
  • Proper usage rating affects rates - Driving more miles in a year the higher your rate. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars based on their usage. Vehicles not used for work or commuting can get a lower rate compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage, because it can save money.
  • Marriage brings a discount - Being married can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Having a significant other means you're more mature and it's proven that being married results in fewer claims.
  • Where you live - Choosing to live in less populated areas can save you money when talking about auto insurance. City drivers have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
  • Cautious drivers pay less - A bad driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Careful drivers have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Just one speeding ticket can boost insurance rates forty percent or more. If you have flagrant violations such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility to the state department of motor vehicles in order to keep their license.

Is there truth in advertising?

Consumers in Washington can't get away from ads that promise big savings by State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all say the same thing that you can save after switching to their company.

How does each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies are able to cherry pick for the driver that is profitable for them. An example of a driver they prefer might be between the ages of 40 and 55, has no tickets, and has excellent credit. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile will get very good rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't measure up to these standards will be quoted a more expensive rate which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say "customers that switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That's the way insurance companies can make those claims.

This emphasizes why drivers must get quotes from several different companies. It's impossible to know which auto insurance company will have the lowest rates.

And the best car insurance company is...

Consumers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as extreme rates for teen drivers, delays in responding to claim requests, not issuing a premium refund or delays in paying claims. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new insurance company is actually quite simple.

Affordable auto insurance can be bought both online and also from your neighborhood Spokane agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and these smaller companies work with independent agents.

While you're price shopping online, make sure you don't reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where an insured dropped liability limits or collision coverage only to find out they didn't purchase enough coverage. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

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Find out more about auto insurance

More information is available on the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website located here. Visitors are able to view a list of available companies, discover disciplinary actions, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Additional helpful sites include this site for auto insurance rates in Washington and this list of insurance agents in Spokane, WA.