Proven Ways to Save on Springfield Auto Insurance

No one in their right mind cherishes buying auto insurance, particularly when they are paying too much.

Multiple compete to insure your vehicles, and it can be difficult to compare rates to find the absolute lowest price

It's important to check auto insurance prices periodically because prices are constantly changing. Just because you found the best deal a few years ago there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Starting now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the only way to save money, get proper coverage and the best rates.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what influences your rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.

The following are some of the factors companies use to determine your rates.

Better credit means lower rates - Your credit history is a big factor in determining your rates. If your credit score is not that good, you could save money insuring your by repairing your credit. Drivers with good credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than those with lower credit scores.
Cautious drivers pay less - Good drivers get better rates compared to drivers with tickets. Even one speeding ticket can increase rates twenty percent or more. Drivers who get flagrant violations such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may be required to submit a SR-22 form to the state department of motor vehicles in order to keep their license.
Pay less if you're married - Being married can get you a discount on your policy. Marriage is viewed as being more mature and statistics show married couples file fewer claims.
Do you have enough liability coverage? - Liability coverage is the coverage that protects you in the event that you are found liable for damages from an accident. Liability provides legal defense coverage starting from day one. Liability is cheap when compared with rates for comp and collision, so do not cut corners here.

How to Get Springfield Auto Insurance Comparison Quotes

All major auto insurance companies such as Allstate and Progressive allow you to get prices for coverage online. This process is fairly straightforward as you simply enter your personal and coverage information as detailed in the form. After the form is submitted, the system will obtain your driving record and credit report and gives you a price quote based on these factors. Quoting online makes comparing rates easy, but the process of having to visit different websites and enter the same data into a form is monotonous and tiresome. But it's very important to perform this step in order to find the best price on auto insurance.

The preferred way to compare rates uses one form to return rates from many companies. The form is fast, requires less work, and makes rate comparisons much easier to do. After sending the form, it is rated and you can select any of the resulting price quotes. If you find a better price you can click and sign and purchase coverage. The entire process takes just a few minutes to complete and may save quite a bit of money.

To find out if lower rates are available, click here to open in new window and complete the simple form. If you have a policy now, it's recommended you input the insurance coverages as shown on your current policy. This makes sure you will have a price comparison for the exact same coverage.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies offering auto insurance don't always publicize every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so here is a list both the well known and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using.

Anti-lock Brake System - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Good Student - This discount can get you a discount of up to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
E-sign - Certain companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application on their website.
Multiple Vehicles - Buying coverage for multiple vehicles with the same company can get a discount on all vehicles.
Accident Forgiveness - A few companies allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if you are claim-free prior to the accident.

Keep in mind that most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, it just doesn't work that way.

To choose providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Springfield, click here to view.

How can Allstate and Progressive save drivers who switch?

Companies like Allstate and Progressive continually stream ads on television and other media. All the ads make an identical promise that you can save after switching to them. How do they all claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the type of driver that makes them money. An example of a preferred risk might be over the age of 40, a clean driving record, and has a short commute. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications will get the preferred rates and as a result will probably cut their rates substantially.

Consumers who are not a match for the "perfect" profile will be charged higher rates and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state "customers who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save money. That is how insurance companies can make the claims of big savings. That is why you need to get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which company will fit your personal profile best.

Tailor your coverage to you

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no perfect coverage plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else's so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions may help highlight whether you could use an agent's help.

Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Massachusetts?
Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?

If you're not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area.

Additional detailed information is available at the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, file complaints about a company, get help finding coverage, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

Shop smart and save

As you shop your coverage around, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. Too many times, someone dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

We covered some good ideas how you can compare auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more quotes you get, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may even discover the lowest premiums are with a small mutual company. These smaller insurers can often insure niche markets at a lower cost than the large multi-state companies such as .

Affordable auto insurance can be sourced both online and with local Springfield insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance providers do not offer online price quotes and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.