Tightwads Guide to Saving on Street Auto Insurance

Are you tired of not being able to afford each month for car insurance? You're in the same situation as many other Maryland drivers. Having so many different company options, it's nearly impossible to choose the lowest price company.

The purpose of this article is to let you in on how car insurance quotes work. If you currently have car insurance, you will most likely be able to save some money using this information. Maryland drivers only need an understanding of the proper way to compare rates on the web.

Cheap Street Auto Insurance Comparisons

Getting better auto insurance pricing doesn't have to be difficult. Consumers just need to take a few minutes to compare rate quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be accomplished using a couple different methods.

The first (and easiest) way to compare a lot of rates at once is a comparison rater form click to view form in new window. This easy form prevents you from having to do a different quote for each company. In just a few minutes this one form will get you price quotes .

A slightly less efficient method to shop for auto insurance online requires a visit to the website of each company to complete their respective quote request forms. For instance, let's say you want rates from , and . You would have to go to every website to input your insurance information, which is why most consumers use the first method. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Street, click here.

The least recommended way of getting rate comparisons is driving around to insurance agents' offices. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you prefer the professional guidance of a licensed agent. However, consumers can compare the best prices online but buy from a local insurance agent. We'll cover that shortly.

It's your choice how you get your quotes, but ensure you're using apples-to-apples coverage limits on every quote you get. If you are comparing differing limits it will be impossible to determine which rate is truly the best in Street.

Good Decisions Result in Lower Rates

It's important that you understand the different types of things that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively determines base rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

Shown below are some of the factors auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

  • Always keep insurance in force - Driving without insurance is against the law and you will pay a penalty because you let your coverage have a gap. Not only will rates go up, getting caught without coverage can result in a revoked license or a big fine.You may need to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the Maryland department of motor vehicles.
  • Your stress level may be raising your rates - Careers like doctors, business owners and stock brokers tend to have the highest rates attributed to job stress and long work hours. On the other hand, occupations like farmers, students and retirees receive lower rates.
  • Do you need those extra coverages? - There are quite a few extra bells and whistles that can waste your money when buying auto insurance. Things like vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and term life insurance may be costing you every month. They may seem good at first, but if they're wasting money remove them from your policy.
  • Cautious drivers pay less - A bad driving record has a big impact on rates. Careful drivers receive lower rates than their less careful counterparts. Even one citation can boost insurance rates by twenty percent. If you have dangerous 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 prevent a license revocation.
  • Pay less after the wedding - Being married helps lower the price on your policy. Having a significant other means you're more mature and responsible and it's statistically proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • The more you drive the more you pay - The higher the mileage driven every year the higher your rate. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks that are left in the garage can get a lower rate compared to those used for work or business. Verify your auto insurance declarations sheet properly reflects the correct usage for each vehicle, because it can save money.
  • Protect yourself with liability coverage - Your policy's liability coverage will protect you when you are found liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides legal defense coverage up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability insurance is quite affordable as compared to coverage for physical damage, so do not cut corners here.
  • You might want pay the small claims yourself - If you frequently file small claims, you can definitely plan on either higher rates or even cancellation. Companies in Maryland award discounts to policyholders who are claim-free. Car insurance is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but you can get discounts to help bring down the price. Some trigger automatically when you quote, but some must be asked about before you get the savings. If you don't get every credit available, you're just leaving money on the table.

  • Seat Belts Save - Requiring all passengers to wear their seat belts could cut 10% or more off your medical payments premium.
  • No Accidents - Claim-free drivers can earn big discounts when compared to frequent claim filers.
  • Safety Course Discount - Taking a defensive driving course could save 5% or more depending on where you live.
  • Good Students Pay Less - Getting good grades can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
  • Paperwork-free - Some insurance companies may give you up to $50 simply for signing online.
  • One Accident Forgiven - Some insurance companies permit an accident without raising rates if your claims history is clear for a certain period of time.
  • Life Insurance - Larger companies have a break if you buy life insurance from them.

It's important to understand that most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So even though it sounds like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, it doesn't quite work that way. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce the amount you have to pay.

For a list of insurance companies with discount auto insurance rates in Maryland, click here to view.

Additional auto insurance information is available on the website for the Maryland Insurance Administration through this link. Visitors are able to find a variety of consumer forms, read industry bulletins, discover disciplinary actions, and file complaints about a company.

Other useful links include this site for auto insurance information in Maryland and this list of agents in Street, MD.

And the best car insurance company is...

Low-cost auto insurance is attainable both online and also from your neighborhood Street agents, so you should compare both to have the best selection. Some auto insurance companies may not provide online quoting and these smaller companies work with independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, don't be tempted to reduce needed coverages to save money. There are too many instances where an accident victim reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that the savings was not a smart move. Your strategy should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.