9 Best Tips to Lower Car Insurance Costs in Sunriver

Nobody likes having to buy car insurance, particularly when their premiums are too high.

Because you have many online and local companies to choose from, it's nearly impossible to find the most cost effective provider.

It's important to take a look at other company's rates periodically since rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the lowest price six months ago you can probably find a better price now. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because you're about to learn the quickest way to eliminate unnecessary coverages and save money.

Don't pay full price with these nine discounts

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, but you can get discounts that you may not know about. A few discounts will automatically apply when you quote, but less common discounts must be requested specifically before you get the savings.

  • Accident Forgiveness - Some insurance companies allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge as long as you don't have any claims prior to the accident.
  • Good Student - This discount can get you a discount of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you up until you turn 25.
  • Multiple Cars - Having all your vehicles with the same company can get a discount on all vehicles.
  • Anti-lock Brake Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can avoid accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Discount for Life Insurance - Some companies give a break if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
  • Senior Citizens - If you're over the age of 55, you may receive better car insurance rates.
  • Driver's Ed - Cut your cost by having your teen driver complete a driver education course if offered at their school.
  • Safety Course Discount - Completing a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
  • Organization Discounts - Being a member of a professional or civic organization could qualify you for a break on car insurance.

Keep in mind that most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So even though they make it sound like it's possible to get free car insurance, it just doesn't work that way. But any discount will help reduce your premiums.

To choose companies with discount car insurance rates in Oregon, follow this link.

The car insurance bait and switch

Car insurance companies such as State Farm, GEICO and Progressive consistently run ads in print and on television. They all seem to say the same thing that you can save if you change to their company. But how can every company claim to save you money? It's all in the numbers.

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. For instance, a desirable insured might be between 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and has a high credit rating. Any new insured who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and therefore will save a lot of money.

Drivers who don't measure up to this ideal profile will have to pay a higher premium which usually ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say "customers who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. That is how insurance companies can state the savings.

Because of the profiling, you should get as many comparisons as possible. It's just too difficult to predict which company will have the lowest rates.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When buying the best car insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no "best" method to buy coverage. Every situation is different and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight whether or not you might need professional guidance.

  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
  • Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
  • Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
  • When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
  • Should I buy additional glass protection?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

More information is located on the website for the Oregon Insurance Division found here. Visitors are able to learn about insurance regulations, file complaints about a company, report car insurance fraud, and find out industry alerts.

Other informative sites include this site for Oregon car insurance information and see this list of insurance agents in Sunriver.

Oregon car insurance

Affordable insurance is out there

Affordable car insurance can be sourced both online and also from your neighborhood Sunriver agents, so compare prices from both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies may not provide online price quotes and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.

We just covered a lot of tips how to save on car insurance. It's most important to understand that the more rate comparisons you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may even find the best prices are with some of the smallest insurance companies. Some small companies can often insure niche markets at a lower cost as compared to the big name companies such as .

As you restructure your insurance plan, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. In many cases, someone dropped liability coverage limits only to discover later that they should have had better coverage. Your aim should be to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price.