Tightwads Tips for Saving on Temple Terrace Auto Insurance

I can't think of anyone who likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when the cost is way too high.

There is such a variety of to pick from, and although it's a good thing to have a selection, so many choices can make it hard to compare rates.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Insurance can be prohibitively expensive, but companies offer discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at the time you complete a quote, but a few need to be asked for prior to getting the savings.

  • Defensive Driving Course - Completing a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.
  • Auto/Home Discount - When you combine your home and auto insurance with one insurance company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
  • Federal Employees - Being employed by or retired from a federal job can save as much as 8% depending on your company.
  • Auto/Life Discount - Some companies give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
  • Memberships - Participating in a qualifying organization could trigger savings when buying auto insurance.

It's important to note that many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. So even though they make it sound like it's possible to get free car insurance, you're out of luck. But any discount will bring down the cost of coverage.

To see a list of insurers with the best auto insurance discounts in Florida, click this link.

auto insurance in Temple Terrace

Finding Auto Insurance in Temple Terrace, FL

Most companies like 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm allow you to get insurance quotes online. This process doesn't take much effort as you just enter your coverage preferences as detailed in the form. Once you submit the form, the company's rating system will obtain your driving and credit reports and provides a quote based on many factors. This makes it a lot easier to compare rates but the work required to visit several different sites and complete many quote forms can be a bit repetitive. But it's very important to compare as many rates as possible in order to find the best price on auto insurance.

The preferred way to get multiple rate quotes uses one form that gets prices from several different companies. The form is fast, eliminates repetitive work, and makes online quotes much easier. After sending your information, it is rated and you are able to buy any one of the price quotes you receive.

If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, you can simply submit the application and purchase coverage. The entire process takes 15 minutes at the most and could lower your rates considerably.

To find out if lower rates are available, click here to open in new window and input your coverage information. If you currently have coverage, we recommend you enter the limits and deductibles exactly as shown on your declarations page. This makes sure you will have rate comparison quotes based on the exact same insurance coverage.

Understand what determines the rate you pay

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the rating factors that come into play when calculating the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that could result in lower auto insurance prices.

The list below includes a few of the "ingredients" that factor into premiums.

  • Don't buy coverages you don't need - There are a lot of additional coverages that you can get tricked into buying on your auto insurance policy. Coverages for rental car reimbursement, accidental death and membership fees may be wasting your money. These coverages may sound good when talking to your agent, but your needs may have changed so eliminate them to save money.
  • Bundling policies can get discounts - The majority of auto insurance companies will award you with lower prices to customers who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, it's in your best interest to compare rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
  • An active claims history can cost you - Auto insurance companies in Florida give lower rates to drivers who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you are a frequent claim filer, you can expect higher rates. Auto insurance is designed for larger claims.
  • Drive less and save money - The more you drive each year the more you'll pay to insure your vehicle. The majority of insurers apply a rate based on their usage. Autos left parked in the garage qualify for better rates than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Make sure your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage.

Tailor your coverage to you

When choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a cookie cutter policy. Every insured's situation is different so this has to be addressed. For instance, these questions might point out whether you would benefit from professional advice.

  • Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
  • Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
  • Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
  • Do I qualify for additional discounts?
  • Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
  • Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

How can 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm save drivers who switch?

21st Century, Allstate and State Farm regularly use ads on television and other media. All the companies make the same claim that you can save if you move your policy. How does each company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the right customer that is profitable for them. For example, a profitable customer could possibly be a mature driver, owns a home, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters gets the lowest rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Potential customers who are not a match for these standards must pay a more expensive rate which leads to the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say "drivers who switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that kind of money. That is how insurance companies can advertise the savings.

This illustrates why drivers must compare as many rates as you can. It's impossible to know which company will give you the biggest savings.

Shop smart and save

Lower-priced auto insurance is definitely available online in addition to many Temple Terrace insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best rate selection. There are still a few companies who do not provide the ability to get a quote online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

As you prepare to switch companies, make sure you don't reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The proper strategy is to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.

Temple Terrace auto insurance quote

More information can be found on the website for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Click here for link. Florida consumers can discover disciplinary actions, read consumer alerts, download brochures, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Additional helpful sites include this resource for Florida auto insurance prices and this link which helps you find a Temple Terrace agent.