How to Know You're Paying Too Much for Car Insurance in Valley Center

I can't think of anyone who cherishes buying car insurance, especially when they are paying too much.

Numerous battle to insure your vehicles, and it can be difficult to compare rates to find the lowest price

Car Insurance Comparison Rates in Valley Center, KS

Most major insurance companies such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO allow you to get price estimates directly from their websites. Getting quotes is quite simple as you simply type in your personal and coverage information into the quote form. Behind the scenes, their rating system will obtain your driving and credit reports and returns a price quote based on these factors. Quoting online streamlines rate comparisons, but the time required to go to several different sites and enter the same data into a form gets old quite quickly. Unfortunately, it is important to perform this step in order to find a lower rate.

There is a better way!

A less time-consuming method to compare rates is to use a quote form to obtain quotes from several different companies. It's a real time-saver, eliminates repetitive work, and makes online price comparison much more enjoyable. After sending the form, it is rated and you can choose any of the returned quotes. 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 just a few minutes to complete and may save quite a bit of money.

To find out how much you're overpaying now, click here and complete the simple form. If you have a policy now, it's recommended that you enter the coverage information as shown on your current policy. This way, you're receiving rate comparison quotes based on similar coverages.

How to Lower your Car Insurance Rates

It's important that you understand the rating factors that go into determining your car insurance rates. Understanding what influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to better car insurance rates.

  • Small claims can cost you - If you tend to file frequent claims, you can look forward to either higher rates or even cancellation. Companies in Kansas give better rates to drivers who do not file claims often. Car insurance is meant to be used in the event of larger claims.
  • Is your vehicle built for speed? - The type of car you are buying insurance for makes a big difference in your rates. Low performance passenger cars generally have the cheapest insurance rates, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
  • Tickets mean higher rates - Drivers who don't get tickets tend to pay less for car insurance than bad drivers. Only having one speeding ticket can bump up the cost twenty percent or more. If you have serious violations such as DUI or reckless driving may find they need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state motor vehicle department in order to continue driving.
  • What are your deductibles? - Physical damage deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay before a claim is paid by your company. Physical damage coverage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, protects your car from damage. A few examples of covered claims are running into the backend of another car, collision with an animal, and windstorm damage. The more money you have to pay, the lower your rates will be.

More discounts equal less premium

Companies offering auto insurance don't list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so here is a list some of the more common and the harder-to-find ways to save on car insurance.

  • Federal Employees - Simply working for the federal government can earn a discount up to 10% with a few car insurance companies.
  • Early Signing - Select companies give a discount for switching to them before your current policy expires. This can save 10% or more.
  • Good Student - Getting good grades can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts until age 25.
  • Multi-car Discount - Having more than one vehicle on one policy qualifies for this discount.
  • Anti-theft System - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems can help prevent theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.

Keep in mind that most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free car insurance policy, it just doesn't work that way.

For a list of insurance companies offering car insurance discounts in Valley Center, click this link.

It's not one size fits all

When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no "perfect" insurance plan. Every insured's situation is different so this has to be addressed. Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight if you might need professional guidance.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
  • Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
  • Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
  • Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
  • Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but a few of them apply, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

Additional detailed information is available at the Kansas Insurance Department website. Consumers can download brochures, learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, and report car insurance fraud.

Kansas car insurance

Final considerations

You just learned some good ideas how to lower your car insurance rates. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. You may even discover the best prices are with a lesser-known regional company. Smaller companies can often insure niche markets at a lower cost as compared to the big name companies such as .

Affordable car insurance is available from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Valley Center, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance providers don't offer online quoting and these smaller companies work with independent agents.