Free Guide to Spending Less for Walnut Car Insurance Online

No one looks forward to buying car insurance, especially when their premiums are too high. Consumers have many to buy insurance from, and although it's a good thing to have multiple companies, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

It's important to compare rates occasionally because rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the lowest price a few years ago a different company probably has better rates today. Block out anything you think you know about car insurance because we're going to demonstrate how to use online quotes to find better coverage at a better price.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don't always advertise every available discount very clearly, so we researched some of the more common and the more hidden car insurance savings. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

Early Switch Discount - A few companies offer discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. It's a savings of about 10%.
Anti-theft Discount - Anti-theft and alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
E-sign - Certain companies will give a small break for buying your policy over the internet.
New Car Discount - Buying coverage on a new vehicle is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
Good Student - Performing well in school can get you a discount of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you well after school through age 25.
Discount for Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.

A little note about advertised discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. So even though they make it sound like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky.

You have some control over your rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that help determine your car insurance rates. Knowing what impacts premium levels enables informed choices that can help you get lower car insurance prices.

How's your driving record? - Careful drivers receive lower rates compared to drivers with tickets. Just one moving violation can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Drivers who get flagrant violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may be required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state motor vehicle department in order to keep their license.
Consolidate policies to earn discounts - Many companies give discounts to policyholders who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you may still want to compare other company rates to ensure the best deal.
Marriage pays dividends - Having a wife or husband can get you a discount when buying car insurance. Marriage means you're more responsible and it's statistically proven that married couples file fewer claims.
Older drivers pay less - Young drivers in California are known to be less responsible behind the wheel so they pay higher car insurance rates. If you've ever had to add a teen driver to your car insurance policy can break the bank. Older drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to buying the best car insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a best way to insure your cars. Everyone's needs are different so your insurance needs to address that. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether or not you will benefit from professional help.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
Should I buy only the required California minimum liability coverage?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
Can I still get insurance after a DUI?

If you don't know the answers to these questions but one or more may apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area. It's fast, doesn't cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.

The car insurance bait and switch

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by State Farm and Allstate. All the ads say the same thing about savings after switching to their company.

How does each company make the same claim?

All companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a preferred risk could be between the ages of 40 and 55, owns a home, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A customer who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and therefore will save when switching.

Potential customers who don't measure up to these standards will be charged higher prices which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. The ads state "people who switch" not "everyone that quotes" save that much. That is how companies can truthfully advertise the way they do. That is why drivers should get quotes from several different companies. Because you never know which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

For more California car insurance information

Even more information is located at the California Department of Insurance website. Consumers can file complaints about a company, read consumer alerts, get help finding coverage, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

And the best car insurance company is...

We just showed you many ways to reduce car insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the better chance you'll have of finding lower rates. You may be surprised to find that the lowest priced car insurance comes from an unexpected company. Regional companies may cover specific market segments cheaper as compared to the big name companies such as .

When shopping online for car insurance, it's very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many cases where an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your goal should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

Cheaper car insurance can be sourced from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Walnut agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some car insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.