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

No one in their right mind cherishes buying car insurance, especially when the cost is way too high. Consumers have many to buy insurance from, and even though it's nice to have a selection, it can be more difficult to compare rates.

Pricing affordable car insurance coverage in Washington is quite easy. If you are insured now or need a new policy, you can follow these tips to find better prices and still get good coverage. Illinois consumers only need to know the most effective way to buy car insurance online.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but there could be available discounts to help offset the cost. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied when you quote, but a few need to be specially asked for before you get the savings. If you're not getting every credit you qualify for, you're paying more than you need to.

  • Federal Employees - Being employed by or retired from a federal job can earn a discount up to 10% with a few car insurance companies.
  • Anti-theft System - Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of paying each month you may reduce your total bill.
  • Accident Forgiveness - Certain companies will forgive one accident before raising your premiums if your claims history is clear for a certain period of time.
  • Good Student - A discount for being a good student can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply up to age 25.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - When you combine your home and auto insurance with one insurance company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
  • Passive Restraint Discount - Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of 20% or more.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. A few only apply to individual premiums such as comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like you could get a free car insurance policy, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will bring down the cost of coverage.

To see a list of insurance companies with the best car insurance discounts in Illinois, click here to view.

Finding Car Insurance in Washington, IL

Most companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO provide prices directly from their websites. The process is quite easy as you simply type in your coverage preferences as detailed in the form. Once you submit the form, their rating system will obtain credit information and your driving record and generates a price based on these and other factors. Quoting online simplifies rate comparisons, but the time required to go to different websites and complete many quote forms can be a bit repetitive. But it's very important to have as many quotes as possible if you want to find the best price on car insurance.

Quote rates the easy way

The preferred way to get multiple rate quotes utilizes a single form to obtain quotes from a lot of companies. The form is fast, eliminates form submissions, and makes online quotes much simpler. As soon as the form is sent, it gets priced and you are able to buy any one of the price quotes you receive.

If a lower price is quoted, you can simply submit the application and purchase coverage. The whole process takes 15 minutes at the most and you will find out if you're overpaying now.

If you want to find out if lower rates are available, click here to open in new window and complete the simple form. If you currently have coverage, we recommend that you enter as close as possible to your current policy. This makes sure you will have an apples-to-apples comparison based on the exact same insurance coverage.

You have some control over your rates

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that come into play when calculating your car insurance rates. Knowing what impacts premium levels enables informed choices that will entitle you to better car insurance rates.

  • Small claims can cost you - If you are a frequent claim filer, you can look forward to either higher rates or even cancellation. Companies in Illinois award lower rates to insureds who are claim-free. Car insurance is meant to be used in the event of larger claims.
  • Multi-policy discounts can save money - The majority of insurers provide better rates to policyholders who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to compare rates to ensure the best deal.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Owning a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Anti-theft devices like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can help prevent car theft.
  • Sex matters - Statistics show that women are safer drivers than men. However, don't assume that men are worse drivers. Men and women are in accidents in similar percentages, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically receive more costly citations such as reckless driving.

Tailor your coverage to you

When choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn't really a best way to insure your cars. Everyone's situation is a little different so your insurance should reflect that For instance, these questions might point out whether you would benefit from professional advice.

  • Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
  • Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
  • What can I do if my company won't pay a claim?
  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
  • Should I buy only the required Illinois minimum liability coverage?
  • What are the best liability limits?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?

If you're not sure about those questions but one or more may apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It only takes a few minutes and can help protect your family.

How can Progressive, Allstate and GEICO save drivers who switch?

Consumers can't get away from ads for cheaper car insurance by Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all make an identical promise about savings if you move to their company.

How does each company make the same claim?

Different companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that is profitable for them. For example, a driver they prefer could be a mature driver, owns a home, and chooses high deductibles. A customer who meets those qualifications receives the best rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Drivers who are not a match for these standards will be quoted a higher premium and ends up with business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save that much. That is how companies can truthfully state the savings.

This emphasizes why drivers must compare many company's rates. Because you never know which company will give you the biggest savings.

In the end, you save

When buying insurance coverage, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are too many instances where an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your strategy should be to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

The cheapest car insurance is possible from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Washington agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

Washington car insurance quote

Additional information can be found on the website for the Illinois Department of Insurance located here. Consumers can download brochures, read consumer alerts, view a list of available companies, and learn about insurance regulations.