Winchester Auto Insurance For Less Than You're Paying Now

Are you intimidated by the sheer number of auto insurance options in Winchester? You're not the only one! There are so many companies to choose from that it can turn into a challenge to locate the lowest price.

It's important to price shop coverage every six months because prices are constantly changing. If you had the lowest rates a few years ago you may be paying too much now. Starting right now, block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you're going to get a crash course in the tricks you need to know to lower your annual insurance bill.

This article will help educate you on how to get online quotes and some money-saving tips. If you have car insurance now, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using this information. Although Illinois consumers do need to know the methods companies use to determine prices and use this information to your advantage.

How to Compare Auto Insurance in Winchester, Illinois

The are a couple different ways of comparing rates from auto insurance companies in your area. The recommended way to find competitive insurance rates is to perform an online rate comparison. This can be accomplished using a couple different methods.

The first (and easiest) way consumers can make multiple comparisons is a comparison rater form click here to open form in new window. This easy form saves time by eliminating repetitive form entry for every auto insurance company. Filling out one form will return price quotes direct from many companies. It's definitely the quickest method.

A slightly less efficient method to shop for auto insurance online consists of visiting each company's website to complete a price quote. For examples sake, let's say you want to compare rates from , and . To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site to enter your coverage information, and that's why the first method is more popular. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Winchester, click here.

The least recommended method of comparing rate quotes to insurance agents' offices. The ability to buy insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you have a need for the trained guidance of a local Winchester agent. However, consumers can compare the best prices online but buy from a local insurance agent. We'll cover that shortly.

It's your choice how you get your quotes, but ensure you are comparing identical deductibles and coverage limits for every company. If the quotes have different values for each quote it will be very difficult to decipher which rate is best in Winchester. Quoting even small variations in coverages may result in large price differences. Just remember that comparing more company's prices helps you find better pricing.

Winchester auto insurance comparison

Learn How to Buy Auto Insurance Cheaper

It's important that you understand the different types of things that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with lower auto insurance prices.

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

  • Older drivers save more - Youthful drivers in Illinois tend to be more careless when behind the wheel so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Older insureds are viewed as being more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and are safer drivers.
  • Don't skimp on liability - The liability section of your policy provides coverage if ever you are found liable for damages caused by your negligence. It provides for a legal defense starting from day one. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
  • Lower rates with optional equipment - Choosing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems can thwart car theft.
  • Lower miles equals lower premium - The more you drive in a year the more you will pay for auto insurance. The majority of insurers charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars and trucks left parked in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage.
  • Pay less after the wedding - Having a spouse actually saves money on your policy. It usually means you are more responsible it has been statistically shown that being married results in fewer claims.
  • Do you know your deductibles? - Coverage for physical damage, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Some examples of claims that would be covered would be running into the backend of another car, damage caused by hail, or theft. Deductibles for physical damage are how much you are required to spend out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. The higher the amount the insured has to pay upfront, the less your auto insurance will be.

Policy discounts you shouldn't miss

The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, buy you may qualify for discounts to help offset the cost. Most are applied at quote time, but lesser-known reductions have to be manually applied in order for you to get them.

  • Senior Citizens - Older drivers can possibly qualify for a discount up to 10%.
  • Club Memberships - Being a member of a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates on auto insurance.
  • Pay Upfront and Save - If you pay your entire premium ahead of time rather than paying monthly you could save 5% or more.
  • Life Insurance - Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
  • Homeowners Discount - Owning a house in Winchester can help you save on auto insurance because of the fact that having a home is proof that your finances are in order.
  • More Vehicles More Savings - Buying insurance for multiple cars or trucks on one policy qualifies for this discount.
  • Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems may earn rate discounts of 20% or more.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will bring down the amount you have to pay.

For a list of companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Illinois, click here to view.

Additional information can be found on the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Click here for link. Visitors are able to read enforcement actions against agents and companies, find out which companies have the most complaints, and view a list of available companies.

Other useful links include this Car Insurance FAQ and this page of insurance agents in Winchester.

The best insurance company isn't always the cheapest

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don't reduce needed coverages to save money. There are many occasions where someone sacrificed uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price.

The cheapest auto insurance is possible both online in addition to many Winchester insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers do not provide online quoting and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

People who switch companies do it for any number of reasons including not issuing a premium refund, questionable increases in premium, unfair underwriting practices and delays in paying claims. No matter why you want to switch, switching auto insurance companies is not as hard as you think.