Compare Windham Auto Insurance Prices With These Methods

Are you intimidated by the crazy number of auto insurance companies in Windham? Many other drivers are as well. There are so many options that it can turn into a ton of work to locate the lowest price.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Windham

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to big savings.

  • Car features impact rates - Choosing a vehicle with an alarm system can help lower your rates. Anti-theft features like GM's OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can thwart your car from being stolen.
  • Do you know your deductibles? - Your deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay in the event of a claim. Coverage for physical damage, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims could be running into the backend of another car, collision with an animal, and burglary. The higher the amount you're willing to pay, the less your auto insurance will be.
  • What type of vehicle do you drive? - The performance level of the car you are buying insurance for makes a substantial difference in your rates. The lowest rates are generally reserved for low performance passenger vehicles, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
  • Careful drivers pay lower rates - A bad driving record has a big impact on rates. Even one moving violation can increase rates by as much as thirty percent. Good drivers have lower premiums than bad drivers. If you have serious violations like DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may find they need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state DMV in order to continue driving.
  • Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - Most companies provide better rates to customers who buy several policies from them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you're getting this discount you still need to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal. You may still be able to find a better deal by insuring with multiple companies.
  • Teen drivers pay high rates - Teen drivers in Maine are statistically proven to be careless and easily distracted when behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Older insureds are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.

compare Windham auto insurance rates

How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes in Windham, Maine

Comparing auto insurance rates can take hours if you don't understand the best way to get rate quotes. You can spend your afternoon talking to local insurance agents in Windham, or you could save time and use the internet for quick rates.

Most of the larger companies take part in a program that enables customers to send in one quote, and at least one company provides a quote for coverage. This eliminates the need for quote forms to each individual auto insurance company. To submit your quote information now, click here to open in new window.

One minor caviat to using this type of system is you don't know exactly which providers to get quotes from. If you prefer to choose specific insurance companies to receive pricing from, we put together a list of auto insurance companies in Maine. Click here for list of insurance companies in Maine.

Which method you use is up to you, but ensure you are comparing apples-to-apples coverages and limits on every quote. If you use different deductibles it will be impossible to make a fair comparison in Windham. Just a small difference in coverages can mean a large discrepancy in price. Just remember that more quotes gives you a better chance of getting a lower rate.

Don't pay full price with these discounts

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but you may find discounts that you may not even be aware of. Some discounts apply automatically when you complete an application, but less common discounts must be requested specifically before they will apply.

  • Payment Discounts - If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you can actually save on your bill.
  • Homeowners Discount - Simply owning a home may trigger a auto insurance policy discount because owning a home is proof that your finances are in order.
  • Early Signing - Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.
  • Discount for Good Grades - This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply until age 25.
  • Multi-car Discount - Having more than one vehicle with the same company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
  • Multiple Policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with the same insurance company you may save approximately 10% to 15%.

A little note about advertised discounts, most credits do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. So even though they make it sound like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you won't be that lucky. Any amount of discount will help reduce your premiums.

To choose insurance companies offering auto insurance discounts in Maine, follow this link.

The auto insurance bait and switch

Auto insurance providers like State Farm, Allstate and GEICO constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. They all say the same thing about savings if you switch to them. But how can every company make almost identical claims?

All the different companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that makes them money. For example, a driver they prefer could possibly be over the age of 50, has no driving citations, and has a high credit rating. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and therefore will save a lot of money.

Consumers who don't measure up to this ideal profile will be quoted higher rates which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "customers that switch" not "everyone that quotes" save money. That's the way companies can truthfully state the savings.

This emphasizes why you need to get a wide range of price quotes. It's impossible to know which auto insurance company will have the lowest rates.

Additional information can be found on the Maine Bureau of Insurance website located here. Maine consumers can view a list of available companies, report car insurance fraud, and learn about specific coverages.

Other informative sites include this site for auto insurance rates in Maine and this list of insurance agents in Windham, ME.

Shop smart and save

Consumers switch companies for a number of reasons such as extreme rates for teen drivers, lack of trust in their agent, high prices or even poor customer service. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new insurance company is easier than you think.

Cheaper auto insurance is available online and with local Windham insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

You just read a lot of information how to compare auto insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more providers you compare, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers may even find the biggest savings come from a small local company.