Best 9 Ways You Can Buy Car Insurance for Less in Winnebago

I can't think of a single person who likes having to buy car insurance, especially when the cost is way too high. Because you have many car insurance companies to choose from, it is hard for the average consumer to find the cheapest car insurance company.

It's important to compare prices occasionally since rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the best price a few years ago there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because you're about to learn how to use online quotes to find great coverage at a great price.

Automobile Insurance Quotes in Winnebago, IL

There are several ways to shop for car insurance, but some are less time-consuming than others. You can spend your afternoon talking to insurance companies in Winnebago, or you can utilize online quoting to get the quickest rates.

Most of the larger companies enroll in a system that allows shoppers to enter their coverage request one time, and every company can give them a price determined by their information. This system prevents you from having to do quote forms to each individual car insurance company.

To submit your quote information now, click here to open in new window.

One minor caviat to using this type of form is you cannot specify which providers you want to price. If you would rather choose from a list of companies to compare rates, we put together a list of low cost car insurance companies in Illinois. Click to view list.

It doesn't matter which method you choose, just make absolute certain that you use apples-to-apples quote information with each company. If your comparisons have mixed coverages it will be next to impossible to make an equal comparison in Winnebago.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Car insurance companies don't always list every available discount very well, so we took the time to find some of the more common and the more hidden ways to save on car insurance. If you don't get every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

Braking Control Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more.
Theft Prevention Discount - Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Accident Forgiveness - Some insurance companies permit an accident before hitting you with a surcharge if you are claim-free for a set time period.
E-sign - A few companies will give a small break for buying your policy online.
Payment Method - If paying your policy premium upfront instead of making monthly payments you may reduce your total bill.
Organization Discounts - Belonging to a professional or civic organization could trigger savings on your policy.
Driver Safety - Successfully completing a driver safety course can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
Auto/Life Discount - Companies who offer life insurance give a break if you buy life insurance.
Multiple Vehicles - Buying insurance for multiple vehicles with the same company could earn a price break for each car.

As a disclaimer on discounts, many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So even though they make it sound like all the discounts add up to a free policy, car insurance companies aren't that generous.

To choose providers who offer car insurance discounts in Illinois, click this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Consumers can't ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by Allstate and Progressive. All the ads make the same claim about savings after switching to their company.

But how can every company make the same claim?

Insurance companies have a certain "appetite" for the driver that makes them money. For example, a preferred risk could be between 25 and 40, owns a home, and has a short commute. Any new insured who matches those parameters receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save a lot of money.

Potential insureds who don't measure up to this ideal profile will be charged more money which leads to business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say "people who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. That is how companies can truthfully make the claims of big savings. That is why you need to compare as many rates as you can. It's just too difficult to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no "perfect" insurance plan. Each situation is unique so this has to be addressed. For example, these questions might point out whether or not you would benefit from an agent's advice.

Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else's vehicle?
Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area. It is quick, free and can provide invaluable advice.

Even more information can be found at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Consumers can find out industry alerts, read consumer alerts, learn about insurance regulations, and get help finding coverage.

Other informative sites include BankRate.com's Car Insurance: When not to Skimp and this directory of Winnebago insurance agents.

A tidy conclusion

As you shop your coverage around, do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. Too many times, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to discover later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

Cheap car insurance can be sourced from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Winnebago agents, so you should compare both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers may not provide online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.