Tightwads Tips for Saving on Winter Haven Auto Insurance

Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can empty your savings account and make it hard to pay other bills. Comparing price quotes is free and is an excellent way to slash your bill and have more diposable income. Drivers have multiple to buy insurance from, and although it's a good thing to be able to choose, it can be more challenging to compare rates.

The purpose of this article is to teach you how to effectively get price quotes and some tricks to saving. If you currently have car insurance, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using this information. Florida drivers only need an understanding of the most efficient way to compare company rates online.

Winter Haven Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

Listed below are a few of the "ingredients" auto insurance companies consider when setting prices.

You might want pay the small claims yourself - Companies in Florida give lower rates to policyholders who are claim-free. If you file claims often, you can expect either higher rates or even cancellation. Car insurance is designed for the bigger claims that can't be paid out-of-pocket.
Where you live is a factor - Residing in a small town can save you money when insuring your vehicles. Drivers in populated areas regularly have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Lower population translates into fewer accidents.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? - Most auto insurance companies provide better rates to customers who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, it's in your best interest to comparison shop to ensure the best deal.
Battle of the sexes - Statistics have proven that women are safer drivers than men. That doesn't necessarily mean that men are worse drivers. Men and women have accidents in similar percentages, but the men cause more damage. Men also statistically have more aggressive citations such as DWI and reckless driving. Male drivers age 16 to 19 tend to get in the most accidents and are penalized with high auto insurance rates.
Extra add-on coverages are wasting money - There are many add-on coverages that can waste your money on your auto insurance policy. Coverages for vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and term life insurance may be wasting your money. They may seem good when talking to your agent, but if they're wasting money eliminate them to save money.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but you can get discounts that many people don't even know exist. Certain discounts will be applied when you quote, but a few need to be requested specifically prior to getting the savings. If you're not getting every credit you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.

Government Employees - Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% with a few auto insurance companies.
Multiple Policy Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you could get a discount of 10% to 20% off each policy.
Braking Control Discount - Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
Save over 55 - If you're over the age of 55, you may qualify for better auto insurance rates.
Defensive Driver - Taking a course in driver safety could cut 5% off your bill if your company offers it.
Discount for New Cars - Putting insurance coverage on a new car can cost up to 25% less compared to insuring an older model.
Passive Restraints and Air Bags - Cars that have air bags or automatic seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.
Low Mileage Discounts - Driving fewer miles can earn better rates on cars that stay parked.

Consumers should know that many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. So when the math indicates you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies don't profit that way. Any qualifying discounts will bring down the amount you have to pay.

To choose insurance companies offering auto insurance discounts in Florida, click this link.

Is there truth in advertising?

Florida consumers can't ignore all the ads for car insurance savings by Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all make the same claim of big savings if you switch to their company.

How does each company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

Different companies have a preferred profile for the driver that makes them money. For example, a driver they prefer could possibly be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no prior claims, and has a high credit rating. A driver who matches those parameters will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Potential customers who don't measure up to these standards will be quoted a higher premium which leads to the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state "drivers who switch" but not "drivers who get quotes" save that much. This is how insurance companies can confidently state the savings.

This emphasizes why you should get quotes from several different companies. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will have the lowest rates.

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When buying the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn't really a one size fits all plan. Every insured's situation is different so this has to be addressed. For example, these questions can help discover whether or not you might need an agent's assistance.

Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Florida?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
Should I file a claim if it's only slightly more than my deductible?
Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?

If it's difficult to answer those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It is quick, free and may give you better protection.

Additional auto insurance information can be found on the website for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Click here for link. Florida consumers can download brochures, view agent and company licensing information, read consumer alerts, and learn about insurance regulations.

In the end, you save

As you restructure your insurance plan, it's very important that you do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that they should have had better coverage. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

Cost effective auto insurance can be found online and also from your neighborhood Winter Haven agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance companies may not provide online price quotes and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.