Perplexed by the crazy number of auto insurance companies in Rock Hill? You’re not alone. People have so many companies to choose from that it can turn into a ton of work to locate the lowest price.
If you have a current auto insurance policy or are looking for a new policy, you can use these techniques to shop for the lowest rates and still get good coverage. Pricing affordable auto insurance in Rock Hill is simple if you know the tricks. South Carolina consumers just need to know the proper methods to compare company rates over the internet.
Free Rock Hill Auto Insurance Quotes
Effectively comparing auto insurance prices can be a daunting task if you aren’t aware of the most efficient way to do it. You could spend your day driving to insurance agencies in Rock Hill, or you could use the web to get prices fast.
The majority of car insurance companies participate in an industry program that enables customers to submit one quote, and each participating company can provide price quotes determined by their information. This eliminates the need for quote requests for every auto insurance company.
To access this free quoting program, click here to open in new window.
The one disadvantage to using this type of form is you can’t choose which insurance companies to receive prices from. If you wish to select individual companies to receive pricing from, we put together a list of low cost auto insurance companies in South Carolina. Click here to view list.
However you get your quotes, compare apples-to-apples coverage limits with every price quote. If the quotes have different values for each quote it’s impossible to make an equal comparison in Rock Hill.
Lower rates by qualifying for discounts
Insuring your fleet can be pricey, buy you may qualify for discounts to cut the cost considerably. Certain discounts will be applied when you purchase, but a few need to be requested specifically before being credited. If they aren’t giving you every credit you deserve, you’re paying more than you need to.
- Theft Prevention System – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
- Multiple Policy Discount – When you combine your home and auto insurance with the same company you could get a discount of approximately 10% to 15%.
- Military Rewards – Having a deployed family member could be rewarded with lower premiums.
- No Charge for an Accident – A few companies permit an accident before raising your premiums if you are claim-free for a set time period.
- Defensive Driving Course – Taking a course teaching defensive driving skills could possibly earn you a 5% discount depending on where you live.
- Good Student Discount – Performing well in school can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply up to age 25.
- Drivers Education – Have your child take driver’s ed class in school.
As a disclaimer on discounts, most discounts do not apply the the whole policy. The majority will only reduce specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. Just because you may think it’s possible to get free car insurance, you won’t be that lucky. Any qualifying discounts will cut the amount you have to pay.
To choose companies offering auto insurance discounts in Rock Hill, click here to view.
Rock Hill Rates are Influenced by These Factors
An important part of buying insurance is that you know some of the elements that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively determines base rates enables informed choices that could result in better auto insurance rates.
- Older drivers pay less – Older insureds tend to be more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents and are safer drivers. Teen drivers tend to get distracted easily when behind the wheel therefore auto insurance rates are much higher.
- Where do you drive? – Driving more miles in a year the higher your rates will be. Almost all companies price each vehicle’s coverage based upon how you use the vehicle. Autos not used for work or commuting receive lower rates than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage is rated on the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
- Optional equipment can affect rates – Driving a car with an alarm system can save you a little every year. Anti-theft features such as vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all hinder your car from being stolen.
- Liability insurance protects assets – Your policy’s liability coverage will protect you in the event that a jury decides you are liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides you with a defense in court which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability is cheap as compared to coverage for physical damage, so buy as much as you can afford.
- Sex matters – Statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. Now that doesn’t mean women are BETTER drivers than men. Men and women have accidents at about the same rate, but the male of the species tend to have more serious accidents. Men also tend to get cited for more serious violations such as DWI and reckless driving.
- Careful drivers pay lower rates – Even one citation can increase rates twenty percent or more. Good drivers have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. If you have flagrant 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 keep their license.
- Your auto insurance rates can be influenced by your job – Occupations such as lawyers, executives and accountants are shown to have higher rates than average due to high stress levels and long work days. On the flip side, occupations such as scientists, athletes and retirees pay the least.
Buying car insurance locally
A small number of people would prefer to get advice from a local agent. Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find lower rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local insurance agencies is definitely important in Rock Hill.
After completing this quick form, your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents in Rock Hill who will battle for your business. There is no need to drive around due to the fact that quote results will go immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier!
Captive agents vs. Independent agents
When looking for local Rock Hill agents, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents to choose from. Agencies in Rock Hill are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning how they are different since it can impact the type of agent you choose
Independent Insurance Agents
These agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparison shopping, we recommend you contact at least one independent agent for the best price selection.Most can insure with different regional companies who may have lower rates.
Listed below are Rock Hill independent insurance agencies that may be able to provide comparison quotes.
- Direct General Ins Agency – 2397 Cherry Rd – Rock Hill, SC 29732 – (803) 980-6108
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 598 N Anderson Rd – Rock Hill, SC 29730 – (803) 327-1187
- Edith Estes Agency – 209 E Black St – Rock Hill, SC 29730 – (803) 328-0145
- Insurance Brokers Exchange – 546 E Main St – Rock Hill, SC 29730 – (803) 329-1141
- Angel Agency – 1016 Mount Gallant Rd – Rock Hill, SC 29732 – (803) 328-9222
Agency Captives
Captive agents can only place business with one company and examples are AAA, Allstate and State Farm. These agents are not able to shop your coverage around so keep that in mind. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Some consumers prefer to choose to use a captive agent partially due to the prominence of the brand and strong financial ratings.
Shown below is a short list of captive insurance agents in Rock Hill that can give you comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 2013 Ebenezer Rd – Rock Hill, SC 29732 – (803) 366-8341
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 598 N Anderson Rd – Rock Hill, SC 29730 – (803) 327-1187
- State Farm Insurance – 1032 Oakland Ave – Rock Hill, SC 29732 – (803) 328-2493
To view a full list of captive insurance agencies in Rock Hill, please click here.
Deciding on an insurance agent requires more thought than just the premium amount. Some important questions to ask are:
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- How are claims handled?
Once you have received acceptable answers to all your questions as well as a affordable price, most likely you have located an insurance agent that can adequately provide auto insurance.
Additional information is available on the South Carolina Department of Insurance website located here. South Carolina drivers can download brochures, get help finding coverage, file complaints about a company, and read consumer alerts.
More effort can pay off
Throughout this article, we presented many ways to lower your auto insurance rates. The key concept to understand is the more providers you compare, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. You may even find the lowest priced auto insurance comes from an unexpected company.
People who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including unfair underwriting practices, policy non-renewal, poor customer service and even high prices. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, choosing a new insurance company is not as difficult as it may seem.
When buying insurance coverage, it’s a bad idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are many occasions where drivers have reduced full coverage and discovered at claim time they didn’t have enough coverage. Your strategy should be to purchase plenty of coverage for the lowest price.