Are you tired of being strong-armed each month for car insurance? You’re in the same situation as the majority of other car owners in Oklahoma. Numerous insurers battle for your business, and it can be difficult to compare rates and get the definite lowest cost out there.
It’s a good idea to price shop coverage yearly since insurance rates go up and down regularly. Just because you had the lowest rates a few years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you’re about to find out the things you must know in order to find better coverage at a better price.
Do you qualify for discounts?
Car insurance can cost a lot, but companies offer discounts to help bring down the price. Certain discounts will be applied when you purchase, but some must be specifically requested before being credited. If you’re not getting every credit possible, you are paying more than you should be.
- Senior Citizens – If you’re over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for a small decrease in premiums.
- Drive Safe and Save – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can pay as much as 50% less than their less cautious counterparts.
- Military Discounts – Having a family member in the military could be rewarded with lower premiums.
- Seat Belt Usage – Requiring all passengers to use their safety belts can save up to 15% on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
- Good Student Discount – This discount can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last until age 25.
It’s important to note that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears it’s possible to get free car insurance, you’re out of luck. But all discounts will cut the cost of coverage.
To see a list of providers with discount auto insurance rates in Midwest City, click here to view.
Many Things Influence your Rates
It’s important that you understand the factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.
- Your occupation can affect rates – Occupations such as lawyers, executives and stock brokers are shown to have the highest rates in part from high stress and long work hours. On the other hand, professions such as farmers, students and retirees pay the least.
- Proper usage rating affects rates – The more miles you rack up on your car each year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. Most insurance companies rate vehicles determined by how the vehicle is used. Autos that are left in the garage qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Verify your auto insurance policy is rated on how each vehicle is driven.
- Are you male or female? – The statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. Now that doesn’t mean women are better drivers. Men and women tend to get into accidents in similar percentages, but the men tend to have more serious accidents. Men also statistically get more serious tickets like DUI and reckless driving.
- Where you reside plays a part – Living in small towns and rural areas is a positive aspect when insuring your vehicles. City drivers have to deal with more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Less people living in that area means a lower chance of having an accident and a lower car theft rate.
- Pay less after the wedding – Being married can get you a discount on your auto insurance policy. Having a significant other usually means you are more mature than a single person and it’s proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
- Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? – Some companies will give a discount to people who buy several policies from them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you’re getting this discount you still need to compare rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
- Liability coverage is peace of mind – Your policy’s liability coverage is the protection if ever a court rules you are at fault for damages from an accident. It provides you with a defense in court starting from day one. This coverage is very inexpensive as compared to coverage for physical damage, so do not skimp.
- Never let your coverage lapse – Allowing your auto insurance policy to lapse will be a sure-fire way to increase your auto insurance rates. Not only will you pay more, but not being able to provide proof of insurance may earn you a revoked license or a big fine.Then you may be required to submit proof of financial responsibility or a SR-22 with the Oklahoma motor vehicle department.
Don’t assume everyone needs the same coverage
When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a “perfect” insurance plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions might help in determining whether or not you would benefit from an agent’s advice.
- What is high-risk coverage and where do I buy it?
- When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
- Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
- What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?
- I don’t drive much so do I pay less?
- What is the minimum liability in Oklahoma?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It only takes a few minutes and can help protect your family.
Additional reading for auto insurance information
More information can be found on the website for the Oklahoma Insurance Department found here. Visitors are able to read consumer alerts, get help finding coverage, read industry bulletins, and discover disciplinary actions.
Affordable insurance is out there
We just covered quite a bit of information on how to lower your auto insurance rates. The key thing to remember is the more times you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers may even find the best price on auto insurance is with the least-expected company. Regional companies may have significantly lower rates on certain market segments than the large multi-state companies such as State Farm or Progressive.
Budget-conscious auto insurance can be sourced on the web in addition to many Midwest City insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies do not provide online quoting and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.