Feel like you have high-priced auto insurance? Don’t sweat it because there are many people just like you. You have so many insurance companies to pick from, and although it’s a good thing to be able to choose, having more insurers makes it harder to find the best rates.
It’s smart to compare rates before your policy renews since rates are rarely the same from one policy term to another. Just because you had the best deal a couple years back you may be paying too much now. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you’re about to learn the fastest way to eliminate unnecessary coverages and save money.
Finding affordable coverage in Beaver Dam is easy if you know what you’re doing. If you have insurance now or are looking for a new policy, you can use these techniques to get lower rates and possibly find even better coverage. Wisconsin drivers only need an understanding of the tricks to buy auto insurance online.
Discount Beaver Dam auto insurance quotes
Auto insurance is not an enjoyable expense, but there could be significant discounts that you may not even be aware of. A few discounts will automatically apply at the time you complete a quote, but some discounts are required to be asked for in order for you to get them.
- Auto/Life Discount – If the company offers life insurance, you could get better auto insurancerates if you take out some life insurance in addition to your auto policy.
- Good Student Discount – Excelling in school may save as much as 25% on a . The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
- Cautious Drivers – Drivers who don’t get into accidents could pay up to 40% less than drivers with accident claims.
- Save with a New Car – Insuring a vehicle that is new can cost up to 25% less since newer vehicles are generally safer.
- Professional Organizations – Joining a qualifying organization may earn a discount on your policy.
- Early Signing – Some companies provide a discount for signing up before your current expiration date. It’s a savings of about 10%.
One last thing about discounts, most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though they make it sound like it’s possible to get free car insurance, you’re out of luck. Any amount of discount will definitely lower the premium cost.
Some companies that may offer policyholders these benefits include:
If you want , ask every prospective company which discounts you may be entitled to. Some discounts listed above might not be offered in Beaver Dam.
Buy cheap auto insurance with these tips
The best way to find cheaper auto insurance is to take a look at some of the factors that go into determining your premiums. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates, this empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get cheaper rates. Multiple criteria are used when you get a price on insurance. Some of the criteria are obvious such as traffic violations, but others are not as apparent like your continuous coverage or your commute time.
- More traffic means higher claims – Being located in small towns and rural areas can save you money when shopping for auto insurance. Fewer drivers on the road corresponds to lower accident rates and a lower car theft rate. Drivers who live in large Wisconsin cities tend to have more road rage incidents and longer commute times. Spending more time driving translates into higher accident risk.
- Five star safety rating saves money – Vehicles with good safety scores cost less to insure. Vehicles engineered for safety reduce occupant injuries and lower rates of occupant injuries means less claims paid and more competitive rates for policyholders.
- Is insurance coverage cheaper for females or males? – Over the last 30 years, statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, don’t assume that males are worse at driving than females. Females and males cause auto accidents in similar numbers, but men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically receive more major tickets like DWI (DUI) or reckless driving. Male teenagers are most likely to cause an accident so they pay the highest premiums.
- Amount of liability protection – Liability coverage will afford coverage if ever a jury decides you are liable for damages caused by your negligence. It provides legal defense coverage starting from day one. Liability insurance is pretty cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not skimp.
- Extra policy coverages you don’t use – There are a ton of extra coverages that may not really be needed if you aren’t careful. Add-on coverages like vanishing deductibles, towing, and Farm Bureau memberships may not be needed and are just wasting money. They may seem like a good idea initially, but if you have no use for them eliminate the coverages to reduce your premium.
- Premiums increase with driving tickets – Your driving citation history influences premium rates substantially. Careful drivers pay less for auto insurance as compared to those with violations. Just one ticket can bump up the cost forty percent or more. Drivers unfortunate enough to have license-revoking violations such as DUI or reckless driving may be required to complete a SR-22 with their state DMV in order to continue driving.
- Minor frequent claims are not good – Car insurance companies in Wisconsin generally give lower rates to policyholders who do not file claims often. If you frequently file small claims, you can definitely plan on increased rates or even have your policy non-renewed. Your insurance policy is meant to be used in the event of the large, substantial claims.
- Commute or pleasure use – Driving a lot of miles every year the more you’ll pay to insure it. A lot of insurance companies apply a rate based upon how much you drive. Cars and trucks that do not get driven very much qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your vehicle rating correctly shows how each vehicle is driven.
Tailor your auto insurance coverage to you
When it comes to buying coverage, there isn’t really a single plan that fits everyone. Every insured’s situation is different so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that can aid in determining if you might need an agent’s assistance.
- What if I total my vehicle and owe more than it’s worth?
- When would I need rental car insurance?
- Am I covered when using my vehicle for business?
- How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in Wisconsin?
- Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
- Is pleasure use cheaper than using my vehicle to commute?
- When should I not file a claim?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It’s fast, free and may give you better protection.
Compare rate quotes but buy from a local Beaver Dam insurance agent
A lot of people would prefer to talk to a local agent and that can be a great decision Agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. A nice benefit of getting online price quotes is the fact that drivers can get cheap auto insurance rates and still have a local agent.
After completing this short form, your coverage information is immediately sent to local insurance agents in Beaver Dam who can give free rate quotes for your business. It’s much easier because you don’t need to contact an agency since rate quotes are delivered to your email. If you wish to get a rate quote from a specific auto insurance provider, you can always find their quoting web page to submit a rate quote request.
Choosing the best insurance company requires you to look at more than just a cheap price. A good agent will have answers to these questions.
- How long has their agency been in business in Beaver Dam?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- Is the agency covered by Errors and Omissions coverage?
- Will the agent help in case of a claim?
Captive and independent Beaver Dam car insurance agents
If you are wanting to purchase auto insurance from a local Beaver Dam insurance agent, there are two different types of agencies and how they can quote your rates. Auto insurance agencies can be classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types of agents can handle auto insurance, but we need to point out the differences because it can influence your selection of an agent.
Captive Agencies
Captive agencies are contracted to one company and examples are Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm, and AAA. These agents are unable to provide rate quotes from other companies so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agencies are well trained on their company’s products which helps them compete with independent agents.
Listed below are Beaver Dam captive insurance agencies that can give you price quote information.
American Family Insurance – 135 Front St – Beaver Dam, WI 53916 – (920) 885-3120
State Farm Insurance – 1701 N Spring St – Beaver Dam, WI 53916 – (920) 885-9115
Independent Agents
Agents that choose to be independent are not employed by one company and that gives them the ability to insure with lots of companies and get the cheapest rates. If your agent finds better pricing, they can switch companies in-house and you can keep the same agent.
When comparison shopping, we highly recommend that you get quotes from a few independent agents for maximum quote selection.
Below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Beaver Dam who can help you get rate quotes.
Richards Insurance – 123 N Spring St – Beaver Dam, WI 53916 – (920) 887-1615
Jackson Kahl Insurance Inc – 718 Park Ave – Beaver Dam, WI 53916 – (920) 885-0160
To view additional auto insurance agents in Beaver Dam, please link to this complete selection of Beaver Dam auto insurance agencies.
After you get answers to your satisfaction to any questions you may have and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that is professional and can properly service your auto insurance policy.
Additional auto insurance links
More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance website. Visitors are able to file complaints about a company, view agent and company licensing information, and find a variety of consumer forms.
One last thing to lower rates
Cheaper auto insurance is available on the web in addition to local insurance agencies, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies may not offer online quoting and these smaller companies work with independent agencies.
When searching for , do not buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many situations where an insured dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret that they should have had better coverage. Your aim should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate but still have enough coverage for asset protection.