If you are a novice to online auto insurance shopping, it’s easy to get confused by the large number of online companies selling insurance in Bay City.
You need to take a look at other company’s rates once or twice a year because rates fluctuate regularly. Despite the fact that you may have had the best price a year ago you can probably find a lower rate today. Starting now, forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you’re going to get a crash course in how to quote online to save on auto insurance.
Finding the best rates in Bay City is quite easy. If you are insured now or are shopping for new coverage, you can use this information to cut your premiums and possibly find even better coverage. Michigan vehicle owners only need to know the most efficient way to shop for auto insurance on the web.
How to Compare Bay City Auto Insurance Costs
Cutting your Bay City auto insurance rates is actually quite simple. Consumers just need to take time comparing rate quotes provided by online insurance companies. This can be done using a couple different methods.
The best way consumers can make multiple comparisons is an all-inclusive rate comparison like this one (opens in new window). This type of form keeps you from doing separate forms to each individual auto insurance company. Filling out one form compares rates from several companies. It’s definitely the quickest method.
A more time consuming way to compare rate quotes requires you to visit each individual company website and request a quote. For instance, we’ll pretend you want to compare rates from Liberty Mutual, Geico and Allstate. To get rate quotes you would need to go to every website and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is more popular.
To view a list of companies in Bay City, click here.
The most time-consuming way to compare rates is driving around to and from local Bay City insurance agencies. The internet has reduced the need for local agents unless you require the personal advice that only a license agent can provide. You can, however, comparison shop online and still use a local agent and we’ll talk about that later.
Whichever way you use, compare apples-to-apples coverage limits and deductibles on every quote you get. If you use unequal deductibles or liability limits it’s not possible to decipher which rate is best in Bay City.
Don’t overlook these 5 discounts
Companies offering auto insurance don’t always list every discount very clearly, so we researched both well-publicized as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance. If you’re not getting every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.
- Sign Online – Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying your policy digitally online.
- Payment Discounts – If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of paying each month you could save up to 5%.
- No Accidents – Good drivers with no accidents pay less compared to accident-prone drivers.
- Lower Rates for Military – Having a family member in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
- Good Student – Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. The good student discount can last well after school through age 25.
It’s important to note that some credits don’t apply to all coverage premiums. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like you could get a free auto insurance policy, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous.
To see a list of insurance companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Michigan, click here.
What about my local Bay City agents?
Some people prefer to visit with an insurance agent and that is just fine! Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find better rates and still choose a local agent.
After filling out this short form, your insurance data is submitted to agents in your area who will compete for your insurance coverage. There is no need to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox.
Selecting an provider shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- How are they compensated?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- How are claims handled?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Michigan?
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
What type of Bay City insurance agent is right for you?
When looking for a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Bay City are classified as either independent or captive. Both do a good job, but it’s important to know the differences since it can impact the type of agent you choose
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies write business for a single company and some examples include Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. They are well schooled on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage. Some consumers prefer to buy insurance from these agents partially due to the brand legacy and solid financial strength.
Below is a list of captive insurance agencies in Bay City who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 210 S Euclid Ave – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 686-2600
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 3741 Wilder Rd # D – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 686-3212
- State Farm Insurance – 2307 Kosciuszko Ave – Bay City, MI 48708 – (989) 895-5570
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with multiple insurance companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When searching for an agent, you should always contact at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from. They often place coverage with smaller regional carriers who may have lower rates.
Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agencies in Bay City willing to provide comparison quotes.
- Don Webster Agency – 503 N Euclid Ave # 12 – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 684-3338
- Steve Pero Agency – 200 S Madison Ave – Bay City, MI 48708 – (989) 892-4801
- Thomas C Campbell Agency – 900 S Euclid Ave – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 686-0100
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 2450 Midland Rd – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 684-2772
- Jeffrey P Hunt Insurance – 4359 Wilder Rd – Bay City, MI 48706 – (989) 686-7840
To view a complete directory of Bay City insurance agents, please go to this site.
Upon receiving good answers to these questions and an acceptable price quote, most likely you have located an insurance agency that can properly insure your vehicles. Keep in mind once you purchase a policy you can cancel coverage any time you want so don’t think that you are obligated to a policy with no way out.
When might I need an agent?
When buying coverage, there really is no “perfect” insurance plan. Everyone’s situation is unique.
Here are some questions about coverages that might help in determining whether your personal situation could use an agent’s help.
- Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?
- Is my babysitter covered when using my vehicle?
- Can I pay claims out-of-pocket if I buy high deductibles?
- Does my policy cover me when driving someone else’s vehicle?
- Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
- Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It is quick, free and may give you better protection.
What auto insurance coverages do you need?
Understanding the coverages of a auto insurance policy can help you determine appropriate coverage at the best deductibles and correct limits. The terms used in a policy can be impossible to understand and coverage can change by endorsement.
Auto liability insurance
Liability insurance will cover damages or injuries you inflict on other’s property or people. Liability coverage has three limits: per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. You might see limits of 25/50/25 that means you have a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, a total of $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and property damage coverage for $25,000.
Liability coverage protects against things such as emergency aid, legal defense fees, attorney fees, structural damage and loss of income. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is up to you, but buy higher limits if possible. Michigan requires minimum liability limits of 20,000/40,000/10,000 but you should consider buying better liability coverage.
Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers
This protects you and your vehicle when other motorists either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. This coverage pays for medical payments for you and your occupants as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Because many people have only the minimum liability required by law (20/40/10 in Michigan), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. So UM/UIM coverage is a good idea.
Comprehensive (Other than Collision)
Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive can pay for claims like fire damage, a tree branch falling on your vehicle and a broken windshield. The most you’ll receive from a claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.
Medical expense insurance
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for immediate expenses like doctor visits, prosthetic devices and nursing services. They can be used in conjunction with a health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. They cover you and your occupants and will also cover getting struck while a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is not universally available and may carry a deductible
Collision protection
Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another car or object. A deductible applies then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision coverage pays for things like rolling your car, crashing into a building and hitting a parking meter. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are older. Another option is to increase the deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.
More tips and info about auto insurance is available at the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation website. Michigan drivers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, view a list of available companies, and file complaints about a company.
Other informative sites include this link for Michigan coverage information and QuoteClickSave.com.
One last thing
As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don’t reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your aim should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate.
You just read some good ideas how to reduce auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more quotes you get, the better your comparison will be. Drivers may discover the lowest priced auto insurance comes from a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising.
Budget-conscious auto insurance is available on the web and also from your neighborhood Bay City agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best selection. Some auto insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.