Sick and tired of being strong-armed to buy car insurance? You’re in the same situation as millions of other consumers.
Because you have many companies and agents to choose from, it can be impossible to choose the most cost effective company.
Smart consumers take time to price shop coverage at least once a year since rates are adjusted regularly by insurance companies. Even if you got the best rates on your last policy the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. Starting now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it’s time to teach you the quickest way to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.
Companies offer discounts so take them!
Car insurance companies don’t always list all their discounts in an easy-to-find place, so here is a list both well-publicized as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving.
- Multiple Policy Discount – If you have multiple policies with one insurance company you could get a discount of 10% to 20% off each policy.
- Homeowners Pay Less – Being a homeowner can help you save on auto insurance because owning a home is proof that your finances are in order.
- New Car Discount – Insuring a new car is cheaper compared to insuring an older model.
- Military Discounts – Being deployed with a military unit may qualify for rate reductions.
- Auto/Life Discount – Some companies give better rates if you take out auto and life insurance together.
- Driver Safety – Taking a defensive driving course can save you 5% or more if you qualify.
- Safe Drivers – Drivers who don’t get into accidents may save up to 50% more than drivers with accidents.
Keep in mind that most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So when it seems like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies wouldn’t make money that way.
To choose insurers who offer auto insurance discounts in West Point, click here.
What about using a local agent?
Some people would rather visit with an insurance agent and that is a personal choice. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is you may find better rates and still choose a local agent.
Upon completion of this quick form, the quote information is immediately sent to agents in your area who will return price quotes for your coverage. There is no need to even leave your home since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. How cool is that?! You’ll get the best rates AND an agent nearby.
Choosing an insurer shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- Which company do they place the most coverage with?
Captive or Independent: There is a difference
When searching for local West Point agents, there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Agents can either be independent or captive.
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents can only write with one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so keep that in mind. Captive agents receive extensive training on their company’s products which helps them compete with independent agents.
The following are West Point captive agents willing to provide price quote information.
Farm Bureau Insurance – 117 High St – West Point, MS 39773 – (662) 494-2223
Shelter Insurance – 1125 E Main St – West Point, MS 39773 – (662) 494-9449
State Farm Insurance – 504 W Main St # 6 – West Point, MS 39773 – (662) 494-7000
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These agents do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Below is a short list of independent agencies in West Point that are able to give comparison quotes.
Farm Bureau Insurance – 117 High St – West Point, MS 39773 – (662) 494-2223
Millard Crop Insurance – Old Waverly Rd – West Point, MS 39773 – (662) 494-1144
For a complete listing of West Point insurance agents, go to this page.
After receiving positive feedback for all questions you ask and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to a car insurance agent that meets your needs to service your policy.
Can you really save that much by switching?
Auto insurance providers like Progressive, Geico, Allstate and State Farm regularly use ads on television and other media. They all say the same thing of big savings if you move your policy. How can each company make the same claim?
All the different companies have a certain “appetite” for the driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a preferred risk might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, insures multiple vehicles, and has a short commute. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to cut their rates substantially.
Consumers who don’t qualify for these standards will be charged more money and ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is “people who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save money. That is how companies can advertise the savings. That is why drivers should compare many company’s rates. It’s just too difficult to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.
More consumer information in Mississippi
Even more information can be read at the Mississippi Insurance Department website. Visitors are able to find out which companies have the most complaints, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, learn about specific coverages, and discover disciplinary actions.
Also read more on Auto Insurance 101 and this list of insurance agents in West Point.
Quote often and quote early
The cheapest auto insurance can be bought online and with local West Point insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best selection. Some companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.
When buying insurance coverage, it’s very important that you do not buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, someone sacrificed liability coverage limits to discover at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.