Nobody I know likes having to buy auto insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much. There is such a variety of auto insurance companies to insure vehicles with, and although it’s a good thing to have a selection, it can be more difficult to compare rates and find the lowest cost auto insurance.
More discounts equal less premium
Auto insurance companies don’t necessarily list all their discounts very well, so we researched some of the more common and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using. If you don’t get every credit possible, you’re paying more than you need to.
- Accident Waiver – Certain companies will forgive one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
- E-sign – Some insurance companies will give a small break just for signing your application online.
- Government Employees – Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% depending on your company.
- Seat Belt Usage – Requiring all passengers to wear their seat belts can save 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
- Save over 55 – Older drivers may receive a small decrease in premiums.
A little note about advertised discounts, many deductions do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. So when it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you’re out of luck.
Compare Quotes for Ridgefield Park Auto Insurance
Getting better auto insurance pricing isn’t really that difficult. You just have to take the time to get quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.
- The single most time-saving way to get quotes is an all-inclusive rate comparison click to view form in new window. This form prevents you from having to do multiple quote forms for each company. Completing one form will get you rate comparisons from many national carriers.
- A different way to compare prices is spending the time to visit the website for each individual company and fill out their own quote form. For sake of this example, let’s say you want rates from Liberty Mutual, Progressive and Farmers. You would have to visit each site to enter your coverage information, and that’s why the first method is more popular.
To view a list of companies in Ridgefield Park, click here.
Whichever way you use, ensure you are comparing the exact same deductibles and coverage limits on every quote. If your comparisons have unequal deductibles or liability limits it will be very difficult to make an equal comparison in Ridgefield Park.
Why you might pay higher rates in Ridgefield Park
Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that go into determining auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that can help you get better auto insurance rates.
Listed below are a few of the “ingredients” that factor into your rates.
- High crash test scores lower rates – Safer cars are cheaper to insure. Safer cars protect occupants better and any reduction in injury severity translates into savings for insurance companies and thus lower rates.
- Do you have enough liability coverage? – Your policy’s liability coverage is the coverage that protects you when a court rules you are at fault for personal injury or accident damage. It provides legal defense which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability insurance is quite affordable as compared to coverage for physical damage, so do not skimp.
- Frequent auto insurance claims increase rates – If you are a frequent claim filer, you can look forward to either higher rates or even cancellation. Insurance companies in New Jersey provide lower rates to drivers who are claim-free. Car insurance is intended for larger claims.
- Performance level impacts rates – The type of vehicle you are insuring makes a significant difference in the rate you pay. Economy passenger cars generally receive the lowest base rates, but the final cost of insurance is determined by many other factors.
How can State Farm, Geico and Progressive save drivers who switch?
Consumers constantly see and hear ads for car insurance savings from the likes of State Farm, Geico and Progressive. They all seem to say the same thing that you’ll save big after switching your coverage to them.
How can each company make the same claim? It’s all in the numbers.
Different companies have a preferred profile for the type of customer that makes them money. For example, a profitable customer might be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no prior claims, and has excellent credit. Any driver who matches those parameters will qualify for the lowest rates and as a result will probably save quite a bit of money when switching.
Consumers who do not match this ideal profile will be charged higher prices and this can result in business not being written. The ads say “drivers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that kind of money. That is how insurance companies can advertise the way they do. That is why drivers should get as many quotes as possible. It’s impossible to know the company that will provide you with the cheapest rates.
Smart shoppers get results
As you prepare to switch companies, do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where an insured dropped liability coverage limits only to discover later they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate.
Lower-priced auto insurance is possible both online in addition to many Ridgefield Park insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance providers do not provide online quoting and these smaller companies work with independent agents.
Find out more about auto insurance
More detailed New Jersey auto insurance information is available at the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance website. Consumers can report car insurance fraud, find disaster information, learn about insurance regulations, and read consumer alerts.