Are you intimidated by the sheer number of car insurance company choices in Normal? Many other consumers are too. Drivers have so many companies to choose from that it can be a real hassle to find the perfect company for you.
Choosing the best insurance company for you in Normal is quite easy. In a nutshell, anyone who buys car insurance will more than likely be able to find better rates. Nevertheless, Illinois consumers need to learn how insurance companies market on the web and use this information to your advantage.
Are you getting all your discounts?
Car insurance companies do not advertise every discount very clearly, so we researched both the well known and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving.
- Federal Employees – Being employed by or retired from a federal job may qualify you for a discount with a few car insurance companies.
- Discount for Life Insurance – Larger companies have a break if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
- Anti-theft Discount – Cars that have factory anti-theft systems help deter theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
- Homeowners Discount – Owning a home in Normal can save you money because of the fact that having a home requires personal responsibility.
- Driver Safety – Taking part in a course teaching defensive driving skills could cut 5% off your bill if you qualify.
- Fewer Miles Equal More Savings – Low mileage vehicles can qualify you for discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
It’s important to note that most credits do not apply to all coverage premiums. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. So despite the fact that it appears you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you won’t be that lucky.
To see a list of insurance companies with discount car insurance rates in Illinois, click here to view.
What about my local Normal agents?
Some consumers just want to talk to a local agent. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the best rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To find an agent, once you fill out this simple form, the quote information is emailed to companies in Normal who will return price quotes to get your business. You don’t have to visit any agencies since price quotes are sent directly to your email. How cool is that?! You can find the lowest rates AND a local agent.
Selecting a company needs to be determined by more than just a cheap price. These questions are important to ask:
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Illinois?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Who are their largest clients?
Different types of Normal insurance agencies
When searching for a good insurance agency, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents from which to choose. Agents are classified as either independent or captive.
Agency Captives
Captive agents work for only one company and some examples include Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. Captives cannot place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are usually quite knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Consumers frequently buy from captive agents partially due to loyalty to the company and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
The following is a list of captive insurance agencies in Normal who may provide you with price quote information.
- American Family Insurance – 604 Dale St # E – Normal, IL 61761 – (309) 452-4288
- Farmers Insurance Group – 1702 W College Ave – Normal, IL 61761 – (309) 454-7655
- Allstate Insurance – 1015 S Main St – Normal, IL 61761 – (309) 454-2231
- State Farm Insurance – 112 Landmark Dr # A – Normal, IL 61761 – (309) 454-4000
Independent Insurance Agents
These agents are not required to write business for one company but rather can write business with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When shopping rates, it’s recommended you include price quotes from several independent insurance agents to get the best comparison. Most have the option of insuring with smaller regional carriers which can save you money.
Below are independent insurance agencies in Normal who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Miller Insurance – 1603 Visa Dr # 4 – Normal, IL 61761 – (309) 451-0036
- Van Gundy Agency Insurance – 101 S Towanda Ave – Normal, IL 61761 – (309) 452-1156
- Van Gundy Agency Insurance – 101 S Towanda Ave – Normal, IL 61761 – (309) 452-1156
For a complete listing of car insurance agents in Normal, please click here.
After receiving good answers and an affordable coverage quote, it’s possible that you found an insurance agency that will insure your vehicles.
Is there truth in advertising?
Companies like Allstate and Progressive regularly use ads on TV and radio. All the ads make an identical promise that you can save if you move your coverage to them. How does each company make the same claim? It’s all in the numbers.
Insurance companies can use profiling for the right customer that earns them a profit. For example, a profitable customer might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, has no prior claims, and has great credit. Any driver that hits that “sweet spot” will get very good rates and therefore will save a lot of money.
Potential customers who do not match these standards will be charged higher premiums and ends up with business not being written. The ads say “people who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save money. This is how insurance companies can make those claims. That is why it’s extremely important to get quotes from several different companies. It’s impossible to know which company will fit your personal profile best.
Even more information can be read at the Illinois Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to file complaints about a company, read state legal mandates and laws, and find a variety of consumer forms.
Other useful links include this page for car insurance in Illinois and this page where you can research Normal insurance agents.
More quotes mean more savings
When trying to cut insurance costs, it’s very important that you do not buy less coverage just to save a little money. In too many instances, someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The ultimate goal is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Insureds switch companies for a variety of reasons including an unsatisfactory settlement offer, delays in paying claims, being labeled a high risk driver and even not issuing a premium refund. Whatever your reason, switching car insurance companies is easier than you think.
Lower-priced car insurance is possible both online in addition to many Normal insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best selection. Some companies do not provide online price quotes and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.