Are you intimidated by the crazy number of car insurance choices in Wilsonville? You’re not the only one! Drivers have so many options that it can quickly become a lot of work to find the lowest price.
It’s a great practice to compare prices at least once a year because insurance rates are adjusted regularly by insurance companies. Just because you had the lowest price six months ago you can probably find a better price now. Starting now, block out anything you think you know about car insurance because you’re about to learn the fastest way to remove unneeded coverages and save money.
Understand what determines the rate you pay
Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that help determine the price you pay for car insurance. Understanding what influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to big savings.
- Please use or commuting – The more miles you rack up on your car each year the more you will pay for car insurance. Most insurance companies price each vehicle’s coverage determined by how the vehicle is used. Autos used primarily for pleasure use qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Double check that your car insurance policy properly reflects how each vehicle is driven.
- Your stress level may be raising your rates – Jobs such as judges, executives and dentists tend to have the highest average rates because of stressful work requirements and lots of time spent at work. Other professions such as pilots, historians and retirees receive lower rates.
- Car features impact rates – Choosing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention devices such as GM’s OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can thwart your vehicle from being stolen.
- Type of vehicle determines base rates – The performance of the car you are buying insurance for makes a big difference in your rates. Lower performance four cylinder passenger vehicles usually have the lowest rates, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
- High deductibles save money – Your deductibles represent how much money you are required to spend out-of-pocket before a claim is paid by your company. Physical damage insurance, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims would be colliding with a building, vandalism, or theft. The more you’re willing to pay, the less your car insurance will be.
- Where you live is a factor – Being located in less populated areas can be a good thing when buying car insurance. Drivers in populated areas regularly have much more traffic and longer commute times. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accidents as well as less vandalism and auto theft.
- High crash test scores lower rates – Safer cars are cheaper to insure. These vehicles result in less severe injuries and lower injury rates translates into savings for insurance companies and lower rates for you.
- Discounts for married couples – Having a wife or husband can actually save you money on car insurance. Having a spouse is viewed as being more mature and responsible and statistics show married couples file fewer claims.
Don’t miss out on these money-saving discounts
Auto insurance companies do not list all available discounts very clearly, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and the harder-to-find car insurance savings.
- Drive Less and Save – Driving fewer miles can qualify you for a substantially lower rate.
- Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems prevent accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
- Auto/Home Discount – When you have multiple policies with the same company you may save up to 20% off your total premium.
- Multiple Vehicles – Having multiple vehicles on one policy could earn a price break for each car.
- Military Rewards – Being deployed with a military unit may qualify for rate reductions.
- Homeowners Savings – Simply owning a home may trigger a car insurance policy discount because owning a home is proof that your finances are in order.
- Paperless Signup – A handful of insurance companies will give a small break for buying a policy and signing up online.
- No Claims – Claim-free drivers can earn big discounts compared to drivers who are more careless.
- Life Insurance – Some companies give a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
Consumers should know that some credits don’t apply to the entire policy premium. Most only cut the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. So even though it sounds like you can get free auto insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way.
What if I want to buy from a local Wilsonville agent?
Some people would prefer to buy from a local agent and that is OK! The best thing about comparing rates online is the fact that you can find lower rates but still work with a licensed agent.
After filling out this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents in Wilsonville who will battle to get your business. There is no need to even leave your home as quotes are delivered to your email. Now that’s easy! You can find the lowest rates and work with a local agent.
Picking an insurance company requires more thought than just a low price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
Pick the best car insurance agent in Wilsonville for you
When looking for a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that you can select. Agents are categorized either captive or independent.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies have only one company to place business with and some examples include Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. They usually cannot shop your coverage around so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents receive extensive training on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers often buy insurance from these agents mostly because of the prominence of the brand and strong financial ratings.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px;" src="https://www.carinsurancediy.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-87.jpg" alt="Wilsonville Oregon car insurance prices”/>
The following is a list of captive agencies in Wilsonville who can help you get price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance – 9450 SW Commerce Cir # 319 – Wilsonville, OR 97070 – (503) 570-8736
- State Farm Insurance – 30775 SW Boones Ferry Rd # A – Wilsonville, OR 97070 – (503) 582-9151
- American Family Mutual Ins – 8695 SW Jack Burns Blvd – Wilsonville, OR 97070 – (503) 254-1111
Independent Insurance Agents
These agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with any number of different companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency. When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you get quotes from several independent insurance agents to get the best comparison. Many write coverage with different regional companies which can save you money.
The following are Wilsonville independent insurance agencies willing to provide price quotes.
- Fode Insurance – 9130 SW Pioneer Ct # C2 – Wilsonville, OR 97070 – (503) 685-5050
- Gerkman Insurance and Financial – 30150 SW Parkway Ave # 500 – Wilsonville, OR 97070 – (503) 685-9352
- Frank King Agency – 29970 SW Town Center Loop W – Wilsonville, OR 97070 – (503) 582-8007
For a complete listing of licensed insurance agents in Wilsonville, visit this site.
Upon getting positive responses to any questions you have as well as a affordable price, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that can properly service your car insurance policy.
Do drivers who switch really save?
Car insurance providers like State Farm, Geico and Progressive continually stream television and radio advertisements. They all say the same thing that you’ll save big after switching your policy. But how can every company make almost identical claims?
Different companies have a preferred profile for the type of customer that makes them money. An example of a preferred risk might be profiled as a mature driver, owns a home, and drives newer vehicles. Any new insured who fits that profile will get very good rates and most likely will save when switching.
Potential insureds who fall outside the “perfect” profile will be quoted a higher premium and this can result in the driver buying from a lower-cost company. Company advertisements say “people who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that much money. That’s why insurance companies can make those claims. This emphasizes why drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which car insurance company will fit your personal profile best.
How do I know if I need professional advice?
When it comes to choosing adequate coverage, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Each situation is unique.
Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine if your situation might need professional guidance.
- Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Oregon?
- Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
- How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
- What if I don’t agree with a claim settlement offer?
- Does my policy pay for OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Are all vehicle passengers covered by medical payments coverage?
If you can’t answer these questions but one or more may apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form.
Additional consumer information websites
More tips and info about car insurance is available at the Oregon Insurance Division website. Oregon drivers can view a list of available companies, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and view agent and company licensing information.
One last thing about your coverage
People switch companies for any number of reasons including an unsatisfactory settlement offer, poor customer service, not issuing a premium refund and high prices. It doesn’t matter what your reason, switching car insurance companies can be pretty painless.
When shopping online for car insurance, you should never reduce needed coverages to save money. In too many instances, an accident victim reduced full coverage and learned later that it was a big error on their part. Your focus should be to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.
Low-cost car insurance can be found both online as well as from independent agents in Wilsonville, and you should be comparing both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who don’t offer online quoting and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.