Are you intimidated by the dozens of car insurance choices in your area? People have so many choices that it can be more work than you anticipated to find a cheaper company. Downey is a good city to live in, but inflated car insurance rates makes it impossible to affordably buy enough coverage.
Compare car insurance rates
When shopping for , there are a couple of ways of comparing rate quotes from many car insurance companies in California. The recommended way to find the cheapest insurance rates is simply to get online rate quotes. This is quite simple and can be completed using a couple different methods.
If you’re in a hurry, the quickest way to get quotes for comparison is to use a rate comparison form click to view form in new window. This easy form prevents you from having to do multiple quote forms for each company. One form gets insurance cost estimates instantly. Just one form and you’re done.
A harder way to find better pricing requires a trip to the website of each company and get a separate price quote. For examples sake, we’ll pretend you want to compare rates from Geico, State Farm and Farmers. In order to compare rates, you need to take the time to go to each site and type in your information over and over, which can be really labor intensive.
For a list of companies in Downey, click here.
The least recommended way to get comparison rates is to waste gas driving to insurance agents’ offices. Buying insurance online reduces the need to sit down with an agent unless you want the trained guidance that only an agent can give. Drivers can price shop your coverage online and have a local agent actually service the policy.
Compare rates however you want, just compare the exact same coverage limits and deductibles on every price quote you get. If your comparisons have different values for each quote it will be very difficult to make an equal comparison in Downey. Quoting even small variations in coverage limits can result in a big premium difference. And when comparing car insurance rates, know that comparing more quotes will improve the odds of getting the best offered rates. Some companies don’t provide price estimates online, so it’s important to compare price estimates from the smaller companies as well.
Save a ton by taking advantage of discounts
Car insurance can cost a lot, but there could be significant discounts that can help lower your rates. Some discounts apply automatically at the time you complete a quote, but some may not be applied and must be specially asked for prior to getting the savings.
- Use Seat Belts – Drivers who always wear seat belts and also require passengers to fasten their seat belts can save up to 15% off the personal injury premium cost.
- Senior Citizen Rates – Seniors can get a slight reduction on a .
- Lower Rates for Military – Being on active duty in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
- Resident Student – who are attending college and leave their car at home could qualify for this discount.
- Homeowners Savings – Just owning your own home can get you a discount because maintaining a house shows financial diligence.
- Theft Deterent Discount – Cars equipped with tracking devices and advanced anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and can earn a small discount on your policy.
A little disclaimer on discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though it sounds like adding up those discounts means a free policy, it just doesn’t work that way.
Companies that may include these benefits are:
If you need , ask every insurance company which discounts you qualify for. All car insurance discounts may not apply to policyholders in every state. For a list of insurers with discount car insurance rates in Downey, click this link.
Special considerations
When it comes to choosing adequate coverage for your personal vehicles, there is no one size fits all plan. Every insured’s situation is different.
For example, these questions can aid in determining whether or not you could use an agent’s help.
- Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
- Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
- When should my teen driver be added to my policy?
- Is my vehicle covered by my employer’s policy when using it for work?
- Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
- When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
- What are the financial responsibility laws in California?
- Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
- Do I need higher deductibles?
If you don’t know the answers to 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, complete this form.
More California car insurance resources
More tips and info about car insurance can be read at the California Department of Insurance website. California drivers can find out industry alerts, view agent and company licensing information, read industry bulletins, and discover disciplinary actions.