Shopping for the cheapest Wolf Point auto insurance online can seem to be intimidating for consumers new to buying insurance on the web. With so many choices of insurers available, how can Wolf Point drivers effectively compare every company to locate the best available price?
Consumers should take time to take a look at other company’s rates periodically since rates change regularly. Even if you got the best price a couple years back there may be better deals available now. There is a lot of bad advice regarding auto insurance online, so with this article, you’re going to get some tested techniques to buy auto insurance cheaper.
If you have a current auto insurance policy or need new coverage, you can use these techniques to reduce the price you pay while maximizing coverage. This information will instruct you on the best way to quote coverages and some tips to save money. Montana drivers just need to know the best way to buy auto insurance online.
Compare Quotes for Wolf Point Auto Insurance
There are a variety of methods to shop for auto insurance, but some are more efficient than others. You can waste a few hours (or days) talking about coverages with local insurance agents in Wolf Point, or you could use the internet to get rates in a matter of minutes.
Most of the larger companies participate in a marketplace where prospective buyers submit their information once, and every company can give them a price for coverage. This saves time by eliminating quote forms to each company. To enter your information into the quoting system, click here (opens in new window).
The single downside to using this type of system is you don’t know exactly the insurers to get quotes from. If you wish to select specific providers to receive pricing from, we have assembled a list of companies who write auto insurance in Montana. Click to view list.
Whichever way you use, make sure you use exactly the same coverage information for every quote you compare. If you use different liability limits you can’t possibly determine the lowest rate in Wolf Point.
Cut your premium with discounts
Insuring your fleet can be pricey, buy you may qualify for discounts to help bring down the price. A few discounts will automatically apply when you get a quote, but less common discounts must be asked for in order for you to get them. If you don’t get every credit possible, you are paying more than you should be.
- Theft Prevention System – Anti-theft and alarm systems are stolen less frequently and earn discounts up to 10%.
- Homeowners Savings – Owning a house in Wolf Point may trigger a auto insurance policy discount because of the fact that having a home demonstrates responsibility.
- Multiple Vehicles – Having multiple vehicles on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
- Paperwork-free – Certain companies give back up to $50 for buying your policy online.
- 55 and Retired – Mature drivers may qualify for a discount up to 10%.
- Seat Belt Usage – Using a seat belt and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could save 15% off your PIP or medical payments premium.
- Accident Waiver – Some insurance companies allow you one accident before your rates go up if you are claim-free prior to the accident.
- Sign Early and Save – Select companies give a discount for buying a policy before your current policy expires. It can save you around 10%.
- Drivers Education – Cut your cost by having your teen driver complete a driver education course in high school.
It’s important to note that most of the big mark downs will not be given to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So even though it sounds like you can get free auto insurance, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. But all discounts will help reduce your premiums.
To see a list of insurance companies offering auto insurance discounts in Montana, click here to view.
Rate influencing factors
Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that come into play when calculating your auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.
The list below includes some of the factors companies use to determine your rates.
- Too many auto insurance claims drive up costs – Companies in Montana award cheaper rates to people who do not file claims often. If you file claims often, you can pretty much guarantee either higher rates or even cancellation. Car insurance is designed for larger claims.
- Please use or commuting – Driving more miles every year the higher your rate. Most companies price each vehicle’s coverage determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks left parked in the garage receive lower rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Make sure your auto insurance coverage is rated on the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
- High credit ratings translate to low rates – A driver’s credit history is a large factor in calculating your auto insurance rates. If your credit history is not that good, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your rating. Drivers who have excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers with lower credit scores.
- Liability coverage is peace of mind – The liability section of your policy provides coverage in the event that you are found to be at fault for damages from an accident. Liability insurance provides legal defense coverage which can be incredibly expensive. Liability is cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so buy as much as you can afford.
- Do you have a high stress job? – Did you know your auto insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Careers like judges, business owners and stock brokers have the highest rates because of high stress levels and long work hours. On the other hand, professions such as actors, students and homemakers get better rates.
- Older drivers save more – Youthful drivers in Montana are statistically proven to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. If you’ve ever had to add a young driver to your policy can really hurt. Older drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations.
- Extra add-on coverages are wasting money – There are quite a few additional coverages that can waste your money if you aren’t careful. Coverages like vanishing deductibles, accident forgiveness and additional equipment coverage may be wasting your money. They may seem like a good idea when talking to your agent, but now you might not need them so get rid of them and save.
- Car features impact rates – Owning a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft devices like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can help prevent auto theft.
What is the best insurance coverage?
When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s.
These are some specific questions can aid in determining if you would benefit from an agent’s advice.
- How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
- Will my vehicle be repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- What are Montana no-fault laws?
- How many claims can I have before being cancelled?
- Is business property covered if stolen from my car?
- Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to an agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.
Much more information about auto insurance in Montana is available on the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance website found here. Consumers can learn about specific coverages, learn about insurance regulations, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and download brochures.
Other useful links include these car insurance answers and this page of insurance agents in Wolf Point.
Are you falling for claims of savings?
Montana consumers constantly see and hear ads for car insurance savings by State Farm, Geico and Progressive. They all seem to have a common claim that you’ll save big if you move to their company.
But how can every company make almost identical claims? It’s all in the numbers.
Different companies have a certain “appetite” for the driver that earns them a profit. For instance, a profitable customer could be a mature driver, owns a home, and chooses high deductibles. A customer who matches those parameters will qualify for the lowest rates and therefore will save when they switch companies.
Potential customers who are not a match for the requirements will be charged higher prices and this can result in business going elsewhere. The ad wording is “customers that switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save money. This is how insurance companies can state the savings.
That is why drivers should get a wide range of price quotes. It’s not possible to predict which company will give you the biggest savings.
Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal
Cheap auto insurance can be bought on the web as well as from independent agents in Wolf Point, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance providers don’t offer online quoting and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
While you’re price shopping online, it’s not a good idea to buy less coverage just to save a little money. There are too many instances where an insured dropped liability coverage limits only to regret that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
We just showed you some good ideas how you can shop for auto insurance online. The most important thing to understand is the more companies you get rates for, the higher the chance of saving money. Drivers may discover the lowest priced auto insurance comes from the smaller companies.