Shopping for cheaper Rockledge auto insurance on the internet can appear to be rather difficult for drivers that are relatively new to comparing rates and buying auto insurance on the internet. With such a big selection of agents and insurance companies available, how can you possibly compare them all to find the cheapest rates?
It’s a good habit to compare rates before your policy renews since prices are constantly changing. If you had the best deal on your last policy the chances are good that you can find a lower rate quote today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you’re going to learn the right way to lower your annual insurance bill.
More discounts mean lower premiums
Auto insurance companies don’t always publicize their entire list of discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and the harder-to-find credits that you can use to lower your rates.
- Seat Belts Save – Using a seat belt and requiring all passengers to fasten their seat belts could cut 10% or more on the premium charged for medical payments and/or PIP.
- No Claims – Rockledge drivers who stay claim-free pay much less as compared to drivers with a long claim history.
- One Accident Forgiven – but certain companies may permit one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if your claims history is clear before the accident.
- Auto/Life Discount – Some auto insurance companies give a lower rate if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
- Senior Discount – Drivers over the age of 55 may receive a discount up to 10%.
- Theft Deterent System – Vehicles that have factory alarm systems and tracking devices prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
- Anti-lock Brake System – Cars, trucks, and SUVs with ABS and/or traction control have fewer accidents and will save you 10% or more.
- Drivers Ed for Students – It’s a good idea to have your young drivers participate in a local driver’s education class if offered at their school.
- Government Employees – Active or former government employment could cut as much as 10% off depending on your company.
- Multiple Policy Discount – If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you will save up to 20% off your total premium.
Discounts save money, but please remember that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So even though you would think all the discounts add up to a free policy, it doesn’t quite work that way.
Large auto insurance companies and a partial list of their discounts are shown below.
- State Farm may offer discounts for student away at school, Drive Safe & Save, defensive driving training, accident-free, Steer Clear safe driver discount, good student, and multiple policy.
- American Family offers discounts for multi-vehicle, early bird, accident-free, bundled insurance, defensive driver, and air bags.
- Geico has savings for military active duty, anti-theft, five-year accident-free, anti-lock brakes, seat belt use, air bags, and multi-vehicle.
- 21st Century may have discounts that include defensive driver, automatic seat belts, early bird, 55 and older, student driver, and air bags.
- Progressive has discounts for continuous coverage, online signing, multi-vehicle, homeowner, online quote discount, and good student.
If you need lower rates, check with each company which discounts can lower your rates. Some of the discounts discussed earlier might not be available to policyholders in Rockledge.
It’s not one size fits all
When choosing coverage, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Every situation is different.
For instance, these questions might help in determining if you might need professional guidance.
- Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?
- How much liability coverage do I need in Florida?
- What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
- When should I drop full coverage on my vehicle?
- Will my vehicle be repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and may give you better protection.
The auto insurance bait and switch
Florida consumers can’t get away from all the ads that promise big savings by State Farm, Allstate and Geico. All the ads have a common claim that you’ll save big if you change your auto insurance coverage to their company.
That’s great but how can every company have lower policy pricing? This is the way they can do it.
Most companies have a preferred profile for the driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a profitable customer may need to be between the ages of 30 and 50, has a clear driving record, and does not commute to work. A propective insured that hits that “sweet spot” will get the preferred prices as well as cut their rates if they switch.
Consumers who do not meet these standards will probably have to pay higher prices which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. The trick companies use is to say “drivers who switch” not “all people who quote” save money. This is how companies can make the claims of big savings. Because of the profiling, drivers must compare as many as you can. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will give you lower car insurance rates than your current company.
More tips and info about auto insurance is located at the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation website. Florida consumers can find out industry alerts, learn about specific coverages, report car insurance fraud, and find a variety of consumer forms.
Affordable auto insurance is out there
We just presented many tips how you can compare auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more price quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding . Consumers may even find the lowest priced auto insurance comes from an unexpected company.
Budget-conscious auto insurance is attainable online and from local agencies, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. There are still a few companies who may not have rates over the internet and many times these smaller providers only sell coverage through independent agencies.
As you restructure your insurance plan, you should never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In too many instances, someone sacrificed full coverage only to regret that the savings was not a smart move. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.