Are you intimidated by the number of car insurance choices in Gardner? Many other consumers are too. People have so many companies to choose from that it can turn into a challenge to find the best price.
Be sure to get all your discounts
Companies offering auto insurance don’t always list every available discount very well, so we researched both the well known and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using.
- Anti-theft Discount – Anti-theft and alarm systems are stolen less frequently and will save you 10% or more.
- Pay Upfront and Save – If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.
- Fewer Miles Equal More Savings – Keeping the miles down could be rewarded with better rates on cars that stay parked.
- Discount for Swiching Early – A few companies offer discounts for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. The savings is around 10%.
- Safety Course Discount – Taking part in a driver safety course could possibly earn you a 5% discount and easily recoup the cost of the course.
- Homeowners Discount – Being a homeowner may trigger a car insurance policy discount due to the fact that maintaining a home shows financial diligence.
Drivers should understand that most credits do not apply to all coverage premiums. The majority will only reduce specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, it doesn’t quite work that way.
For a list of companies who offer car insurance discounts in Gardner, click here.
How your Gardner rates are determined
An important part of buying insurance is that you know some of the elements that play a part in calculating car insurance rates. Understanding what impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to lower car insurance prices.
Shown below are some of the items used by your company to calculate prices.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px;" src="https://www.carinsurancediy.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-87.jpg" alt="Kansas car insurance quote”/>
- Safer cars cost less to insure – Cars with high safety ratings can get you lower premiums. The safest vehicles have better occupant injury protection and better occupant protection means lower claim amounts and more competitive rates for policyholders.
- Your occupation can affect rates – Did you know your occupation can influence how much you pay for car insurance? Occupations like real estate brokers, social workers and financial analysts are shown to have higher average rates attributed to job stress and lots of time spent at work. Conversely, occupations like actors, engineers and performers pay the least.
- Where do you drive? – Driving more miles in a year’s time the higher your rate. The majority of insurers charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Vehicles left parked in the garage can get a lower rate as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Make sure your car insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage, because it can save money.
- Do you know you’re credit rating? – Your credit score is a big factor in calculating your car insurance rates. Therefore, if your credit score is lower than you’d like, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your rating. Drivers with good credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than those with poor credit.
- Where you reside plays a part – Choosing to live in small towns and rural areas can save you money when talking about car insurance. Fewer drivers means a lower chance of having an accident. Drivers in populated Kansas areas have traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. More time commuting means more change of being in an accident.
How do I know if I need professional advice?
When it comes to buying coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s.
For example, these questions can aid in determining whether your personal situation would benefit from professional advice.
- How much liability coverage do I need in Kansas?
- Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
- Are rental cars covered under my policy?
- Will my rates increase for filing one claim?
- Is my teen driver covered when they drive my company car?
- I don’t drive much so do I pay less?
- Will my vehicle be repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- Should I buy more coverage than the required Kansas minimum liability coverage?
- Can I afford to pay high deductible claims out of pocket?
- Am I covered when using my vehicle for business?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions but one or more may apply to you, you may need to chat with an agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.
How can 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm save drivers who switch?
21st Century, Allstate and State Farm regularly use ads on TV and radio. All the companies make the same claim that you’ll save big if you move to their company. But how can every company claim to save you money? This is how they do it.
Different companies have a certain “appetite” for the type of customer that makes them money. For instance, a desirable insured might be profiled as a mature driver, a clean driving record, and has a high credit rating. A customer who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and as a result will probably save when switching.
Potential customers who don’t meet the “perfect” profile will be quoted higher rates which usually ends up with business not being written. The ads state “drivers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that much money. This is how companies can truthfully advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why you absolutely need to get as many quotes as possible. It is impossible to predict which car insurance company will provide you with the cheapest rates.
Additional consumer information websites
Additional detailed information can be read at the Kansas Insurance Department website. Consumers can learn about specific coverages, read consumer alerts, view agent and company licensing information, and find a variety of consumer forms.
Quote often and quote early
We just presented some good ideas how you can shop for car insurance online. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may be surprised to find that the most savings is with the least-expected company.
Low-cost car insurance is possible online as well as from independent agents in Gardner, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies don’t offer online quoting and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
When trying to cut insurance costs, you should never buy less coverage just to save a little money. There are too many instances where someone sacrificed collision coverage only to regret at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. Your aim should be to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.