No one looks forward to buying car insurance, particularly when the cost is way too high.
Lots of auto insurance companies contend for your insurance dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates to find the absolute lowest price
You should take the time to price shop coverage periodically because insurance rates change frequently. Just because you found the lowest rates a few years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. Block out anything you think you know about car insurance because we’re going to demonstrate how to use online quotes to reduce your cost while improving coverage.
If you currently have car insurance, you will be able to cut costs considerably using this information. Choosing the best insurance company for you in Weston is not rocket science. Although Florida drivers can benefit from knowing how companies sell online.
Cut your premium with discounts
Car insurance can cost a lot, but companies offer discounts to cut the cost considerably. Certain discounts will be applied at the time of quoting, but lesser-known reductions have to be inquired about before you get the savings.
- Discounts for Safe Drivers – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can pay as much as 50% less than drivers with accidents.
- Life Insurance Discount – Some companies give better rates if you take out life insurance.
- Theft Prevention System – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems help deter theft and will save you 10% or more.
- Accident Forgiveness – Some insurance companies will forgive one accident without raising rates so long as you haven’t had any claims for a set time period.
- Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
As a disclaimer on discounts, many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. So when it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way. But any discount will help reduce the cost of coverage.
Is my situation unique?
When choosing adequate coverage, there really is not a “best” method to buy coverage. Every insured’s situation is different and your policy should reflect that. Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight whether you could use an agent’s help.
- How much liability coverage do I need in Florida?
- Am I covered if I crash into my own garage door?
- How high should my medical payments coverage be?
- Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
- Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
- How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
- Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
- Is Florida a no-fault state?
- Am I getting all the discounts available?
- How many claims can I have before being cancelled?
If you can’t answer these questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or go to this page to view a list of companies.
Your local neighborhood insurance agent
A small number of people would prefer to sit down with an agent. The best thing about price shopping on the web is the fact that you can find better rates and still choose a local agent. And providing support for local insurance agencies is definitely important in Weston.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), the coverage information is transmitted to local insurance agents who will give you bids for your coverage. You never need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy! You’ll get the best rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.
Two types of car insurance agents
When finding local Weston agents, there are two types of agencies to choose from. Agents are classified as either independent or captive.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency. When comparison shopping, you should always contact at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.
Listed below is a list of independent insurance agents in Weston willing to provide price quote information.
Vision Insurance – 2900 Glades Cir # 275 – Weston, FL 33327 – (954) 888-9273
Weston Agency – 2625 Executive Park Dr – Weston, FL 33331 – (954) 659-7676
Prudential Insurance Co – 2500 Weston Rd – Weston, FL 33331 – (954) 888-9685
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents have only one company to place business with such as Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are very knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Shown below is a list of captive agencies in Weston that are able to give price quotes.
Allstate Insurance – 2625 Executive Park Dr # 3 – Weston, FL 33331 – (954) 349-5882
American Family Life – 1949 Timberline Rd – Weston, FL 33327 – (954) 384-4722
State Farm Insurance – 1790 Bell Tower Ln – Weston, FL 33326 – (954) 389-7007
For a complete listing of Weston captive agencies, visit this link.
Deciding on an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- How are they compensated?
- How are claims handled?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
Once you have received satisfactory answers to any questions you have and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that will properly insure your vehicles.
Misconceptions in car insurance advertisements
Companies like Progressive, Geico, Allstate and State Farm constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. All the ads have a common claim that you can save if you switch your coverage to them. How does each company claim to save you money? It’s all in the numbers.
All the different companies have a preferred profile for the driver that is profitable for them. A good example of a profitable customer could possibly be between 30 and 50, has no tickets, and drives newer vehicles. A customer who matches those parameters will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save a lot of money.
Drivers who don’t meet the requirements will be charged more money and this can result in business going elsewhere. The ads say “drivers who switch” not “everybody who quotes” save that much. That’s the way companies can make those claims.
That is why it’s extremely important to get as many quotes as possible. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.
Additional car insurance information can be found on the website for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation found here. Consumers can read consumer alerts, learn about specific coverages, file complaints about a company, and read state legal mandates and laws.
Quote more, save more
Lower-priced car insurance can be found from both online companies in addition to many Weston insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who do not provide the ability to get a quote online and these small, regional companies work with independent agents.
We’ve covered a lot of information how to shop for car insurance online. The key concept to understand is the more quotes you get, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Consumers could even find that the lowest rates come from the smaller companies. These companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than the large multi-state companies such as Allstate or State Farm.
When trying to cut insurance costs, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. In many instances, an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to find out that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.