Finding affordable Sandy car insurance can seem to be nearly impossible for consumers not familiar with comparing rates online. Drivers have so many choices that it can be a challenge to find the best price in Sandy.
If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to cut costs considerably using this strategy. Locating affordable coverage in Sandy can be fairly easy. But Utah consumers can benefit from knowing how big insurance companies market on the web and apply this information to your search.
How to Compare Sandy Car Insurance Rates
Effectively comparing car insurance prices can be a daunting task if you don’t understand the easiest way. You could spend the better part of a day driving to insurance agencies in Sandy, or you can stay home and use the internet to maximize your effort.
Many of the larger companies are enrolled in a marketplace where insurance shoppers submit one quote, and at least one company can give them a price based on that information. This eliminates the need for quotation requests for every car insurance company. To find out how much you can save on car insurance click here to start a free quote.
The only downside to getting quotes like this is you are unable to specify the insurers to get pricing from. So if you prefer to choose specific providers to request quotes from, we have assembled a list of low cost car insurance companies in Utah. Click to view list.
However you get your quotes, compare the exact same coverage limits for every company. If each company quotes different liability limits then you won’t be able to make an equal comparison in Sandy. Slightly different limits may cause a big price difference. And when comparing car insurance rates, know that comparing more company’s prices provides better odds of finding a better price.
Can you really save $488 a year?
Car insurance providers like State Farm and Allstate regularly use ads on TV and radio. They all have a common claim about savings if you move to them. How do they all make almost identical claims?
All the different companies have a certain “appetite” for the type of driver that makes them money. For instance, a preferred risk might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, has no driving citations, and has a short commute. Any driver who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and as a result will probably save when switching.
Potential insureds who fall outside the “perfect” profile will be charged higher premiums and this can result in business not being written. The ads state “customers that switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that kind of money. That’s why companies can truthfully advertise the way they do.
That is why drivers must get quotes from several different companies. It’s just too difficult to predict the company that will give you the biggest savings.
Policy discounts you shouldn’t miss
Car insurance can cost a lot, but you may find discounts to help offset the cost. A few discounts will automatically apply when you purchase, but a few must be asked about before they will apply.
- Senior Citizens – Older drivers can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
- Homeowners Discount – Being a homeowner can help you save on car insurance because owning a home shows financial diligence.
- Early Switch Discount – Some insurance companies reward drivers for signing up before your current expiration date. It’s a savings of about 10%.
- Paperwork-free – Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying your policy online.
- Discount for Good Grades – Performing well in school can earn a discount of 20% or more. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.
- New Vehicle Savings – Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper compared to insuring an older model.
A little note about advertised discounts, some of the credits will not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Some only apply to individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though they make it sound like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you’re out of luck. But all discounts will help reduce the cost of coverage.
To choose companies who offer car insurance discounts in Utah, click here to view.
Quote online but still have a local agent
Certain consumers would rather get advice from a local agent. The best thing about comparing rates online is that you can obtain the best rates and still choose a local agent. And supporting local insurance agencies is important especially in Sandy.
After completing this simple form, your coverage information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents in Sandy who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. There is no need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent to your email. You’ll get the best rates AND a local agent.
The different types of insurance agents
When finding a local agent, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Sandy are either independent (non-captive) or captive.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with multiple insurance companies depending on which coverage is best. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies. When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include price quotes from at least one independent agent for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with different regional companies which can be an advantage.
The following are Sandy independent agencies willing to provide rate quotes.
- Dove Insurance Group – 9304 S 700 E – Sandy, UT 84070 – (801) 569-3683
- Spilker Insurance – 3260 Mcneill Cir – Sandy, UT 84093 – (801) 944-0200
Captive Agents
These agents are contracted to one company and examples are AAA, Allstate and State Farm. They are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so always compare other rates. They are trained well on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers frequently buy insurance from these agents primarily because of the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Below are captive agents in Sandy willing to provide rate quotes.
- Utah Farm Bureau Federation – 9865 S State St – Sandy, UT 84070 – (801) 233-3000
- American Family Insurance – 743 E 9400 S # 100 – Sandy, UT 84094 – (801) 568-3113
- State Farm Insurance – 1270 E 8600 S # 8 – Sandy, UT 84094 – (801) 566-5111
- Allstate Insurance – 720 E 10600 S # 5 – Sandy, UT 84094 – (801) 572-2184
- Farmers Insurance Group – 9710 S 700 E # 109 – Sandy, UT 84070 – (801) 553-8333
To view a full list of car insurance agents in Sandy, visit this site.
Picking an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
Upon receiving positive responses for all questions you ask and an acceptable price quote, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that is a good match to provide car insurance coverage. But keep in mind policyholders can terminate your policy whenever you wish so don’t think you’re contractually obligated to any particular company for any length of time.
More information is located on the Utah Insurance Department website located here. Consumers can read industry bulletins, find a variety of consumer forms, find out industry alerts, and download brochures.
Car insurance coverages
Learning about specific coverages of your policy helps when choosing which coverages you need for your vehicles. Car insurance terms can be confusing and coverage can change by endorsement.
Liability insurance
Liability coverage can cover damage that occurs to other’s property or people by causing an accident. Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. You commonly see policy limits of 25/50/25 which means $25,000 bodily injury coverage, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and a limit of $25,000 paid for damaged property. Some companies may use a combined limit which provides one coverage limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability coverage protects against things like repair costs for stationary objects, funeral expenses, pain and suffering, structural damage and bail bonds. How much liability coverage do you need? That is up to you, but consider buying as much as you can afford. Utah requires drivers to carry at least 25,000/65,000/15,000 but you should think about purchasing better liability coverage.
Collision insurance
This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You will need to pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision insurance covers things like hitting a parking meter, colliding with a tree, backing into a parked car, crashing into a ditch and rolling your car. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from older vehicles. You can also bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.
Coverage for medical expenses
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage pay for expenses such as doctor visits, surgery, funeral costs and rehabilitation expenses. The coverages can be used in conjunction with a health insurance policy or if you are not covered by health insurance. It covers all vehicle occupants and will also cover being hit by a car walking across the street. Personal Injury Protection is not an option in every state but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Comprehensive car insurance
Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You need to pay your deductible first then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive can pay for claims such as damage from a tornado or hurricane, hitting a deer and hitting a bird. The highest amount your car insurance company will pay is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle is not worth much it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.
Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other drivers when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. Covered claims include hospital bills for your injuries and damage to your vehicle.
Since many Utah drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (which is 25/65/15), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage should not be overlooked. Usually the UM/UIM limits are similar to your liability insurance amounts.
A little work can save a LOT of money
In this article, we covered a lot of tips how to compare car insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the better your comparison will be. Consumers could even find that the lowest premiums are with an unexpected company.
When trying to cut insurance costs, make sure you don’t skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In many instances, someone sacrificed liability limits or collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
Consumers leave their current company for any number of reasons including high rates after DUI convictions, questionable increases in premium, lack of trust in their agent or policy non-renewal. Whatever your reason, finding the right car insurance provider can be less work than you think.