Nobody looks forward to buying car insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much.
Drivers have multiple car insurance companies to purchase coverage from, and although it’s nice to have a choice, it makes it harder to compare company pricing.
It’s a good idea to price shop coverage yearly because insurance rates are adjusted regularly by insurance companies. Just because you had the lowest price for Suburban K1500 insurance a few years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. Block out anything you think you know about car insurance because you’re about to learn how to use online quotes to reduce your cost while improving coverage.
This article will let you in on how to get online quotes and some money-saving tips. If you currently have car insurance, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. But drivers must learn how the larger insurance companies sell insurance online and use this information to your advantage.
How to Compare Car Insurance Costs
When shopping for car insurance there are multiple ways to compare rate quotes from local car insurance companies. The easiest way by far to find the cheapest Chevy Suburban K1500 insurance rates is simply to get online rate quotes. This can be accomplished in a couple of different ways.
- One of the best ways consumers can analyze rates is a comparison rater form like this one (opens in new window). This easy form eliminates the need for repetitive form entry for each company you want a rate for. One simple form will get you price quotes from many national carriers.
- A more time consuming way to get comparison quotes requires a trip to each company website to complete a price quote. For example, we’ll assume you want rates from Farmers, Allstate and Liberty Mutual. To find out each rate you need to spend time on each company’s site and enter your information, which is why the first method is quicker. To view a list of companies in your area, click here.
- The hardest way to compare rates is to drive around to local insurance agencies. Shopping for car insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you require the personal advice of a licensed agent. However, consumers can compare online quotes and get advice from an agent in your area and you’ll learn how to do that later.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you use exactly the same coverages with every price quote. If you are comparing different deductibles you will not be able to determine the best price for your Chevy Suburban K1500. Quoting even small variations in insurance coverages may result in a large different in cost. Keep in mind that comparing more company’s prices will improve the odds of getting a better price.
Ads can be misleading
Companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO constantly bombard you with ads in print and on television. All the ads make the same claim that you’ll save big if you switch your coverage to them. How can each company make the same claim? This is how they do it.
All the different companies have a certain “appetite” for the type of customer that earns them a profit. A good example of a preferred risk might be between 25 and 40, owns a home, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. Any new insured who matches those parameters will qualify for the lowest rates and therefore will save a lot of money.
Drivers who do not match the “perfect” profile will be charged higher rates which usually ends up with business not being written. The ads state “customers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that much. That’s the way companies can advertise the way they do.
That is why you should get as many quotes as possible. It’s not possible to predict which insurance companies will have the lowest rates.
Discounts are available to cut your rates
Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but you may find discounts that many people don’t even know exist. Some discounts apply automatically when you get a quote, but less common discounts must be requested specifically before being credited.
- Braking Control Discount – Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can avoid accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
- Defensive Driving Course – Successfully completing a driver safety course can save you 5% or more depending on where you live.
- Safe Drivers – Drivers who avoid accidents can pay as much as 50% less for Suburban K1500 insurance than their less cautious counterparts.
- Good Students Pay Less – Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. The good student discount can last well after school through age 25.
- No Claims – Claim-free drivers pay much less when compared with frequent claim filers.
- Seat Belts Save – Drivers who require all occupants to buckle their seat belts can save 10% or more on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
- Senior Discount – Older drivers may receive better car insurance rates for Suburban K1500 insurance.
- Life Insurance – Companies who offer life insurance give lower rates if you buy life insurance.
- Bundle and Save – When you have multiple policies with the same company you may earn approximately 10% to 15%.
Keep in mind that most discounts do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies don’t profit that way. But any discount will help reduce the cost of coverage.
To choose companies with the best car insurance discounts, follow this link.
But don’t I need an insurance agent?
Some people would rather get advice from a local agent and that is OK! One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local businesses is especially important in small towns and cities.
For easy comparison, once you complete this quick form, the coverage information is emailed to participating agents who will return price quotes for your business. You never need to leave your computer because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. How cool is that?! Get lower rates and an insurance agent to talk to.
Car insurance agents are either independent or captive
When searching for a reliable agent, there are a couple of types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. agents can either be captive or independent.
Independent Agents
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to contact multiple independent agents to have the most options to choose from.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents write business for a single company and examples are AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so always compare other rates. They receive extensive training on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
To view a full list of car insurance agents, visit this page.
Selecting an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a low price. These questions are important to ask:
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- How are they compensated?
- Are they full-time agents?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
After receiving good answers to all your questions and a good coverage price, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that can insure your vehicles.
When might I need help?
When it comes to choosing coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a “perfect” insurance plan. Everyone’s situation is unique so this has to be addressed. These are some specific questions can aid in determining if you would benefit from professional advice.
- What if I total my Chevy Suburban K1500 and owe more than it’s worth?
- Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
- Am I covered when driving someone else’s vehicle?
- Are all vehicle passengers covered by medical payments coverage?
- Can I pay claims out-of-pocket if I buy high deductibles?
- Are split liability limits better than a combined single limit?
- Does my Chevy Suburban K1500 need full coverage?
- Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
If you can’t answer these questions but a few of them apply, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier
Online plus local equals savings
The cheapest Chevy Suburban K1500 insurance is definitely available from both online companies in addition to many insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies do not provide online quoting and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.
When you buy insurance online, never buy less coverage just to save a little money. In too many instances, someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later that it was a big mistake. Your focus should be to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford.
