Are you a victim of an overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me when I say many consumers feel financially strained by their auto insurance policy. Multiple insurance companies compete for your hard-earned dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates to discover the definitive lowest cost out there.
If you have insurance now or need new coverage, you will benefit by learning to cut your premiums while maintaining coverages. Finding the best rates is easy if you know what you’re doing. Drivers just need to learn the best way to compare company rates online.
Policy discounts you shouldn’t miss
Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, buy you may qualify for discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Some trigger automatically when you get a quote, but less common discounts must be specifically requested before you get the savings. If you aren’t receiving every discount possible, you are throwing money away.
- Multiple Policy Discount – When you combine your home and auto insurance with the same insurance company you could get a discount of approximately 10% to 15%.
- Multi-car Discount – Insuring more than one vehicle on the same auto insurance policy could earn a price break for each car.
- Paperwork-free – Some insurance companies will give a small break simply for signing digitally online.
- Life Insurance – Select insurance companies reward you with a break if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
- Seat Belts Save more than Lives – Drivers who require all occupants to use their safety belts can save 10% or more off your PIP or medical payments premium.
- Own a Home – Owning a house can save you money because of the fact that having a home is proof that your finances are in order.
- Defensive Driver – Successfully completing a defensive driving course could save 5% or more if you qualify.
- New Vehicle Savings – Insuring a new car can cost up to 25% less due to better safety requirements for new cars.
- No Charge for an Accident – A few companies will allow you to have one accident without raising rates as long as you don’t have any claims for a certain period of time.
As a disclaimer on discounts, some credits don’t apply to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, you won’t be that lucky. But any discount will help reduce your premiums.
To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts, click this link.
Factors that might impact rates for a Dodge Challenger
Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that help determine your auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that could result in better auto insurance rates.
- Liability coverage is cheap – Your policy’s liability coverage will protect you in the event that a jury decides you are liable for damages from an accident. Liability provides legal defense coverage which can be incredibly expensive. Liability is cheap as compared to coverage for physical damage, so do not skimp.
- Proper usage rating affects rates – The more you drive each year the higher your rates will be. Most companies apply a rate based on their usage. Cars left parked in the garage receive lower rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. An improperly rated Challenger can cost quite a bit. Make sure your auto insurance policy is rated on the correct driver usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
- Optional equipment can affect rates – Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features like GM’s OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all aid in stopping your vehicle from being stolen.
- Allowing your policy to lapse raises rates – Allowing your auto insurance policy to lapse will be a guaranteed way to bump up your auto insurance costs. And not only will insurance be more expensive, failure to provide proof of insurance will get you a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.You may need to submit proof of financial responsibility or a SR-22 with your state motor vehicle department to get your license reinstated.
- More people means more accidents – Being located in a rural area is a positive aspect when it comes to auto insurance. Urban drivers tend to have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Lower population means reduced accidents.
But I don’t know anything about car insurance
When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage, there really is not a best way to insure your cars. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so this has to be addressed. For instance, these questions can aid in determining if you may require specific advice.
- Am I getting all the discounts available?
- Is business property covered if stolen from my car?
- How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in my state?
- Do I have coverage if my license is suspended?
- Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
- Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
- Am I covered if I crash into my own garage door?
- Should I buy additional glass protection?
If you can’t answer these questions but a few of them apply, then you may want to think about talking to an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It’s fast, free and you can get the answers you need.
Buying auto insurance from a local agent
Certain consumers would rather buy from a local agent and that is a personal choice. Educated insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help file insurance claims. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is you can get the best rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local businesses is definitely important in small towns and cities.
Upon completion of this short form, the quote information is emailed to participating agents who will battle to get your business. You don’t have to drive around because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy!
Is a captive or independent car insurance agent right for you?
When researching a reputable insurance agent or broker, you need to know there are two different types of agents to choose from. Agents can either be captive or independent. Either one can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn how they are different because it can impact the type of agent you choose
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of 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 and that require little work on your part.
When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you include multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection.
Captive Agents
Captive agencies can only place business with one company and examples are Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. They are unable to give you multiple price quotes so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. These agents are very knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
To view a complete directory of auto insurance agents, visit this page.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- How are claims handled?
- How are they compensated?
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction to these questions and locked in a price quote, you may have just found a car insurance agent that is a good match to service your policy.
Quote often and quote early
Cheaper Dodge Challenger insurance is available on the web and also from your neighborhood agents, so you should compare both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
When buying insurance coverage, you should never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many situations where consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
