No one in their right mind looks forward to paying for auto insurance, particularly when their premiums are through the roof. Companies like Allstate, Liberty Mutual and State Farm persitently shower you with catchy ads and consumers find it hard to see past the geckos and flying pigs and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.
It’s a good habit to compare rates at least once a year because prices tend to go up over time. Just because you had the best rates on S450 insurance six months ago a different company probably has better rates today. Starting now, forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because you’re about to learn the easiest way to find lower rates on auto insurance.
If you are insured now or need a new policy, you can follow these tips to shop for the lowest rates while maximizing coverage. Choosing the best insurance company for you is not that difficult. Drivers just need to learn the most efficient way to find the lowest price over the internet.
Low Cost Auto Insurance
Reducing your insurance rates doesn’t have to be difficult. Consumers just need to take a couple of minutes getting comparison quotes provided by online insurance companies. This can be done in a couple of different ways.
The easiest and least time consuming way to get the best comparison quotes is an all-inclusive rate comparison like this one (opens in new window). This easy form prevents you from having to do multiple quote forms for each company you want a rate for. Taking the time to complete one form will get you price quotes .
Another way to get comparison quotes requires you to visit each individual company website and request a quote. For instance, we’ll pretend you want to compare rates from Farmers, GEICO and American Family. To get each rate you have to spend time on each company’s site and enter your information, which is why the first method is more popular. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in your area, click here.
The hardest method of comparing rate quotes is to drive around to and from local insurance agencies. The internet can eliminate the need for a local agent unless you prefer the professional guidance of a licensed agent. However, consumers can get prices online and get advice from an agent in your area.
It’s your choice how you get your quotes, but be sure to compare exactly the same coverage limits for every company. If you compare higher or lower deductibles it will be very difficult to make an equal comparison.
Lots of discounts mean lots of savings
Car insurance is not cheap, but discounts can save money and there are some available to help bring down the price. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at the time of purchase, but some must be specially asked for before you get the savings. If you’re not getting every credit you qualify for, you’re paying more than you need to.
- Accident Forgiveness – A handful of insurance companies allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if you are claim-free for a set time period.
- Paperless Signup – Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
- Seat Belt Usage – Drivers who require all occupants to use their safety belts could cut 10% or more on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
- Passive Restraint Discount – Cars that have air bags can receive discounts up to 30%.
- Memberships – Belonging to a qualifying organization may earn a discount on your policy on S450 insurance.
- Discount for Good Grades – A discount for being a good student can earn a discount of 20% or more. The good student discount can last until age 25.
- More Vehicles More Savings – Having multiple cars or trucks on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
- Distant Student – Youth drivers who live away from home without a vehicle on campus may qualify for this discount.
It’s important to understand that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. Most cut individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. So even though it sounds like you can get free auto insurance, companies don’t profit that way. But any discount will bring down your premiums.
Pieces of the Mercedes-Benz S450 rate puzzle
Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that go into determining the rates you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.
Listed below are a partial list of the pieces companies use to determine your rates.
- Performance makes a difference – The performance of the vehicle you own makes a substantial difference in your rates. Since the Mercedes-Benz S450 is classified as a luxury sedan, insuring your vehicle will cost more than the average rate where you live. Economy passenger vehicles receive the most favorable rates, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
- You might want pay the small claims yourself – Auto insurance companies give better rates to policyholders who do not file claims often. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Auto insurance is intended to be relied upon for the bigger claims that can’t be paid out-of-pocket.
- Rural vs Urban Areas – Being located in less populated areas is a positive aspect when insuring your vehicles. Drivers in populated areas tend to have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Lower population means reduced accidents and a lower car theft rate.
- Lower rates with optional equipment – Driving a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system all hinder car theft.
- Don’t let your coverage lapse – Not having insurance is illegal and you will pay a penalty because you let your insurance expire. Not only will you pay more, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance can result in a license revocation or jail time.You may have to provide proof of insurance in the form of an SR-22 filing with your state DMV.
Can’t I compare rates from local agents?
Certain consumers would rather visit with an insurance agent and that is a personal choice. Insurance agents can answer important questions and help submit paperwork. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is that you can obtain better rates but still work with a licensed agent. And supporting small agencies is definitely important in smaller rural communities.
After filling out this short form, your information is submitted to local insurance agents who will compete for your business. You won’t need to drive around because quoted prices will be sent directly to your email. Now that’s easy!
Best insurance agent
When looking for a local agent, there are a couple of different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies are either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can do a good job, but it’s worth mentioning the differences since it can impact your selection of an agent.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with multiple insurance companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency.
When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection.
Agency Captives
Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company like American Family, State Farm and Allstate. Captives cannot give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are trained well in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents.
For a complete listing of agents, click here.
Choosing a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a low price. Here are some questions to ask:
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- How are they compensated?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
Upon getting acceptable answers to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.
Save 15 percent in 15 minutes? Is it for real?
Drivers constantly see and hear ads for the lowest price auto insurance by companies like 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm. They all make an identical promise that you’ll save big if you change to them.
How do they all say the same thing?
All companies have a certain “appetite” for the type of customer they prefer to insure. For example, a driver they prefer might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, has no tickets, and drives newer vehicles. Any new insured who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and therefore will cut their rates substantially.
Drivers who don’t measure up to the “perfect” profile will be charged higher prices and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say “customers that switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save money. That’s the way companies can truthfully make those claims.
That is why you need to get quotes from several different companies. You cannot predict which company will give you the biggest savings.
Smart consumers save more
When trying to cut insurance costs, it’s very important that you do not skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. Too many times, someone sacrificed full coverage only to regret at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your aim should be to purchase plenty of coverage for the lowest price.
Budget-conscious Mercedes-Benz S450 insurance is possible online as well as from independent agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best selection. Some companies don’t offer online quoting and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
We covered a lot of tips how to compare Mercedes-Benz S450 insurance prices online. The key thing to remember is the more times you quote, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. You may even find the best prices are with a small local company. Regional companies often have lower prices on specific markets compared to the large companies like State Farm and Allstate.
