Are you a victim of high-priced auto insurance? Believe me, there are a lot of people just like you who feel imprisoned by their auto insurance policy.
With so many companies and agents to choose from, it can be impossible to find the lowest cost insurance company.
Consumers should take time to compare prices on a regular basis since insurance rates are rarely the same from one policy term to another. Despite the fact that you may have had the lowest rates on SLK350 coverage on your last policy there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because we’re going to demonstrate the easiest way to find better coverage at a better price.
Buying affordable protection is easy if you know what you’re doing. Just about anyone who is required by state law to have auto insurance should be able to find better rates. Although consumers need to have an understanding of the way insurance companies price online insurance and take advantage of how the system works.
Compare Auto Insurance Costs
Comparing auto insurance rates can be exhausting if you don’t utilize the best way to get rate quotes. You could spend the better part of a day discussing policy coverages with local insurance agents in your area, or you could save time and use online quotes to achieve your goal.
Many companies participate in an industry program where insurance shoppers send in one quote, and every company returns a rated price. This saves time by eliminating quote requests to every company.
To compare rates using this form now click here to start a free quote.
The one disadvantage to using this type of form is that you can’t choose which companies to receive prices from. If you prefer to choose from a list of companies to compare rates, we put together a list of auto insurance companies in your area. Click here for list of insurance companies.
However you get your quotes, make darn sure you compare identical coverage limits for each price quote. If you have mixed coverages it will be very difficult to determine the lowest rate for your Mercedes-Benz SLK350. Having just a slight variation in limits may cause a big price difference. And when comparison shopping, comparing a large number of companies will improve the odds of getting a better price.
Save $454 a year? Really?
Companies like Allstate and Progressive constantly bombard you with ads on TV and radio. All the ads say the same thing of big savings if you switch to their company. How can each company make the same claim? This is how they do it.
All the different companies have a preferred profile for the type of customer that makes them money. A good example of a desirable insured could be over the age of 50, has no driving citations, and has excellent credit. A customer getting a price quote that hits that “sweet spot” is entitled to the best price and most likely will save when switching.
Potential insureds who don’t qualify for the “perfect” profile will be quoted higher prices which leads to business going elsewhere. The ads say “customers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that much money. That’s why insurance companies can state the savings.
This emphasizes why drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which auto insurance company will have the lowest rates.
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 rates are made up of many parts
Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that go into determining your auto insurance rates. Understanding what influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.
- Your spouse saves you money – Getting married actually saves money on your policy. It usually means you are more mature and it’s proven that being married results in fewer claims.
- Your occupation can affect rates – Careers like real estate brokers, executives and dentists are shown to have the highest average rates due to high stress levels and lots of time spent at work. Other professions such as pilots, historians and the unemployed pay the least on SLK350 coverage.
- Multi-policy discounts can save money – Some auto insurance companies provide better rates to people who consolidate policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it’s still a good idea to compare other company rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
- Don’t cancel a policy without a new one in place – Allowing your coverage to lapse is a fast way to trigger a rate increase. Not only will rates go up, failure to provide proof of insurance will get you a license revocation or jail time.You may then be required to file a SR-22 with your state motor vehicle department to get your license reinstated.
- Choose a safe vehicle and save – Vehicles with high crash test scores tend to have better insurance rates. These vehicles protect occupants better and fewer injuries means lower claim amounts and lower rates for you. If your Mercedes-Benz scored better than four stars on Safercar.gov you are probably receiving a discount.
Save money by taking advantage of these discounts
Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but there could be available discounts that you may not even be aware of. Most are applied when you get a quote, but some may not be applied and must be specifically requested prior to receiving the credit.
- Low Mileage – Fewer annual miles on your Mercedes-Benz can earn better rates on cars that stay parked.
- Homeowners Discount – Owning a house may earn you a small savings because of the fact that having a home shows financial diligence.
- Discount for New Cars – Insuring a new car can cost up to 25% less due to better safety requirements for new cars.
- Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
- Theft Prevention Discount – Vehicles with anti-theft systems help deter theft and will save you 10% or more.
- Early Signing – A few companies offer discounts for switching policies before your current expiration date. This can save 10% or more.
Drivers should understand that many deductions do not apply to all coverage premiums. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. But any discount will bring down your overall premium however.
To see a list of companies offering auto insurance discounts, follow this link.
Are insurance agents a thing of the past?
Certain consumers would prefer to get advice from a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find the lowest rates but also keep your business local. Supporting small agencies is important particularly if you live in a smaller city or town.
After filling out this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information gets sent to agents in your area who will compete for your business. You don’t have to even leave your home as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy! Get lower rates AND a local agent.
Not all insurance agents are the same
When finding a good insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents from which to choose. Agents can either be captive or independent.
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies. When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include at least one independent agent to get the best comparison.
Captive Agents
Captive agents have only one company to place business with and examples are Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so they have to upsell other benefits. Captives are well schooled on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents.
To view a full list of auto insurance agents, click here.
Deciding on an insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:
- If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
After receiving reasonable responses to these questions as well as a affordable price, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that meets your needs to properly insure your vehicles.
Online plus local equals savings
We’ve covered quite a bit of information on how to save on Mercedes-Benz SLK350 insurance. The key thing to remember is the more quotes you get, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. You may be surprised to find that the lowest premiums are with some of the smallest insurance companies. Some small companies can often provide lower rates in certain areas compared to the large companies like Progressive and GEICO.
As you shop your coverage around, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many cases where drivers have reduced collision coverage only to regret they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at the best price while still protecting your assets.
Cheap Mercedes-Benz SLK350 insurance can be bought from both online companies and with local insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. There are still a few companies who do not offer the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.
