Penny Pincher Insurance for your Jeep Patriot
If buying auto insurance was as easy as it sounds on TV commercials, we'd have no problem getting the lowest rates. But the premiums we pay always seem to be too high and most of use would rather get a tooth pulled. Finding insurance for your Jeep Patriot that you can actually afford is probably no different.
Step One: Compare Multiple Rate Quotes
The antiquated method of shopping for car insurance included a high pressure visit to the office of your local insurance agent. But you can now comparison shop and buy direct online!
The first step to finding lower Jeep Patriot rates is to get quotes from all the major car insurance companies. This is fast and easy and only requires you to complete one form.
Simply click the link below to start a quote that will compare rates from many companies and you may find a lower rate than you're currently paying.
Use the Same Coverages! It's really important that when doing multiple quotes for your Patriot that you use identical coverages for liability, comprehensive and collision. If you use different values, it's impossible to determine which company has the lower rates.
Step Two: Tried and True Ways to Save on Patriot Insurance
If you have completed step one above (if not, please complete that step first), then you are now ready to learn some ways to insure your Patriot that will also lower the rate you pay irregardless of which company you choose.
- Driver's safety courses will often get you a discount off your rates. Check to see if your company offers the discount and find a qualifying class in your area.
- If you're over the age of 55, check to see if you qualify for a senior citizen discount. Qualification age may vary by company
- SUV's tend to have slightly higher insurance rates due to the fact that you can take them offroad and they have a more complex drive train system.
- If your insurance company allows driver-specific car rating, you can save money by rating any teenage drivers on low profile vehicles with either no physical damage coverage or very high deductibles.
- A claim-free discount can help keep your rates down, so don't file claims that are only marginally more than your deductible. You're better off keeping the discount.
- One of the best ways to lower your insurance rates is to raise your credit score. Check your rating once a year and make sure to address any problem areas immediately.
- Being a homeowner can often get you a little discount on your auto insurance. Insuring you home with the same company as your autos can often get you even deeper discounts.
- Comprehensive and collision coverages make up the majority of your car insurance bill. If you raise your deductibles, you can will see significant savings with every policy renewal.
- If your vehicle comes with safety features such as electronic stability control, head restraints, all-wheel drive or air bags, these all help keep insurance costs down by helping reduce accident injuries.
- Speeding and other minor violations can impact your car insurance rates for up to three years. The increased cost can easily exceed the fine and court costs for the original ticket.
- Do not allow your current car insurance coverage to lapse or expire. Insurance companies have a simple way to find out when your last policy ended (called a CLUE report), and if you went without coverage for any length of time you may pay more for coverage.
- Auto theft is a big problem that costs us all money, but if your car is on the list of the most frequently stolen autos, you might be paying a little extra because of the temptation to thieves.
Step Three: Bind Coverage and Cancel your Old Policy
Knowing which company to insure your Patriot with is more than just choosing the lowest rate. You also need to be ready to put a down payment on your policy and make sure you have all the proper coverages in place.
If you didn't have a prior policy, then you can make the new policy effective any time. But if you're moving bewteen companies and don't want a lapse in coverage, make sure the effective date of the new policy is exactly the same as the cancellation date of the old policy.
Before you drive your Jeep Patriot home, make sure you have a current car insurance policy in force. Coverage will extend to the new purchase from your policy, but if you don't have a policy then you have no protection. Be sure to have a new policy ready to go if you are buying a new Patriot. If you've never had car insurance or don't have a policy now, you won't have any protection on the vehicle until you add it to your policy.
Upon completion of buying your policy, you need to print out the financial responsibility card that must be kept in your vehicle at all times. Replace any old cards and promptly replace expired cards. An SR-22 filing may be required by your state's DMV if you've been convicted of a serious driving offense such as DUI, DWI or reckless driving. If this applies to you, make sure the car insurance company complies with the SR-22 requirement.
Car Insurance Resources
The Insurance Information Institute website has a great library of car insurance topics that cover claims, replacement parts, rental cars and more.
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