Beyond things like safe driver discounts, the best way to save money on your car insurance is to switch to a different carrier. Unfortunately, most drivers don’t know the best way to compare carriers and find a great rate.
That’s why we put together this guide. Keep reading to discover how to compare rates and save some serious money!
How Often Should I Shop Around for Insurance?
We recommend shopping around and compare car insurance whenever your policy is up for renewal. This gives you a chance to potentially save on your car insurance each and every year.
In addition to shopping for car insurance quotes annually, you should also do it after you experience a major life change. This includes everything from getting married to starting a new job with a shorter commute.
This is because a variety of factors can impact your car insurance premium. Things like moving to a safer neighborhood, improving your credit, or establishing a record of safe driving may warrant a lower premium. While these things can help lower your premium with your existing carrier, these life events also provide the perfect opportunity to shop for new insurance quotes.
How Can I Get a Car Insurance Quote?
If you’re intimidated by the prospect of comparing insurance companies, we’ve got some good news: comparing rates is easier now than ever before. Every major carrier offers an option to get a quote online or over the phone.
Simply getting a quote on your insurance does not commit you to that carrier. In other words, there is no limit to the number of quotes you can get and the number of different insurance carriers you can explore.
The most direct approach to quoting is looking for the best car insurance at the lowest possible price. However, it’s also worth digging a little deeper to make sure these policies all offer the level of coverage you need.
What is the Average Cost of Insurance?
If you’re reading this, chances are you feel like you’re paying too much for car insurance. But what if you could prove that?
Before you start comparing rates, we recommend looking up the average cost of insurance in your area. On the most basic level, this helps you discover if you are paying more or less than the average.
Of course, if you prefer additional coverage options such as comprehensive insurance, that’s going to drive the costs up. Everything from your age to your zip code may be influencing your specific premium. But knowing the average cost of insurance for your area gives you a logical place to start.
Different Ways of Getting Quotes
The simplest way to get an insurance quote is to do so online. However, not all drivers like to mess around with various online insurance portals. If you aren’t very tech-savvy, you might not like the prospect of visiting a dozen insurance sites and navigating those portals just to get a few quotes.
However, this isn’t the only way you can get insurance quotes. For example, you can also visit the local offices of insurance companies and speak face to face with a representative. While this takes longer than clicking a few buttons online, you get the benefit of an insurance professional offering you a more accurate quote. If you have any questions about the policy, you can go ahead and ask while you’re in the office.
If you don’t want to drive all the way out to an insurance office, you can also contact them by phone. This gives you most of the benefits of a face-to-face meeting (such as the more accurate rate and the ability to ask questions) without requiring you to leave the house!
How to Choose a Car Insurance Company
Quick question: what do you do before you make a major purchase? If you’re like most of us, you check to see what other consumers are saying. For example, before buying something online, you should check the consumer ratings and see what those who bought it are saying and if there are any complaints.
This is known as “social proof, ” and you can use this same principle to see what people are saying about your prospective car insurance company.
In some cases, there may be independent consumer websites where users can describe their experiences with an insurance carrier. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends and followers what they think directly. You may be better logging on to your social media account and searching for what people are saying about the insurance company in other cases.
You shouldn’t just take the word of one or two people. But checking for social proof is a simple way to ensure most insurance carrier customers are happy with the price, communication, and customer service.
Inspect the Policy Fine Print
At a minimum, you need to make sure the different companies offer you the same level of coverage. Otherwise, it’s not worth saving money by getting low coverage that puts you and your car at risk.
Additionally, you’ll want to check the fine print on things like the deductible. Long story short? Treat this like any other contract and inspect all the details before you sign anything to avoid making some major insurance mistakes.
Compare the Car Insurance Company’s Perks
Let’s say that you have things narrowed down to a few different carriers. If they are offering similar prices and coverage, how can you know which carrier to go with? Check to see what “bells and whistles” the different carriers are offering.
Maybe one carrier offers coverage for towing your vehicle if there is an emergency. Or another carrier might offer coverage for things like changing tires and jumping off your car if the battery dies.
These kinds of features aren’t enough by themselves to help you decide on an insurance carrier. But if you have things narrowed down to a few similar companies and similar coverages, it’s fine to choose the one that offers the best extra benefits for your policy.
How to Get a Discount on Car Insurance
Shopping around for insurance is the best way to save money on your policy. But the next best way is to contact the insurance carrier about special discounts.
For example, there may be discounts for things like safe driving records and the completion of a safe driving course. Or discounts for installing anti-theft devices. If you’re a college student, there may even be discounts for having good grades.
It is up to each insurance carrier to determine which discounts they offer. While you are shopping for different rates, it’s also worth asking about potential discounts. These can offer additional savings on top of your new rate, and discovering who has the best discounts is one more thing that can help you choose the best carrier.
The Best Car Insurance for You at a Great Price
Now you know how to compare different car insurance companies. But what if you could find the best one with the click of a button?
Freeway Insurance specializes in offering the coverage you need at the prices you deserve! Get started with a quote online, or visit us at an office near you. Also, you can always call us at (800) 777-5620 for a quick quote.
