{"id":5733,"date":"2021-07-16T07:54:00","date_gmt":"2021-07-16T07:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=5733"},"modified":"2023-11-10T15:38:47","modified_gmt":"2023-11-10T15:38:47","slug":"compare-car-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/compare-car-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Compare Car Insurance Rates"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Beyond things like safe driver discounts, the best way to save money on your car insurance<\/a> is to switch to a different carrier. Unfortunately, most drivers don\u2019t know the best way to compare carriers and find a great rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why we put together this guide. Keep reading to discover how to compare rates and save some serious money!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Often Should I Shop Around for Insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We recommend shopping around and compare car insurance<\/a> whenever your policy is up for renewal. This gives you a chance to potentially save on your car insurance each and every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/u><\/a> with your existing carrier, these life events also provide the perfect opportunity to shop for new insurance quotes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can I Get a Car Insurance Quote?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re intimidated by the prospect of comparing insurance companies, we\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The most direct approach to quoting is looking for the best car insurance<\/a> at the lowest possible price. However, it\u2019s also worth digging a little deeper to make sure these policies all offer the level of coverage<\/u><\/a> you need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the Average Cost of Insurance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re reading this, chances are you feel like you\u2019re paying too much for car insurance. But what if you could prove that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you start comparing rates, we recommend looking up the average cost of insurance<\/a><\/u> in your area. On the most basic level, this helps you discover if you are paying more or less than the average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, if you prefer additional coverage options such as comprehensive insurance<\/a>, that\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Different Ways of Getting Quotes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this isn\u2019t the only way you can get insurance quotes<\/u><\/a>. 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\u2019re in the office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Choose a Car Insurance Company<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Quick question: what do you do before you make a major purchase? If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is known as \u201csocial proof, \u201d and you can use this same principle to see what people are saying about your prospective car insurance company.<\/p>\n\n\n

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In some cases, there may be independent consumer websites where users can describe their experiences with an insurance carrier. Don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You shouldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inspect the Policy Fine Print<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At a minimum, you need to make sure the different companies offer you the same level of coverage. Otherwise, it\u2019s not worth saving money by getting low coverage that puts you and your car at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, you\u2019ll 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<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compare the Car Insurance Company’s Perks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s 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 \u201cbells and whistles\u201d the different carriers are offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe one carrier offers coverage for towing your vehicle<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These kinds of features aren\u2019t 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\u2019s fine to choose the one that offers the best extra benefits for your policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Get a Discount on Car Insurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re a college student, there may even be discounts for having good grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is up to each insurance carrier to determine which discounts they offer. While you are shopping for different rates, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Best Car Insurance for You at a Great Price<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Freeway Insurance specializes in offering the coverage you need at the prices you deserve! Get started with a quote online,<\/u><\/a> or visit us at an office<\/u><\/a> near you. Also, you can always call us at (800) 777-5620<\/a> for a quick quote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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