Expensive car insurance can dwindle your bank account and make it impossible to make ends meet. Doing a price comparison is a great way to make sure you’re not throwing money away. Because there are so many choices of insurance companies, it is hard for the average consumer to find the most cost effective insurance company.
Buying car insurance in Columbus is not rocket science. If you currently have car insurance, you will be able to save some money using this strategy. Nebraska drivers just need to know how to compare prices online.
Don’t overlook these discounts
Companies that sell car insurance don’t always list all available discounts very clearly, so here is a list some of the more common and the harder-to-find car insurance savings. If you’re not getting every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.
- Braking Control Discount – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can avoid accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
- Memberships – Belonging to a professional or civic organization could qualify you for a break on your policy.
- One Accident Forgiven – Certain companies will forgive one accident without raising rates as long as you don’t have any claims for a particular time prior to the accident.
- Employee of Federal Government – Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% with certain companies.
- Use Seat Belts – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to wear their seat belts can save up to 15% off your PIP or medical payments premium.
- Lower Rates for Military – Having a deployed family member could mean lower rates.
- Sign Early and Save – Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. It can save you around 10%.
- Pay Upfront and Save – If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
- Homeowners Pay Less – Being a homeowner may trigger a car insurance policy discount because maintaining a house is proof that your finances are in order.
Drivers should understand that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. Most cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, it doesn’t quite work that way.
Educated Consumers Know How to Buy Car Insurance Cheaper
An important part of buying insurance is that you know the rating factors that go into determining your car insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what impacts premium levels empowers consumers to make smart changes that could result in much lower annual insurance costs.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px" src="https://www.carinsurancediy.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-25.jpg" alt="Columbus NE insurance quotes” />
Listed below are a few of the “ingredients” used by your company to calculate premiums.
- Special features that cut premiums – Driving a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Theft prevention features like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system all hinder your vehicle from being stolen.
- Where you reside plays a part – Residing in a small town can be a good thing when insuring your vehicles. Drivers who live in large cities have to deal with much more traffic and longer commute times. Fewer drivers means fewer accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
- Better credit scores mean better rates – Credit rating is a important factor in your rate calculation. Drivers with high credit ratings tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records as compared to drivers with lower credit scores. So if your credit rating can use some improvement, you could potentially save money when insuring your by improving your rating.
- Mature drivers pay less – Mature drivers are more responsible, file fewer claims and receive fewer citations. Teenage drivers have a tendency to be careless and easily distracted in a vehicle therefore car insurance rates are much higher.
- Bump up deductibles to save – Coverage for physical damage, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, protects your car from damage. Some instances where coverage would apply are a windshield shattered by a rock, collision with an animal, and burglary. The deductibles are the amount of money you are required to spend out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. The more money you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the less your car insurance will be.
- Do you work long hours in a high stress job? – Careers like real estate brokers, business owners and accountants have higher rates than average due to high stress and long work days. On the flip side, occupations such as actors, athletes and the unemployed get better rates.
- Do you have enough liability coverage? – Liability insurance will protect you if ever a court rules you are at fault for damages caused by your negligence. It will provide legal defense which can be incredibly expensive. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to physical damage coverage, so do not skimp.
- Keep rates low by being claim-free – If you are a frequent claim filer, you can expect either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Insurance companies in Nebraska generally give discounts to insureds who are claim-free. Your insurance policy is meant to be used in the event of the bigger claims that can’t be paid out-of-pocket.
Is my situation unique?
When it comes to buying adequate coverage, there is no cookie cutter policy. Everyone’s situation is a little different and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. For instance, these questions may help you determine whether you may require specific advice.
- Do I have coverage when making deliveries for my home business?
- Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
- Is there coverage for injuries to my pets?
- Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
- Will my rates increase for filing one claim?
- Does my vehicle qualify for pleasure use?
- Is my custom paint covered by insurance?
- Does coverage extend to a rental car in a foreign country?
If you can’t answer these questions, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It’s fast, free and can provide invaluable advice.
More tips and info about car insurance is available at the Nebraska Department of Insurance website. Nebraska drivers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, view agent and company licensing information, and file complaints about a company.
Other informative sites include Auto Insurance 101 and this page of Columbus insurance agents.
Do the work, save more money
In this article, we presented quite a bit of information on how to shop for car insurance online. The key thing to remember is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may be surprised to find that the biggest savings come from the least-expected company. Regional companies may only write in your state and offer lower rates than their larger competitors like Allstate and Progressive.
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. The ultimate goal is to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.