Finding cheap Plymouth auto insurance over the internet can seem to be problematic for beginners to buying insurance on the web. With so many choices of insurers available, how can consumers effectively compare the different rates to find the lowest rates?
Compare Quotes for Plymouth Auto Insurance
There are several ways you can shop for auto insurance but some are less labor-intensive and much quicker. You can waste a lot of time discussing policy coverages with local insurance agents in Plymouth, or you could use the internet to quickly compare rates.
All the larger companies belong to an insurance system that enables customers to send in one quote, and at least one company can provide price quotes determined by their information. This system prevents you from having to do quote requests for each company.
To compare rates using this form now click here to open in new window.
The single downside to using this type of system is buyers cannot specifically choose the insurers you will receive quotes from. If you would rather choose individual companies for rate comparison, we have a page of the cheapest auto insurance companies in Minnesota. Click to view list.
Which method you use is up to you, but make sure you use the exact same coverage limits and deductibles for each comparison quote. If you are comparing unequal deductibles or liability limits you can’t possibly make an equal comparison in Plymouth. Just a small difference in insurance coverages can result in a big premium difference. Keep in mind that having more price comparisons helps locate lower pricing.
Auto insurance myths debunked
Auto insurance providers like 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm regularly use ads on TV and radio. They all say the same thing that you’ll save big if you move to them. How do they all make almost identical claims? It’s all in the numbers.
Insurance companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For example, a desirable insured might be profiled as between 25 and 40, has no driving citations, and has excellent credit. Any driver that hits that “sweet spot” will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to pay quite a bit less when switching companies.
Drivers who don’t measure up to the “perfect” profile will be charged higher rates and this can result in the customer not buying. The ads say “people who switch” not “everybody who quotes” save money. That’s the way insurance companies can confidently state the savings.
That is why it is so important to quote coverage with many companies. You cannot predict which company will fit your personal profile best.
Save Money with These Tips
Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that go into determining the rates you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get big savings.
Listed below are a few of the “ingredients” companies use to determine your rates.
- Performance influences rates – The performance level of the vehicle you own makes a significant difference in how high your rates are. Lower performance four cylinder passenger models receive the most favorable rates, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
- Lower rates come with age – Older insureds are more cautious drivers, statistically cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets. Young drivers tend to be less responsible when behind the wheel therefore auto insurance rates are much higher.
- Never allow your policy to lapse – Allowing your auto insurance policy to lapse will be a sure-fire way to bump up your auto insurance costs. And not only will your rates increase, but not being able to provide proof of insurance can result in a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.You may need to submit proof of financial responsibility or a SR-22 with the Minnesota motor vehicle department.
- Optional equipment can affect rates – Choosing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention devices like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar can thwart your car from being stolen.
- Drive a safer car and pay less – Vehicles with good safety scores get lower rates. The safest vehicles result in less severe injuries and fewer injuries means less money paid by your insurance company and more competitive rates for policyholders.
- Your location is important – Residing in small towns and rural areas is a positive aspect when insuring your vehicles. Urban drivers tend to have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Lower population translates into fewer accidents as well as less vandalism and auto theft.
- Extra coverages can waste money – There are a ton of add-on coverages you can purchase on your policy. Insurance for vanishing deductibles, better glass coverage and membership fees are some examples. They may seem good when you first buy your policy, but your needs may have changed so eliminate the coverages to reduce your premium.
- Rates may be lower depending on your job – Occupations like lawyers, social workers and accountants have higher rates than average due to stressful work requirements and long work days. On the flip side, occupations such as actors, athletes and the unemployed get better rates.
More discounts equal less premium
The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but companies offer discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Some discounts apply automatically when you complete an application, but some must be asked about prior to receiving the credit.
- Homeowners Pay Less – Owning a house in Plymouth can save you money because maintaining a house demonstrates responsibility.
- Pay Now and Pay Less – If paying your policy premium upfront rather than paying monthly you may reduce your total bill.
- Anti-lock Brake Discount – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems prevent accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
- Federal Employees – Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with a few auto insurance companies.
- Multiple Cars – Having all your vehicles on the same auto insurance policy qualifies for this discount.
- No Accidents – Drivers with accident-free driving histories can earn big discounts when compared with frequent claim filers.
- New Vehicle Savings – Buying coverage on a new vehicle is cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
- Anti-theft Discount – Vehicles with anti-theft systems help deter theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
- Discounts for Safe Drivers – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can pay as much as 50% less than drivers with accidents.
- Sign Online – A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 just for signing your application on their website.
A little note about advertised discounts, some of the credits will not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. Just because you may think all those discounts means the company will pay you, it just doesn’t work that way. Any amount of discount will bring down your premiums.
Is my situation unique?
When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Every situation is different.
For example, these questions might point out if you might need professional guidance.
- Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
- When should I drop full coverage on my vehicle?
- Does my vehicle need full coverage?
- Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
- Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
- Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Plymouth?
- Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
- Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form.
Your local neighborhood insurance agent
A small number of people would prefer to visit with an insurance agent and that is a personal choice. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the best rates and still have an agent to talk to. Supporting local businesses is especially important in Plymouth.
After filling out this simple form, your insurance coverage information is transmitted to local insurance agents who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. There is no need to leave your house since price quotes are sent directly to your email. How’s that for easy! It’s the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.
The difference between Plymouth insurance agents
When looking for a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two types of insurance agents from which to choose. Agents are classified as either independent or captive.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent. When comparing rates, you should always contact multiple independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. Many write coverage with smaller regional carriers who may have lower rates.
Below is a short list of independent agencies in Plymouth that may be able to provide price quotes.
- Professional Insurance Agent – 3600 Holly Ln N # 90 – Plymouth, MN 55447 – (763) 694-7070
- Rain and Hail Insurance Svc – 2 Carlson Pkwy N # 255 – Plymouth, MN 55447 – (763) 473-2421
- Vic Birthler Agency – 9800 Rockford Rd – Plymouth, MN 55442 – (763) 577-0799
- Jim Klukken Agency – 9800 Rockford Rd – Plymouth, MN 55442 – (763) 577-0977
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agencies work for only one company and some examples include Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to give you multiple price quotes so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agencies receive extensive training on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers sometimes buy from captive agents partially due to the brand legacy and strong financial ratings.
Listed below are Plymouth captive agents that are able to give rate quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 13605 27th Ave N – Plymouth, MN 55441 – (763) 559-3030
- American Family Insurance – 16795 County Road 24 # 110 – Plymouth, MN 55447 – (763) 553-0801
- Farmers Insurance Group – 13895 Industrial Park # 135 – Plymouth, MN 55441 – (763) 557-7076
To view a full list of captive agents in Plymouth, simply jump to this page.
Picking an insurance agency should depend on more than just the price. Some important questions to ask are:
- How long has their agency been in business in Plymouth?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
Once you have received satisfactory answers for all questions you ask and a good coverage price, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that meets your needs to service your policy.
Affordable insurance is out there
Drivers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as questionable increases in premium, being labeled a high risk driver, not issuing a premium refund and high prices. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new company is less work than it seems.
When shopping online for auto insurance, it’s a bad idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are a lot of situations where consumers will sacrifice physical damage coverage only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your strategy should be to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.
We just showed you some good ideas how to save on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers could even find that the lowest rates come from a small mutual company.
To learn more about auto insurance in Minnesota
Much more information about auto insurance in Minnesota is available on the Minnesota Department of Commerce website through this link. Minnesota drivers can find out which companies have the most complaints, view agent and company licensing information, and download brochures.
Also read more on Auto Insurance 101 and this page for help finding agents in Plymouth, MN.