Are you overwhelmed by the sheer number of car insurance company choices in Independence? You have a lot of company. Consumers have so many companies to choose from that it can turn into a real hassle to locate the lowest price.
Consumers need to take a look at other company’s rates before your policy renews because rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the lowest price last year you will most likely find a better rate today. Don’t believe everything you read about car insurance online but with this article, you’re going to get some of the best ways to reduce your car insurance bill.
If you have a current car insurance policy or are looking for a new policy, you can use this information to reduce the price you pay and possibly find even better coverage. This article will help you learn how to get online quotes. Kentucky drivers only need to know the best way to compare rates over the internet.
Are you getting all your discounts?
Companies offering auto insurance don’t always publicize every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so we researched some of the more common and also the lesser-known car insurance savings. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you’re just leaving money on the table.
- Claim Free – Good drivers with no accidents pay much less compared to frequent claim filers.
- Passive Restraints – Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts can qualify for discounts of 20% or more.
- Paperwork-free – A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 just for signing your application digitally online.
- Memberships – Belonging to a professional or civic organization is a good way to get lower rates when buying car insurance.
- Early Signing – Some companies give discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. This can save 10% or more.
- Multiple Policy Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may earn up to 20% off your total premium.
- Use Seat Belts – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to use a seat belt can save up to 15% on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
- Anti-lock Brake System – Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
- Fewer Miles Equal More Savings – Fewer annual miles can qualify you for better rates on cars that stay parked.
- Employee of Federal Government – Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off with a few car insurance companies.
Consumers should know that some credits don’t apply the the whole policy. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, companies don’t profit that way.
How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes in Independence, Kentucky
There are several ways to shop for car insurance, and some are easier and takes less work. You can waste a lot of time discussing policy coverages with insurance agencies in Independence, or you can stay home and use the web to get rate comparisons in just a few minutes.
Most major companies take part in a program where insurance shoppers enter their coverage request one time, and every company returns a competitive quote based on the submitted data. This system prevents you from having to do quote requests for each company.
To compare rates now click here to start a free quote.
The only drawback to getting quotes like this is you can’t choose the companies you will receive quotes from. So if you want to choose individual companies to request quotes from, we have a page of the cheapest car insurance companies in Kentucky. View list of Kentucky insurance companies.
It’s your choice how you get your quotes, but make sure you use the exact same coverage limits and deductibles for every quote you compare. If you have mixed coverages it will be very difficult to determine the lowest rate in Independence.
Smart Buyers can Save Money
Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that come into play when calculating car insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay helps enable you to make changes that could result in lower car insurance prices.
The list below includes some of the factors that factor into premiums.
- One company can mean more discounts – Most companies give discounts to customers who consolidate policies with them. It’s known as a multi-policy discount. Discounts can be anywhere from five to ten percent in most cases. Even with this discount, you may still want to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal.
- Rates may be lower depending on your job – Did you know your job can affect your rates? Careers like judges, 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 scientists, athletes and performers get better rates.
- Performance influences rates – The performance of the car you drive makes a significant difference in how high your rates are. Small economy passenger vehicles generally receive the lowest base rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
- An active claims history can cost you – If you file claims often, you can look forward to either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Auto insurance companies in Kentucky award lower rates to people who are claim-free. Auto insurance is meant to be used in the event of larger claims.
- Cautious drivers pay less – Even a single speeding ticket may increase your cost forty percent or more. Drivers with clean records have lower premiums than their less careful counterparts. Drivers who get dangerous violations such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to submit a SR-22 form with the DMV in their state in order to prevent a license revocation.
- High crash test scores lower rates – Cars with high safety ratings get lower rates. These vehicles reduce injuries and lower injury rates translates into savings for insurance companies and lower rates for you.
Do I just need basic coverages?
When buying proper insurance coverage, there really is no best way to insure your cars. Every insured’s situation is different.
For instance, these questions may help you determine whether you might need an agent’s assistance.
- Can I pay claims out-of-pocket if I buy high deductibles?
- Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
- Does my policy pay for OEM or aftermarket parts?
- What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
- Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
- Am I covered by my spouse’s policy after a separation?
- Do I need PIP coverage since I have good health insurance?
- Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
If you can’t answer these questions, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can help protect your family.
Buying car insurance locally
A small number of people would rather talk to a local agent and that is just fine! Good agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is you can get the best rates and still choose a local agent.
After completing this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is sent to participating agents in Independence who will battle for your coverage. There is no reason to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Choosing an insurance company shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Is working in the agency their full-time job?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- Can glass repairs be made at your home?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
The type of insurance agency you choose is important
When searching for a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two different agency structures that you can select. Agents are classified as either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning the differences since it may influence the selection process.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents work for only one company and some examples include State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. Captives cannot shop your coverage around so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agents are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some consumers prefer to choose to use a captive agent mostly because of loyalty to the company and solid financial strength.
Shown below are Independence captive agencies that are able to give comparison quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 5195 Madison Pike – Independence, KY 41051 – (859) 356-9292
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 1997 Walton Nicholson Pike – Independence, KY 41051 – (859) 356-2161
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with multiple insurance companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency. When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to contact at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection.Most can insure with smaller regional carriers which can be an advantage.
Listed below are Independence independent agents that can give you price quotes.
- Farm Bureau Insurance – 1997 Walton Nicholson Pike – Independence, KY 41051 – (859) 356-2161
- Daniel Gaddis Insurance – 11565 Taylor Mill Rd – Independence, KY 41051 – (859) 356-0077
For a complete listing of licensed insurance agents in Independence, view this link.
Upon getting answers to your satisfaction and locked in a price quote, you may have just found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to properly service your car insurance policy.
Car insurance myths debunked
Consumers in Kentucky can’t ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance from the likes of State Farm, Allstate and Geico. All the companies say the same thing that you can save if you switch your coverage to them.
But how can every company claim to save you money? It’s all in the numbers.
All the different companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver they prefer to insure. An example of a driver they prefer might be over the age of 40, has no tickets, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. Any new insured who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save quite a bit of money when switching.
Potential customers who don’t meet these standards must pay higher premiums and this can result in business not being written. The ad wording is “people who switch” not “people who quote” save that kind of money. This is how companies can advertise the way they do. This illustrates why you should get as many comparisons as possible. It’s impossible to know the company that will fit your personal profile best.
Shop smart and save
Low-cost car insurance can be bought online and also from your neighborhood Independence agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who may not provide online quoting and these smaller companies work with independent agents.
Drivers leave their current company for a number of reasons such as delays in responding to claim requests, denial of a claim, high prices and questionable increases in premium. Whatever your reason, finding a new company is not as hard as you think.
Throughout this article, we presented quite a bit of information on how to save on car insurance. The key thing to remember is the more rate comparisons you have, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. Consumers may even find the best price on car insurance is with a small mutual company.
More detailed Kentucky car insurance information can be read at the Kentucky Department of Insurance website. Consumers can report car insurance fraud, learn about specific coverages, learn about insurance regulations, and read state legal mandates and laws.
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