No one in their right mind enjoys paying for auto insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much.
Multiple insurance companies compete for your hard-earned dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates and uncover the absolute lowest rate possible.
You need to compare rates on a regular basis because insurance rates are variable and change quite frequently. Even if you got the best rates a year ago there may be better deals available now. You can find a lot of misleading information regarding auto insurance on the internet, so by reading this article, you’re going to learn the easiest ways to save money.
If you are paying for car insurance now, you stand a good chance to be able to lower your premiums substantially using these tips. Buying car insurance in Miami is not that difficult. Nevertheless, Florida vehicle owners must learn how the larger insurance companies market insurance on the web.
More discounts equal less premium
Car insurance can cost a lot, but companies offer discounts to cut the cost considerably. Most are applied when you purchase, but less common discounts must be inquired about before they will apply.
- Federal Government Employee – Being employed by or retired from a federal job may qualify you for a discount with certain companies.
- Resident Student – Any of your kids who are attending college and don’t have a car can be insured at a reduced rate.
- Save with a New Car – Buying coverage on a new vehicle can be considerably cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
- Anti-lock Brakes – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can avoid accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
- Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts can get savings of up to 25% or more.
- Life Insurance Discount – Some companies give a break if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
- 55 and Retired – Older drivers may receive reduced rates.
- Drivers Education – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver’s ed class if offered at their school.
- Defensive Driver – Successfully completing a course in driver safety could possibly earn you a 5% discount if you qualify.
A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free auto insurance policy, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. Any qualifying discounts will reduce your premiums.
What if I want to buy from a local Miami agent?
Some consumers would prefer to visit with an insurance agent. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is you may find lower rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from local insurance agencies is definitely important in Miami.
After completing this simple form, the quote information is emailed to participating agents in Miami who will return price quotes for your business. You never need to drive around because quoted prices will be sent directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find the lowest rates AND a local agent.
Do you need an independent or captive insurance agent?
When researching a good Miami insurance agent, you must know there are a couple different agency structures to choose from. Miami agents can either be captive or independent.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px" src="https://www.carinsurancediy.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-15.jpg" alt="Miami Florida car insurance prices” />
When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you include at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection.
Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Miami who can help you get price quotes.
Robert C Dann Insurance Inc – 13617 S Dixie Hwy # 122 – Miami, FL 33176 – (305) 251-4534
All Motors Assurance Agency – 11934 SW 8th St – Miami, FL 33184 – (305) 559-8818
Liberty International Agency – 9130 S Dadeland Blvd # 1705 – Miami, FL 33156 – (305) 670-0149
All-Motors Assurance Agency – 4150 NW 7th St # 100a – Miami, FL 33126 – (305) 649-3947
Beck and Lo’s Insurance – 3636 NW 36th St – Miami, FL 33142 – (305) 634-3306
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents can only write with one company like State Farm, Allstate and AAA. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so they have no alternatives for high prices. They are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
The following are captive insurance agents in Miami that can give you comparison quotes.
Liberty Mutual – 13027 SW 88th St – Miami, FL 33186 – (305) 385-3449
Allstate Insurance – 8070 SW 81st Dr – Miami, FL 33143 – (305) 279-7990
State Farm Insurance – 13155 SW 42nd St # 110 – Miami, FL 33175 – (305) 382-1061
For a full directory of captive agents in Miami, view this link.
Deciding on an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
- How long has their agency been open in Miami?
Upon getting answers to your satisfaction to all your questions and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that meets your needs to insure your vehicles.
Do drivers who switch really save?
Progressive, Allstate and Geico consistently run ads on TV and radio. All the companies make an identical promise that you can save if you change your policy. How does each company claim to save you money? This is how they do it.
All companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that is profitable for them. A good example of a preferred risk might be profiled as over the age of 40, has no driving citations, and has great credit. Any driver that hits that “sweet spot” will get very good rates and therefore will cut their rates substantially.
Potential insureds who don’t measure up to the requirements will be quoted higher prices which leads to business not being written. The ads say “people who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that much money. That’s why companies can make those claims.
This emphasizes why drivers must compare many company’s rates. Because you never know which auto insurance company will fit your personal profile best.
Read more about Florida auto insurance
Additional information is located on the website for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. Click here for link. Florida consumers can file complaints about a company, report car insurance fraud, read consumer alerts, and learn about specific coverages.
Final considerations
We just covered many tips how you can get a better price on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may even discover the best prices are with a smaller regional carrier. They often have lower prices on specific markets as compared to the big name companies such as Allstate or State Farm.
Low-cost auto insurance is attainable from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Miami, so you should be comparing quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. A few companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.