Finding affordable Jamestown auto insurance is always a challenge for consumers new to buying insurance online. Consumers have so many companies to choose from that it can easily become more work than you anticipated to compare prices in Jamestown.
It is always a good idea to check auto insurance prices before your policy renews since rates trend upward over time. Even if you got the best rates a few years ago a different company probably has better rates today. Starting right now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because it’s time to teach you the best methods to save on auto insurance.
These nine discounts can slash auto insurance rates
Companies offering auto insurance do not list all available discounts in an easy-to-find place, so we took the time to find both the well known and also the lesser-known auto insurance savings. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you’re paying more than you need to.
- No Charge for an Accident – Certain companies will allow you to have one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a set time period.
- Student in College – Youth drivers living away from home attending college and do not have a car may be able to be covered for less.
- Organization Discounts – Participating in a professional or civic organization is a good way to get lower rates when buying auto insurance.
- 55 and Retired – Mature drivers can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
- Good Student Discount – Getting good grades can get you a discount of up to 25%. The good student discount can last up to age 25.
- Multi-car Discount – Having more than one vehicle on one policy qualifies for this discount.
- Life Insurance – Some companies give better rates if you take out a life insurance policy as well.
- Student Driver Training – Require your teen driver to complete a driver education course in school.
- Theft Prevention System – Anti-theft and alarm systems help deter theft and will save you 10% or more.
It’s important to note that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So even though they make it sound like all those discounts means the company will pay you, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous.
When should I talk to an agent?
When buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a perfect coverage plan. Everyone’s situation is a little different.
These are some specific questions may help you determine if your insurance needs might need an agent’s assistance.
- Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
- Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
- Where can I get insurance after a DUI in North Dakota?
- Are all vehicle passengers covered by medical payments coverage?
- What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?
- Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
If you’re not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to an agent. If you don’t have a local agent, complete this form. It’s fast, free and can help protect your family.
Can’t I compare rates from local Jamestown agents?
Some consumers would rather buy from a local agent and that is just fine! Good agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is you can get better rates and still have an agent to talk to.
Once you complete this simple form, your coverage information is submitted to local insurance agents in Jamestown who will compete to get your business. You never need to drive around because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. How cool is that?!
Choosing an provider shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- How long has their agency been open in Jamestown?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
Different types of Jamestown insurance agencies
If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different types of agents to choose from. Jamestown agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can do a good job, but it’s worth learning the differences since it may influence your agent selection.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents can only place business with one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They generally cannot compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agencies are trained well in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers frequently buy from captive agents mostly because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Listed below is a short list of captive insurance agents in Jamestown that are able to give rate quotes.
- State Farm Insurance – 311 1st Ave S – Jamestown, ND 58401 – (701) 252-7197
- Farmers Insurance Group – 1209 5th Ave SE – Jamestown, ND 58401 – (701) 252-4295
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with multiple insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency.
When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection. Many write coverage with smaller companies which can be an advantage.
Below is a short list of independent insurance agencies in Jamestown that are able to give comparison quotes.
- Thielged Insurance – 314 Business Loop W – Jamestown, ND 58401 – (701) 252-1192
- Nodak Mutual Insurance – 312 2nd Ave SW # 104 – Jamestown, ND 58401 – (701) 252-1940
To view a full list of insurance agents in Jamestown, simply jump to this page.
After receiving positive feedback in addition to an acceptable price estimate, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that can properly service your auto insurance policy.
Read more about North Dakota auto insurance
More detailed North Dakota auto insurance information is located at the North Dakota Insurance Department website. Visitors are able to find a variety of consumer forms, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, find out which companies have the most complaints, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.
Also read more on this resource for North Dakota auto insurance prices and this list of insurance agents in Jamestown.
Auto insurance coverage specifics
Knowing the specifics of your policy helps when choosing the best coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. Auto insurance terms can be ambiguous and coverage can change by endorsement.
Coverage for medical expenses
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage provide coverage for bills for things like doctor visits, chiropractic care and prosthetic devices. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. Medical payments and PIP cover all vehicle occupants and will also cover being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers
This coverage protects you and your vehicle from other motorists when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. It can pay for injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and also any damage incurred to your vehicle.
Since many North Dakota drivers have only the minimum liability required by law (North Dakota limits are 25/50/25), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is very important.
Comprehensive auto insurance
This will pay to fix damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You need to pay your deductible first and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things like damage from a tornado or hurricane, vandalism, hitting a deer and damage from getting keyed. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible it’s not worth carrying full coverage.
Liability insurance
Liability insurance protects you from damages or injuries you inflict on other people or property. This insurance protects YOU from claims by other people. It does not cover your injuries or vehicle damage.
Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. As an example, you may have limits of 100/300/100 which stand for $100,000 bodily injury coverage, $300,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $100,000.
Liability insurance covers things such as bail bonds, structural damage, emergency aid and repair costs for stationary objects. How much coverage you buy is your choice, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as much as you can afford. North Dakota state law requires minimum liability limits of 25,000/50,000/25,000 but it’s recommended drivers buy higher limits.
Collision insurance
This pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from colliding with another car or object. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision coverage protects against claims such as colliding with a tree, sideswiping another vehicle and driving through your garage door. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so you might think about dropping it from older vehicles. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.
More quotes mean more savings
Consumers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including policy non-renewal, delays in paying claims, lack of trust in their agent and even high rates after DUI convictions. Whatever your reason, choosing a new company is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.
As you shop your coverage around, it’s not a good idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice full coverage and learned later that they should have had better coverage. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at the best price.
You just learned a lot of tips how to lower your auto insurance rates. The key concept to understand is the more rate comparisons you have, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. Consumers may even find the most savings is with a smaller regional carrier.