No normal person looks forward to paying for car insurance, especially when they could find lower prices if they just compared rates. You have so many auto insurance companies to pick from, and although it’s a good thing to have a selection, more choices can make it harder to find the lowest rates.
It’s important to get comparison quotes once or twice a year because car insurance prices fluctuate regularly. If you had the lowest quotes two years ago you may be paying too much now. Forget all the misinformation about car insurance because you’re about to learn how to quote online to find lower rates on car insurance.
Locating affordable protection in Rochester is simple if you know the tricks. If you are insured now or are looking for a new policy, you can learn to cut your premiums and still get good coverage. Michigan drivers just need to know the tricks to shop for car insurance on the web.
How much is car insurance in Rochester?
All major car insurance companies provide insurance quotes on the web. Comparing prices online is fairly straightforward as you simply type in your personal and coverage information into the form. When the form is submitted, the company’s rating system will order reports for credit and driving violations and provides a quote based on many factors. Online price quotes makes it easy to compare insurance prices but the time required to go to many different websites and type in your information can be a bit tiresome and repetitive. But it’s very important to compare as many rates as possible in order to find the best price on car insurance.
Rate comparisons made easy
The quickest way to compare car insurance pricing requires only one form to obtain quotes from a bunch of companies at once. This type of form saves time, requires much less work on your part, and makes online quotes much easier to do. After sending the form, it is rated and you can choose your choice of the resulting price quotes.
If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, you can simply submit the application and purchase the new policy. This process just takes a couple of minutes and you will find out if you’re overpaying now.
To find out how much you can save on car insurance, click here and fill out the form. To compare your current rates, we recommend that you enter the coverages exactly as they are listed on your policy. Doing this assures you’re receiving a fair comparison for similar insurance coverage.
Car insurance savings promises
Consumers in Michigan can’t get away from ads that promise big savings for switching by State Farm, Allstate and Geico. All the companies convey the message about how much you will save if you change your coverage to them.
Is it even possible that every company can make the same claim? It’s all in the numbers.
Many companies quote their cheapest rates for the right customer they prefer to insure. A good example of a desirable insured might be described as over the age of 35, carries full coverage, and drives newer vehicles. Any new insured that meets those criteria will qualify for the lowest premium rates in Rochester and will probably save if they switch.
Potential customers who do not match those standards will have to pay higher rates which leads to the customer buying from someone else. Company advertisements say “people who switch” but not “everyone who gets a quote” will save that much if they switch. That’s why insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do.
This really illustrates why you really need to compare as many as you can. It is just not possible to predict with any certainty which company will have better auto insurance rates than you’re paying now.
Car insurance discounts are available to cut your rates
Car insurance is not inexpensive, but companies offer discounts that could drop your premiums quite a bit. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at the time of quoting, but a few must be specifically requested prior to getting the savings.
- Theft Prevention System – Vehicles that have factory alarm systems and tracking devices are stolen less frequently and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
- Save with More Vehicles Insured – Having multiple cars with one company can get a discount on all vehicles.
- E-sign – Certain larger companies will give a small break just for signing your application digitally online.
- Club Memberships – Joining a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break on your next renewal.
- Military Deployment Discount – Being deployed in the military could trigger a small discount.
- Discount for Low Mileage – Keeping the miles down could earn discounted premium rates on garaged vehicles.
- Seat Belts Save – Drivers who always wear seat belts and also require passengers to use a seat belt could save 15% on the premium charged for medical payments and/or PIP.
- New Car Discount – Buying a new car model can save up to 30% since new model year vehicles have better safety ratings.
- Distant Student Discount – Youth drivers who attend college more than 100 miles from home and won’t have access to an insured vehicle can receive lower rates.
You should keep in mind that some of the credits will not apply the the whole policy. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. Despite the fact that it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, company stockholders wouldn’t be very happy.
A list of car insurance companies and their offered discounts can be read below.
- Travelers offers discounts including hybrid/electric vehicle, IntelliDrive, continuous insurance, driver training, and save driver.
- 21st Century offers premium reductions for 55 and older, early bird, teen driver, air bags, and good student.
- State Farm may have discounts that include good driver, defensive driving training, accident-free, Steer Clear safe driver discount, Drive Safe & Save, student away at school, and multiple policy.
- Geico has savings for five-year accident-free, defensive driver, air bags, membership and employees, multi-vehicle, good student, and multi-policy.
- SAFECO includes discounts for multi-car, anti-theft, teen safety rewards, safe driver, and drive less.
- AAA may offer discounts for good driver, multi-car, education and occupation, AAA membership discount, anti-theft, multi-policy, and good student.
Check with all the companies to give you their best rates. Some discounts listed above might not be offered in Rochester. To view companies who offer free car insurance quotes in Rochester, follow this link.
You may need advice from a local insurance agent
Some people prefer to visit with an insurance agent and that is recommended in a lot of cases Insurance agents are trained risk managers and will help you if you have claims. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is you may find cheap rate quotes and still buy from a local agent. Buying from and supporting neighborhood insurance agencies is especially important in Rochester.
For easy comparison, once you complete this quick form, your coverage information is emailed to local insurance agents in Rochester that provide for your business. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to drive around as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. If you have a need to get a price quote from a specific insurance company, you just need to search and find their rate quote page and complete a quote there.
If you are wanting to find an insurance agent, there are a couple of different types of agencies and how they are distinctly different. Agencies in Rochester can be described as either independent or captive. Either can insure your vehicles, but it’s important to point out the differences because it can factor into the type of agent you choose.
Independent Car Insurance Agents
Independent agencies are normally appointed by many insurers so they can quote policies through lots of different companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you can keep the same agent.
When comparing car insurance prices, you will want to get some free quotes from a few independent agents for maximum quote selection.
Featured below is a small list of independent agents in Rochester who may be able to give you free car insurance rate quotes.
Martin Insurance – 417 S Main St – Rochester, MI 48307 – (248) 651-7272
Roy R Cummings Agency – 71 Walnut Blvd # 206 – Rochester, MI 48307 – (248) 652-7333
Thomas D Formis Agency – 505 W 4th St – Rochester, MI 48307 – (248) 651-4490
Main Street Insurance – 803 N Main St – Rochester, MI 48307 – (248) 656-1655
Captive Agents
Agents that choose to be captive write business for a single company and examples are AAA, Allstate, State Farm, or Farmers Insurance. They are unable to provide rate quotes from other companies so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. They are very knowledgeable on what they offer which helps them sell on service rather than price.
The following are Rochester captive insurance agencies that can give you price quote information.
State Farm Insurance – 100 E 3rd St # A – Rochester, MI 48307 – (248) 651-1124
Farm Bureau – 426 W University Dr – Rochester, MI 48307 – (248) 656-3388
Allstate Insurance – 321 W University Dr – Rochester, MI 48307 – (248) 652-1700
To select from agencies near you, click for a directory of car insurance agents in Rochester.
Finding the right insurance agency is decision based upon more than just the bottom line cost. Any agent should be willing to answer these questions.
- Is the agency active in community causes in Rochester?
- Does the quote include credit and driving reports?
- Will you work with the agent or an assistant?
- Will they take your side in the event of a claim?
- Will one accident increase rates?
Will just any policy work for me?
When choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a “perfect” insurance plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so your insurance should reflect that These are some specific questions might help in determining if your situation may require specific advice.
- How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in Michigan?
- Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
- Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
- When should my teen driver be added to my policy?
- Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?
- Does my policy pay for OEM or aftermarket parts?
If you can’t answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to an agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area. It’s fast, free and can help protect your family.
More information can be found on the . Click here for link. Michigan consumers can download brochures, view a list of available companies, and find disaster information.
Other related articles:
- Never Compare Rochester New Hampshire Auto Insurance Without Knowing These Money Saving Techniques
- Expert Advice on Lower Rochester, NH Auto Insurance
Specific coverage details
Understanding the coverages of your policy can be of help when determining appropriate coverage and proper limits and deductibles. The coverage terms in a policy can be impossible to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Shown next are typical coverages found on most car insurance policies.
Collision protection
This coverage will pay to fix damage to your vehicle from colliding with an object or car. You will need to pay your deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision insurance covers things such as hitting a mailbox, crashing into a building and crashing into a ditch. This coverage can be expensive, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible to save money on collision insurance.
Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers
This coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered losses include injuries to you and your family and also any damage incurred to your vehicle.
Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits (which is 20/40/10), their limits can quickly be used up. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage should not be overlooked. Usually your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are set the same as your liablity limits.
Auto liability insurance
This coverage can cover damage or injury you incur to other’s property or people by causing an accident. 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 values of 25/50/25 which means a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, $50,000 for the entire accident, and a total limit of $25,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Occasionally you may see a combined single limit or CSL that pays claims from the same limit rather than limiting it on a per person basis.
Liability insurance covers things like medical services, legal defense fees, repair costs for stationary objects and pain and suffering. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is your choice, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase higher limits if possible. Michigan requires minimum liability limits of 20,000/40,000/10,000 but you should think about purchasing more coverage.
Coverage for medical expenses
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage pay for bills for surgery, chiropractic care and dental work. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. They cover you and your occupants in addition to being hit by a car walking across the street. Personal Injury Protection is not available in all states and may carry a deductible
Comprehensive car insurance
This coverage covers damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You need to pay your deductible first and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things such as theft, falling objects, damage from a tornado or hurricane, hitting a deer and a tree branch falling on your vehicle. The highest amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Lower rates by being persistent
We just showed you a lot of techniques to lower your car insurance premium rates. It’s most important to understand that the more quotes you get, the higher the chance of saving money. You may be surprised to find that the biggest savings come from the smaller companies. Some small companies can often insure niche markets at a lower cost than the large multi-state companies such as Progressive or Geico.
When searching for , it’s a bad idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. In too many instances, someone sacrificed full coverage and found out when filing a claim that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your objective should be to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate and still be able to protect your assets.