Discover Consumer Tested Strategies to Save on Hastings Car Insurance

If you’ve never shopped for car insurance online, it’s easy to get overwhelmed due to the large number of car insurance companies competing for business in Hastings.

You should take the time to compare prices every six months since insurance rates are variable and change quite frequently. Even if you got the best rates a few years ago the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. Starting now, ignore everything you know about car insurance because you’re going to get a crash course in the right way to save on car insurance.

Components of your insurance rates

It’s important that you understand some of the elements that play a part in calculating your car insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to better car insurance rates.

Multi-policy discounts can save money – Most companies provide better rates to customers who carry more than one policy. It’s known as a multi-policy discount. This can amount to anywhere from five to ten percent in most cases. Even with this discount, you still need to compare rates to verify if the discount is saving money.
Theft deterrents lower rates – Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Anti-theft devices such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system all aid in stopping your vehicle from being stolen.
Increase deductibles and save – Insurance for physical damage to your car, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, protects your car from damage. Some examples of claims that would be covered could be a windshield shattered by a rock, collision with an animal, or theft. Deductibles for physical damage are the amount of money you are willing to pay out-of-pocket before your car insurance pays a claim. The more the insured has to pay upfront, the bigger discount you will receive.
Never allow your policy to lapse – Driving with no insurance is against the law and you will pay a penalty because you let your coverage lapse. And not only will your rates increase, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance will get you a steep fine or even jail time.
What type of vehicle do you drive? – The make and model of the car you drive makes a huge difference in your rates. Lower performance four cylinder passenger cars generally have the cheapest insurance rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
Big city or small town – Choosing to live in less populated areas can be a good thing when talking about car insurance. Fewer people means fewer accidents and a lower car theft rate. Drivers in populated Nebraska areas have much more traffic to deal with and longer commute times. More time commuting means more change of being in an accident.
Don’t sacrifice liability coverage – Liability insurance is the protection when you are found liable for damages from an accident. Liability insurance provides for a legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.

Don’t pay full price with these discounts

Companies don’t always list every discount very clearly, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving. If you’re not getting every credit possible, you’re just leaving money on the table.

Good Student Discount – This discount can earn a discount of 20% or more. The discount lasts up to age 25.
Paperwork-free – A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up over the internet.
Military Discounts – Having a deployed family member can result in better rates.
Life Insurance – Companies who offer life insurance give better rates if you take out auto and life insurance together.
College Student – Children living away from home attending college and don’t have a car can be insured at a reduced rate.
Early Switch Discount – A few companies offer discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. It’s a savings of about 10%.
Low Mileage – Low mileage vehicles could qualify for better rates on cars that stay parked.
Theft Prevention System – Vehicles with anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Bundle and Save – When you have multiple policies with one company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.

It’s important to note that most of the big mark downs will not be given to the overall cost of the policy. Most only cut individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. So even though it sounds like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, you won’t be that lucky.

To choose insurance companies offering car insurance discounts in Nebraska, click this link.

Buying car insurance from a local agent

Some consumers would rather buy from a local agent and that is just fine! Licensed agents can answer important questions and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is you can get the best rates and still choose a local agent.

To find an agent, once you fill out this short form, the coverage information is sent to agents in your area who will battle for your business. There is no need to drive around since price quotes are sent to your email. How’s that for easy! Hastings NE car insurance

Selecting an insurance company requires more thought than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:

If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
Will your rates increase after a single accident?
Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?

Types of auto insurance agents in Hastings

When searching for local Hastings agents, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Hastings agents can either be independent or captive. Both types can write coverage properly, but it’s good to learn how they are different because it can influence buying decisions.

Captive Insurance Agents

This type of agents write business for a single company and some examples include Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captive agencies are well schooled on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers often purchase coverage from captives primarily because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.

Listed below is a list of captive insurance agents in Hastings willing to provide rate quotes.

Farmers Insurance Group – 813 W 3rd St – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 461-3280
Farm Bureau Mutual Ins Co – 2727 W 2nd St – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 462-9791
Allstate Insurance – 2727 W 2nd St # 223 – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 463-3636
American Family Insurance – 704 Eastside Blvd – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 462-4807
Shelter Insurance – 725 W 2nd St – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 463-3003
State Farm Insurance – 410 N Minnesota Ave – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 463-5408

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part. When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you include multiple independent agents to have the most options to choose from.Many can place coverage with smaller companies which can be an advantage.

Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Hastings that can give you rate quotes.

Jeff O’Donnell Agency – 2727 W 2nd St # 101 – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 463-2722
Gary Thompson Agency – 747 N Burlington Ave # 301 – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 463-0596
Farm Bureau Insurance – 1902 W 2nd St – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 462-2920
Laura Schneider Insurance – 410 N Minnesota Ave – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 463-5408
Sharon Reicks Agency – 101 E J St # 1a – Hastings, NE 68901 – (402) 463-4600

To view a complete directory of insurance agents in Hastings, please click here.

Once you have satisfactory answers to any questions you have and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that meets your needs to properly service your car insurance policy.

Additional detailed information can be read at the Nebraska Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to learn about insurance regulations, discover disciplinary actions, and learn about specific coverages.

Keep this in mind

Insureds switch companies for a number of reasons such as policy non-renewal, extreme rates for teen drivers, unfair underwriting practices or even being labeled a high risk driver. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch choosing a new company is not as difficult as it may seem.

In this article, we covered some good ideas how to compare car insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more companies you get rates for, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even discover the most savings is with a small local company.

When shopping online for car insurance, it’s very important that you do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. Too many times, an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret at claim time that they should have had better coverage. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.