Expert Tricks to Paying Less for Beloit Wisconsin Auto Insurance

Have you fallen victim to an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me, there are a lot of people in Beloit just like you who feel imprisoned by their auto insurance policy. With so many online and local companies to choose from, it can be diffult for consumers to pick the most affordable insurer.

It’s smart to compare prices at least once a year since rates are rarely the same from one policy term to another. Even if you got the best deal last year the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. So forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you’re about to learn the best way to save money, get proper coverage and the best rates.

The purpose of this article is to help you learn how to get online quotes and some tricks to saving. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using this strategy. Wisconsin consumers only need to know the proper methods to find the lowest price over the internet.

Don’t overlook these discounts

Car insurance is not cheap, but you can get discounts to help offset the cost. A few discounts will automatically apply when you quote, but a few need to be asked about in order for you to get them. If you’re not getting every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

• Clubs and Organizations – Being a member of a civic or occupational organization may earn a discount when shopping for auto insurance.
• Sign Early and Save – Select companies give a discount for signing up before your current expiration date. It can save you around 10%.
• Drivers Education – Require your teen driver to successfully complete driver’s ed class in school.
• New Car Discount – Buying coverage on a new vehicle can cost up to 25% less since new cars are generally safer.
• Braking Control Discount – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can avoid accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
• Safe Drivers – Insureds without accidents may save up to 50% more than less cautious drivers.
• Anti-theft System – Anti-theft and alarm systems are stolen less frequently and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
• Good Student – Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply well after school through age 25.

A little note about advertised discounts, many deductions do not apply the the whole policy. Most cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. So when the math indicates having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it just doesn’t work that way. Any amount of discount will bring down your premiums.

To see a list of providers with the best auto insurance discounts in Wisconsin, click here to view.

Get Cheaper Rates by Understanding Pricing

An important part of buying insurance is that you know some of the elements that help determine auto insurance rates. Understanding what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get big savings.

The following are some of the factors companies use to determine your rates.

• Never let your coverage lapse – Driving without insurance is illegal and as a result your rates will increase for letting your coverage lapse. Not only will rates go up, getting caught without coverage may earn you a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.Then you may be required to provide proof of insurance in the form of an SR-22 filing with the Wisconsin department of motor vehicles.
• Do men or women drive better? – Statistics have proven women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, don’t assume that women are better drivers. Men and women cause accidents at a similar rate, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically get cited for more serious violations like DUI and reckless driving.
• Claim-free discounts can add up – If you are a frequent claim filer, you can pretty much guarantee either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Insurance companies in Wisconsin provide lower rates to policyholders who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Your insurance policy is intended for the large, substantial claims.
• Liability insurance protects assets – Liability insurance is the protection if ever you are found to be at fault for personal injury or accident damage. It will provide legal defense coverage which can cost thousands of dollars. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to physical damage coverage, so buy as much as you can afford.
• Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? – Most auto insurance companies give discounts to policyholders who carry more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, it’s still a good idea to compare rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
• Mature drivers pay less – Teen drivers in Wisconsin have a tendency to be less responsible in a vehicle so auto insurance rates are higher. Mature drivers tend to be more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and are safer drivers.
• Bad driving skills means higher rates – Drivers with clean records get better rates than their less careful counterparts. Only having one moving violation may increase your cost by as much as thirty percent. Drivers with dangerous tickets such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions are required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state motor vehicle department in order to prevent a license revocation.

Misconceptions in auto insurance advertisements

Consumers in Wisconsin can’t ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. All the companies say the same thing that you’ll save big if you switch to them.

How can each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a certain “appetite” for the right customer that earns them a profit. A good example of a profitable customer might be profiled as a mature driver, has no driving citations, and drives newer vehicles. Any driver who meets those qualifications gets the lowest rates and as a result will probably save when they switch companies.

Potential insureds who do not match the “perfect” profile will be charged higher premiums which usually ends up with business not being written. Company advertisements say “drivers who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save money. That’s why insurance companies can confidently advertise the savings.

That is why you absolutely need to compare as many rates as you can. It is impossible to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Much more information about auto insurance in Wisconsin can be read on the website for the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance found here. Wisconsin drivers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, discover disciplinary actions, get help finding coverage, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

Keep this in mind

When shopping online for auto insurance, it’s not a good idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In too many instances, someone sacrificed physical damage coverage and found out when filing a claim they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your strategy should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.

In this article, we presented a lot of information how to save on auto insurance. It’s most important to understand that the more rate comparisons you have, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers may even find the best price on auto insurance is with an unexpected company. They may have significantly lower rates on certain market segments compared to the large companies like Allstate or State Farm.