Learn How to Cut Costs on Atlanta Car Insurance

No one in their right mind cherishes buying car insurance, particularly when they are paying too much.

Numerous auto insurance companies battle for your hard-earned dollar, so it can be very hard to choose a insurer and get the definite lowest rate possible.

It’s important to get comparison quotes periodically since insurance rates change regularly. Just because you had the best deal a few years ago there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Forget all the misinformation about car insurance because you’re about to find out the proper way to find great coverage at a great price.

Comprehensive Car Insurance Comparison in Atlanta

When shopping for car insurance there are multiple ways to compare quotes from different in Atlantainsurance companies. The fastest way to compare insurance prices is simply to get online rate quotes. This is very easy and can be done using a couple different methods.

The first (and easiest) way consumers can make multiple comparisons is to use a rate comparison form (click to open form in new window). This method keeps you from doing separate quotation requests for every car insurance company. In just a few minutes this one form gets rate comparisons .

A slightly less efficient method to obtain and compare quotes online is to take the time to go to the website of each company and request a quote. For example, let’s say you want to compare rates from USAA, Farmers and Progressive. To find out each rate you need to visit each site to enter your coverage information, which is why the first method is quicker. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Atlanta, click here.

The most time-consuming method to compare rates is driving to insurance agents’ offices. Shopping for car insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you require the personal advice of a local Atlanta agent. However, consumers can comparison shop online and still use a local agent. We’ll cover that shortly.

Whichever way you use, double check that you are using apples-to-apples quote information for every quote you compare. If your comparisons have higher or lower deductibles then you won’t be able to decipher which rate is best in Atlanta. Having just a slight variation in coverages could mean much higher rates. Just remember that quoting more will enable you to find the best rates.

Informed Drivers can Cut Their Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that go into determining car insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that can help you get better car insurance rates.

• Your occupation can affect rates – Occupations such as judges, architects and accountants tend to pay higher rates than average because of stressful work requirements and long work hours. On the flip side, occupations like pilots, athletes and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
• Pay less after the wedding – Being married can get you a discount on car insurance. Having a spouse translates into being more mature and it’s statistically proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
• Multi-policy discounts can save money – Many car 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 other company rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
• Safer occupants lowers premiums – Vehicles with high crash test scores tend to have better insurance rates. These vehicles reduce injuries and fewer injuries means lower claim amounts and thus lower rates.
• Rate your vehicle for proper use – The higher the mileage driven each year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars based on their usage. Vehicles left parked in the garage can get a lower rate than those used for commuting. Make sure your car insurance declarations sheet is rated on the correct usage for each vehicle, because it can save money.
• Men pay higher rates – Statistics demonstrate women tend to be less risk to insure than men. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Women and men are in accidents at about the same rate, but men have costlier accidents. Men also have more aggressive citations such as DWI and reckless driving. Young males are the most expensive to insure and therefore have the most expensive car insurance rates.
• An active claims history can cost you – Companies in Georgia provide better rates to policyholders who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Insurance coverage is intended to be relied upon for the large, substantial claims.

Are you getting all your discounts?

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but companies offer discounts to cut the cost considerably. Some trigger automatically when you get a quote, but a few must be requested specifically before being credited.

• Employee of Federal Government – Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% with select insurance companies.
• Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Vehicles equipped with air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts up to 30%.
• Theft Prevention Discount – Cars that have factory anti-theft systems help deter theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
• Accident Waiver – A few companies will forgive one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
• Drive Less and Save – Driving fewer miles can qualify you for better rates on cars that stay parked.
• Multiple Cars – Buying coverage for all your vehicles on one policy could earn a price break for each car.
• Military Rewards – Being deployed with a military unit may qualify for rate reductions.

A little note about advertised discounts, many deductions do not apply to all coverage premiums. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So when it seems like you can get free auto insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way. But any discount will cut your premiums.

To see a list of companies with discount car insurance rates in Atlanta, click this link.

When might I need an agent?

When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Every insured’s situation is different so your insurance needs to address that. For example, these questions may help you determine whether you could use an agent’s help.

• Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
• Can I pay claims out-of-pocket if I buy high deductibles?
• Is business equipment covered while in my vehicle?
• What vehicles should carry emergency assistance coverage?
• Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
• Do I qualify for additional discounts?
• Should I buy only the required Georgia minimum liability coverage?

If you’re not sure about those questions then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

What about my local Atlanta agents?

Some consumers would prefer to get advice from a local agent. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you can get the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from small agencies is especially important in Atlanta.

To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this form (opens in new window), your insurance data gets sent to companies in Atlanta who will battle for your business. You won’t need to drive around as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. How cool is that?! Get lower rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.

Insurance agent types

When looking for an insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Atlanta agents are classified as either independent (non-captive) or captive.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent agents are not employed by any specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency.

When comparison shopping, we recommend you get quotes from several independent insurance agents for the best price selection.

Listed below is a list of independent agencies in Atlanta who may be able to give you comparison quotes.

Action Auto Agency – 2555 Bolton Rd NW – Atlanta, GA 30318 – (404) 581-9922
Standard Equity Agency – 5901 Peachtree Dunwdy Rd # C – Atlanta, GA 30328 – (770) 394-3700
Richard Deets Agency – 1900 Emery St NW # 425 – Atlanta, GA 30318 – (404) 352-0824
Abbey Insurance – – Atlanta, GA 30338 – (770) 551-8686
Aero Insurance – – Atlanta, GA 30305 – (404) 846-3427

Captive Agents

Captive agencies can only write with one company and examples are AAA, Allstate and State Farm. They usually cannot compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. Captive agencies are trained well on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage.

Shown below are captive agents in Atlanta willing to provide price quote information.

Allstate Insurance – 1776 Briarcliff Rd NE # B – Atlanta, GA 30306 – (404) 876-3180
State Farm Insurance – 2900 Chamblee Tucker Rd # 915 – Atlanta, GA 30341 – (770) 457-3717
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 3695 Cascade Rd SW # J – Atlanta, GA 30331 – (404) 691-8662

To view a complete directory of Atlanta captive agents, visit this link.

Choosing a car insurance agent requires more thought than just the price. These are valid questions to ask:

• If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
• Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
• Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
• Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
• Do they assist clients in filing claims?

After getting positive responses to your questions and an acceptable price quote, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that can service your policy.

More effort can pay off

You just read a lot of tips how to save on car insurance. The key concept to understand is the more quotes you get, the higher the chance of saving money. Drivers may discover the biggest savings come from a small mutual company. These companies may have significantly lower rates on certain market segments than the large multi-state companies such as GEICO and State Farm.

Cost effective car insurance can be purchased online as well as from independent agents in Atlanta, and you should be comparing both so you have a total pricing picture. Some companies don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.

While you’re price shopping online, make sure you don’t skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In too many instances, someone dropped liability coverage limits only to find out that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

Additional consumer information websites

More information is located on the website for the Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner found here. Visitors are able to download brochures, find out which companies have the most complaints, and view agent and company licensing information.