10 Shopping Tips Guaranteed to Save Money on GMC P3500 Step Van Auto Insurance Costs

Nobody cherishes buying auto insurance, especially knowing they are paying too much. Insurance companies such as Allstate, Progressive and GEICO persitently shower you with ad campaigns and consumers find it hard to ignore the propoganda and do the work needed to find the best deal.

It’s a good idea to do rate comparisons on a regular basis because prices are variable and change quite frequently. Even if you got the best deal for P3500 Step van insurance a few years ago there may be better deals available now. Starting right now, ignore everything you know about auto insurance because it’s time to teach you the tricks you need to know to save on auto insurance.

These ten discounts can lower your rates

Car insurance can cost a lot, but discounts can save money and there are some available that you may not even be aware of. Most are applied at the time of purchase, but lesser-known reductions have to be specifically requested in order for you to get them. If you don’t get every credit available, you’re paying more than you need to.

Homeowners Discount – Owning a house can help you save on auto insurance because owning a home shows financial diligence.
Life Insurance Discount – Companies who offer life insurance give lower rates if you buy life insurance.
Passive Restraint Discount – Vehicles equipped with air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts up to 30%.
Low Mileage – Driving fewer miles could qualify for a substantially lower rate.
No Claims – Drivers with accident-free driving histories pay much less when compared to accident-prone drivers.
Save over 55 – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may receive a discount up to 10% for P3500 Step van insurance.
Driver’s Ed – Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver’s ed class in high school.
Multi-car Discount – Insuring more than one vehicle on one policy could earn a price break for each car.
Anti-lock Brake Discount – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
College Student – Any of your kids who live away from home without a vehicle on campus can be insured at a reduced rate.

It’s important to note that some credits don’t apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. So despite the fact that it appears all the discounts add up to a free policy, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. But any discount will cut your premiums.

To see a list of providers with discount auto insurance rates, click this link.

Compare Auto Insurance Today

Getting better GMC P3500 Step Van auto insurance pricing isn’t really that difficult. The only requirement is to invest a little time comparing rate quotes online with multiple companies. It is quite easy and can be accomplished in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

The best way to find the lowest comparison rates is an all-inclusive rate comparison click to view form in new window. This type of form eliminates the need for repetitive form entry for each company you want a rate for. A single, simple form gets rate comparisons from multiple companies.

A slightly less efficient method to compare rate quotes consists of visiting the website for each individual company and fill out their own quote form. For examples sake, we’ll assume you want to compare Nationwide, Esurance and Allstate. To find out each rate you need to take the time to go to each site to input your insurance information, which is why most consumers use the first method. For a handy list of car insurance company links in your area, click here.

The least efficient method of comparing rate quotes is to spend time driving to insurance agents’ offices. Buying insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you require the trained guidance only provided by licensed agents. Drivers can comparison shop your insurance online but buy from a local insurance agent. We’ll cover that shortly.

Whichever method you choose, ensure you are comparing the exact same coverages and limits for each comparison quote. If each company quotes higher or lower deductibles then you won’t be able to determine which rate is truly the best.

Your coverage should be tailored to you

When choosing the best auto insurance coverage, there isn’t really a best way to insure your cars. Every insured’s situation is different and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if your situation would benefit from professional advice.

Are split liability limits better than a combined single limit?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in my state?
Does my GMC P3500 Step Van need full coverage?
Do I need rental car coverage?
Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It is quick, free and may give you better protection.

But I prefer to buy car insurance from an agent

Some people would rather buy from a licensed agent and that is a personal choice. Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and give you peace of mind. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you can get better rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local insurance agencies is especially important if you live in a smaller city or town.

Upon completion of this simple form, your information is instantly submitted to participating agents who will give you bids for your coverage. There is no reason to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide.

The difference between car insurance agents

When searching for a reliable agent, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents to choose from. Agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can do a good job, but it’s important to know how they are different because it can impact the selection process.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent insurance agents are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage amongst many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies.

When searching for an agent, you should always include price quotes from at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices. Auto insurance in

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agents have only one company to place business with such as AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. Captives cannot give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.

For a complete listing of auto insurance agents, visit this page.

Selecting a car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:

Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
What insurance company do they write the most business with?
Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?

Once you have positive feedback to these questions as well as a affordable price, most likely you have located an auto insurance agent that will provide auto insurance coverage. But keep in mind policyholders can cancel your coverage any time you want so don’t assume that you are obligated to a specific agent for any length of time.

Can switching companies really save?

Consumers can’t ignore all the ads for car insurance savings by 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm. They all make the same claim that you’ll save big if you move to their company.

How can each company make the same claim? This is how they do it.

All companies can use profiling for the driver that earns them a profit. An example of a profitable customer might be between 25 and 40, has no driving citations, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. A customer who fits that profile receives the best rates and therefore will save when they switch companies.

Consumers who don’t meet the “perfect” profile will have to pay a more expensive rate which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state “people who switch” not “everybody who quotes” save that much. That is how companies can state the savings.

Because of the profiling, drivers must get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will fit your personal profile best.

Detailed coverages of your auto insurance policy

Learning about specific coverages of auto insurance can be of help when determining the best coverages for your vehicles. The terms used in a policy can be ambiguous and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. These are the usual coverages found on most auto insurance policies.

Medical payments and PIP coverage

Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for bills such as EMT expenses, chiropractic care, prosthetic devices, funeral costs and rehabilitation expenses. The coverages can be used in conjunction with a health insurance plan or if you lack health insurance entirely. It covers all vehicle occupants in addition to if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal injury protection coverage is only offered in select states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other drivers when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. This coverage pays for hospital bills for your injuries and damage to your GMC P3500 Step Van.

Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage should not be overlooked. Usually the UM/UIM limits are similar to your liability insurance amounts.

Coverage for liability

Liability coverage protects you from damages or injuries you inflict on people or other property. Liability coverage has three limits: per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. You might see policy limits of 50/100/50 which means $50,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, $100,000 for the entire accident, and a limit of $50,000 paid for damaged property. Alternatively, you may have one limit called combined single limit (CSL) which limits claims to one amount and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.

Liability coverage protects against things such as bail bonds, structural damage and legal defense fees. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is up to you, but buy as high a limit as you can afford.

Comprehensive auto coverage

This coverage will pay to fix 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 can pay for things such as theft, damage from flooding, fire damage and damage from a tornado or hurricane. The most you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the actual cash value, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value it’s not worth carrying full coverage.

Collision insurance

Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.

Collision coverage protects against claims such as colliding with another moving vehicle, damaging your car on a curb, colliding with a tree and hitting a parking meter. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Drivers also have the option to raise the deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.

In conclusion

Throughout this article, we presented some good ideas how you can compare GMC P3500 Step Van insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Consumers could even find that the lowest premiums are with a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising. Some small companies may cover specific market segments cheaper compared to the large companies like State Farm and Allstate.

When shopping online for auto insurance, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.