Easy Methods to Cut Costs on Sandpoint, ID Auto Insurance

Nobody cherishes buying auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are through the roof. Many car insurance companies vie for your hard-earned dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates and get the definite best rate

If you have a policy now or are just looking to switch companies, you can learn to cut your premiums while maximizing coverage. Finding affordable coverage in Sandpoint is not that difficult. Idaho consumers only need an understanding of how to compare price quotes online.

How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Cost in Sandpoint

There are several ways to compare auto insurance quotes, but one way is less labor-intensive and much quicker. You can spend your afternoon talking about coverages with insurance agencies in Sandpoint, or you could use online quoting to accomplish the same thing much quicker.

The majority of car insurance companies take part in a program that allows shoppers to send in one quote, and every company returns a rated price determined by their information. This saves time by eliminating quote requests to each company. To find out how much you’re overpaying now click to open in new window.

The one downside to using this type of system is you are unable to specify which providers you will receive quotes from. So if you want to select specific providers to compare, we have a page of the cheapest auto insurance companies in Idaho. Click here to view list.

Whichever method you choose, make darn sure you compare identical coverage limits on every quote you get. If the quotes have higher or lower deductibles you can’t possibly determine the best price in Sandpoint.

These discounts can slash auto insurance rates

Companies don’t always list all their discounts in an easy-to-find place, so here is a list some of the best known as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance. If they aren’t giving you every credit possible, you are throwing money away.

Own a Home – Owning a house in Sandpoint may earn you a small savings due to the fact that maintaining a home is proof that your finances are in order.
Payment Discounts – By paying your policy upfront instead of paying each month you can actually save on your bill.
Braking Control Discount – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
Safe Driver Discount – Drivers who don’t get into accidents may receive a discount up to 45% less than their less cautious counterparts.
Service Members Pay Less – Being deployed with a military unit could be rewarded with lower premiums.
Auto/Home Discount – When you combine your home and auto insurance with the same insurance company you may save approximately 10% to 15%.
Seat Belts Save – Using a seat belt and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts can save 10% or more on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
Multiple Cars – Having all your vehicles on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
Auto/Life Discount – Select insurance companies reward you with a break if you buy auto and life insurance together.
Good Students Pay Less – Performing well in school can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts until age 25.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given the the whole policy. Most cut specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So when the math indicates you can get free auto insurance, companies don’t profit that way.

For a list of insurance companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Idaho, click here.

Price shop online but buy from a local Sandpoint agent

Some consumers just want to sit down with an agent and that is OK! Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. Sandpoint Idaho insurance prices

By using this quick form, the coverage information gets sent to participating agents in Sandpoint who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You never need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent directly to your email. How’s that for easy!

Deciding on an provider needs to be determined by more than just a cheap price. Some important questions to ask are:

Are they full-time agents?
Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
What insurance companies do they work with?
Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
How often do they review policy coverages?

If you prefer to contact a specific insurance agent in Sandpoint, please click here.

Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction to any questions you have and an affordable coverage quote, most likely you have located a company that will provide auto insurance coverage.

Tailor your coverage to you

When it comes to choosing adequate coverage, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Every insured’s situation is different so this has to be addressed. For instance, these questions can help discover if your situation would benefit from professional advice.

Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
Do I need rental car coverage?
Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?
Am I covered when using my vehicle for business?
I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
Are split liability limits better than a combined single limit?

If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you don’t have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It is quick, free and you can get the answers you need.

Why your price might be higher

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the factors that help determine auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively determines base rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get big savings.

The following are some of the factors used by your company to calculate your rates.

Drive less and save money – The higher the mileage driven every year the higher your rates will be. Most companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars left parked in the garage qualify for better rates than those used for commuting. Make sure your auto insurance declarations sheet shows the correct usage for each vehicle.
Safe vehicles cost less to insure – Safer cars can get you lower premiums. The safest vehicles protect occupants better and better occupant protection means less money paid by your insurance company and lower rates for you.
Your job and insurance rates – Did you know your occupation can influence how much you pay for auto insurance? Jobs such as real estate brokers, architects and dentists tend to have the highest average rates in part from high stress levels and lots of time spent at work. Other professions such as actors, historians and homemakers receive lower rates.
Small claims can cost you – Insurance companies in Idaho provide lower rates to drivers who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can expect either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Your insurance policy is intended to be relied upon for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
Younger drivers pay higher rates – Young drivers in Idaho are statistically proven to be careless and easily distracted in a vehicle so auto insurance rates are higher. Mature drivers are more cautious drivers, statistically cause fewer accidents and tend to be better behind the wheel.
More people means more accidents – Residing in less populated areas can save you money when buying auto insurance. Drivers in populated areas have to deal with traffic congestion and much longer commute distances. Fewer drivers means a lower chance of having an accident and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
Do you need those extra coverages? – There are a ton of extra bells and whistles that you can get tricked into buying if you aren’t careful. Coverages for rental car reimbursement, accidental death and membership fees are examples of these. They may seem like a good idea when talking to your agent, but your needs may have changed so eliminate them to save money.

Advertising myths

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by companies like GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all seem to make the same claim that you can save after switching to them.

But how can every company make the same claim?

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the right customer that makes them money. A good example of a driver they prefer could be between the ages of 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and has a short commute. Any driver who meets those qualifications will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to save quite a bit of money when switching.

Consumers who fall outside this ideal profile will be charged higher prices and this can result in business not being written. Company advertisements say “drivers who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that much money. That is how insurance companies can confidently claim big savings. That is why it is so important to get as many quotes as possible. It is impossible to predict which auto insurance company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Smart consumers save more

Cheaper auto insurance can be found both online in addition to many Sandpoint insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies do not provide online price quotes and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.

You just learned a lot of information how to reduce auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more companies you get rates for, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Drivers may discover the best prices are with a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising. Smaller companies may have significantly lower rates on certain market segments as compared to the big name companies such as State Farm and Allstate.

More detailed Idaho auto insurance information is located at the Idaho Department of Insurance website. Idaho consumers can discover disciplinary actions, report car insurance fraud, and find a variety of consumer forms.