Free Guide to Cutting Costs on Roanoke, VA Car Insurance Online

Shopping online for Roanoke car insurance can be difficult if you’ve never compared online rate quotes. Don’t let that stop you because online price shopping is actually quite simple.

How to Compare Car Insurance in Roanoke

All major car insurance companies provide coverage prices online. This process doesn’t take much effort as you just enter the coverages you want into a form. After the form is submitted, the system automatically retrieves your driving record and credit report and quotes a price based on many factors.

Online price quotes simplifies rate comparisons, but having to visit multiple sites and type in the same information is monotonous and tiresome. But it’s absolutely necessary to perform this step in order to get a better rate.

Isn’t there an easier way to compare rates?

The quickest way to find cheaper rates utilizes a single form that gets price quotes from multiple companies. This type of form saves time, requires much less work on your part, and makes online shopping much easier to do. As soon as the form is sent, it is rated and you can select your choice of the quote results.

If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, it’s easy to complete the application and purchase coverage. It can be completed in less than 10 minutes and you’ll know if lower rates are available.

To save time and compare rates now, simply click here to open in new window and enter your vehicle and coverage information. If you have coverage now, it’s recommended you duplicate deductibles and limits exactly as shown on your declarations page. This ensures you will have a rate comparison based on the exact same insurance coverage.

Cut your premium with discounts

Car insurance is not cheap, but companies offer discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically when you quote, but lesser-known reductions have to be specially asked for prior to receiving the credit.

• Life Insurance – Companies who offer life insurance give a discount if you purchase life insurance.
• Claim Free – Claim-free drivers pay much less compared to bad drivers.
• Passive Restraint Discount – Factory air bags or automatic seat belts can qualify for discounts of more than 20%.
• Employee of Federal Government – Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with select insurance companies.
• Anti-theft System – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and earn discounts up to 10%.
• Homeowners Discount – Simply owning a home can help you save on car insurance because owning a home demonstrates responsibility.
• Bundle and Save – If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you may save 10% to 20% off each policy.

It’s important to understand that some of the credits will not apply the the whole policy. Most only cut the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. So despite the fact that it appears all those discounts means the company will pay you, car insurance companies aren’t that generous. But any discount will bring down your overall premium however.

To choose insurers with discount car insurance rates in Virginia, click here to view.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Roanoke

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

• Lower rates with optional equipment – Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Anti-theft features like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all aid in stopping auto theft.
• Poor credit can mean higher rates – A driver’s credit score is a large factor in calculating your car insurance rates. Therefore, if your credit rating is lower than you’d like, you could potentially save money when insuring your by repairing your credit. Consumers who have excellent credit tend to be less risk to insure than drivers who have poor credit.
• Discounts for multiple policies – Some insurance companies give discounts to customers who consolidate policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you’re getting this discount it’s still a good idea to comparison shop to ensure the best deal.
• No coverage gaps is important – Having an insurance coverage lapse will be a quick way to increase your car insurance rates. And not only will insurance be more expensive, but not being able to provide proof of insurance will get you a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.
• Safer occupants lowers premiums – Vehicles with good safety scores are cheaper to insure. Safer cars protect occupants better and better occupant protection means less money paid by your insurance company passed on to you as lower rates.
• Low deductibles can be expensive – Physical damage coverage, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, protects your car from damage. A few examples of covered claims could be collision with another vehicle, damage caused by hail, or theft. Deductibles for physical damage are the amount of money you are required to spend out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. The more you have to pay, the less your car insurance will be.
• Small claims can cost you – If you file claims often, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Car insurance companies in Virginia award lower rates to drivers who are claim-free. Insurance coverage is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.

What is the best insurance coverage?

When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is a little different.

Here are some questions about coverages that might help in determining whether you would benefit from professional advice.

• Is business property covered if stolen from my car?
• Is borrowed equipment or tools covered if stolen or damaged?
• Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
• Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
• Do I need rental car coverage?
• Is my vehicle covered for smoke damage?
• Should I buy only the required Virginia minimum liability coverage?
• Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
• What vehicles should carry emergency assistance coverage?
• Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form.

More information is located on the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website. Click here for link. Consumers can find out industry alerts, learn about insurance regulations, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Other useful links include this online resource for car insurance quotes in Virginia and this list of insurance agents in Roanoke.

In the end, you save

We just showed you many ideas to lower your car insurance rates. The key concept to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the better your comparison will be. You may even find the best prices are with a small local company.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it’s a bad idea to buy less coverage just to save a little money. In too many instances, someone dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits and discovered at claim time they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The ultimate goal is to buy enough coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.

Cheap car insurance can be sourced online and also from your neighborhood Roanoke agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.