Never Quote Shelby Auto Insurance Without Knowing These Money Saving Tricks

Comparison shopping for Shelby auto insurance can seem to be hard for beginners to shopping for insurance online. People have so many options available that it can turn into more work than you anticipated to find lower rates in Shelby.

Finding Auto Insurance in Shelby, Montana

Performing a rate comparison can be exhausting if you don’t know the easiest way. You can waste a few hours (or days) discussing policy coverages with insurance companies in Shelby, or you can stay home and use online quoting to get the quickest rates.

Many of the larger companies participate in an industry program where prospective buyers send in one quote, and at least one company can provide price quotes determined by their information. This eliminates the need for repetitive form submissions for every auto insurance company.

To submit your quote information now, click here (opens in new window).

The only downside to using this type of form is buyers cannot specifically choose which providers you will receive quotes from. So if you want to select specific providers to compare, we have a listing of low cost auto insurance companies in Montana. Click to view list.

It’s up to you which method you use, but ensure you are comparing apples-to-apples coverage information for every company. If the quotes have mixed coverages it will be impossible to find the best deal in Shelby.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don’t always advertise all their discounts very well, so here is a list some of the best known and the harder-to-find discounts you could be receiving. If you don’t get every credit available, you’re just leaving money on the table.

• Pay Now and Pay Less – If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
• Air Bag Discount – Cars that have air bags or automatic seat belts can get savings of more than 20%.
• Use Seat Belts – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could cut 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
• Sign Early and Save – Some companies give discounts for signing up prior to your current policy expiration. It can save you around 10%.
• E-sign – Some insurance companies give back up to $50 just for signing your application digitally online.
• Drive Safe and Save – Insureds without accidents can pay as much as 50% less than their less cautious counterparts.
• Discount for Good Grades – Getting good grades can earn a discount of 20% or more. This discount can apply up to age 25.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though it sounds like it’s possible to get free car insurance, it doesn’t quite work that way.

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

How do I know if I need professional advice?

When choosing adequate coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Each situation is unique.

For example, these questions could help you determine if your insurance needs could use an agent’s help.

• How much liability coverage do I need in Montana?
• Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
• Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
• I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
• How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
• Am I getting all the discounts available?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It only takes a few minutes and you can get the answers you need.

You have some control over your rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that help determine your auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

• Allowing your policy to lapse raises rates – Letting your insurance expire will be a sure-fire way to trigger a rate increase. And not only will your rates increase, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance will get you a steep fine or even jail time.
• Rate your vehicle for proper use – Driving more miles each year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. Almost all companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars left parked in the garage qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Make sure your auto insurance coverage properly reflects the proper vehicle usage.
• Keep rates low by being claim-free – Car insurance companies in Montana generally give cheaper rates to people who file claims infrequently. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can expect either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Auto insurance is intended to be relied upon for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
• Save money with special equipment – Purchasing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention devices such as vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all aid in stopping car theft.
• Your occupation can affect rates – Did you know your job can affect your rates? Jobs such as doctors, architects and dentists tend to pay the highest average rates because of stressful work requirements and lots of time spent at work. Other occupations like actors, historians and performers have the lowest average rates.
• Do you need those extra coverages? – There are a ton of additional coverages that you can get tricked into buying if you aren’t careful. Coverages for personal injury protection, accidental death and term life insurance are examples of these. They may seem like a good idea initially, but if they’re wasting money eliminate them to save money.
• Multiple policies with one company can save – Many insurance companies will give a discount to people who buy several policies from them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can amount to 10 percent or more. Even with this discount, it’s in your best interest to comparison shop to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. You may still find a better deal by splitting coverages up.

One last thing

People change insurance companies for many reasons like delays in responding to claim requests, unfair underwriting practices, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and denial of a claim. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching auto insurance companies is less work than it seems.

We just covered a lot of information how to save on auto insurance. The key concept to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. You may even find the biggest savings come from the smaller companies.

As you prepare to switch companies, it’s a bad idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. In too many instances, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford.

Even more information is located at the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance website. Consumers can read industry bulletins, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and get help finding coverage.