Proven Methods for Low-Cost Westerly Rhode Island Car Insurance

Searching for cheap Westerly car insurance on the internet may be intimidating for people who are new to price shopping online. With so many online companies available, how can consumers even start to compare the different rates to find the cheapest rates?

It’s important to compare prices at least once a year due to the fact that insurance rates change regularly. Even if you got the lowest rates on your last policy you will most likely find a better rate today. Block out anything you think you know about car insurance because I’m going to let you in on the secrets to the quickest way to buy cheaper car insurance.

If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to reduce your rates substantially using these tips. This article will instruct you on how car insurance quotes work and some tricks to saving. But Rhode Island car owners must comprehend how the larger insurance companies sell insurance online and use this information to your advantage.

What determines how much you pay?

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that play a part in calculating car insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that could result in much lower annual insurance costs.

Shown below are some of the factors used by your company to calculate premiums.

• Bad driving skills means higher rates – Your driving record has a huge affect on how much you pay. Even a single ticket may increase your cost by as much as thirty percent. Drivers with clean records get better rates than people who have multiple driving citations. Drivers who get severe violations such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to file a SR-22 with their state DMV in order to drive a vehicle legally.
• Too many car insurance claims drive up costs – If you tend to file frequent claims, you can look forward to either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Insurance companies in Rhode Island provide cheaper rates to drivers who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Auto insurance is meant to be used in the event of larger claims.
• Lower deductibles cost more – Physical damage coverage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, protects your car from damage. Examples of covered claims are a windshield shattered by a rock, collision with an animal, and windstorm damage. 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 expense you’re willing to pay, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
• Lower rates with optional equipment – Driving a car with an alarm system can help lower your rates. Anti-theft devices like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system all hinder auto theft.
• Sex matters – Statistics have proven women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, don’t assume that women are BETTER drivers than men. They both cause accidents at about the same rate, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically have more aggressive citations such as reckless driving.
• Do you work long hours in a high stress job? – Did you know your car insurance rates can be affected by your occupation? Occupations such as real estate brokers, business owners and stock brokers tend to pay the highest rates in part from high stress and lengthy work days. On the other hand, occupations such as actors, students and performers have the lowest average rates.

How to Lower Your Car Insurance Cost in Westerly, Rhode Island

There are several ways to compare car insurance quotes, but some are less time-consuming than others. You can spend your afternoon talking about coverages with agents in Westerly, or you can utilize the internet to accomplish the same thing much quicker.

All the larger companies belong to an insurance system that allows shoppers to enter their coverage request one time, and each company can provide price quotes. This eliminates the need for quote forms to each company.

To use this form to compare rates click to open in new window.

The one disadvantage to getting quotes like this is you cannot specify which carriers to get quotes from. So if you want to select from a list of companies to compare rates, we have assembled a list of the cheapest car insurance companies in Rhode Island. Click here to view list.

It’s up to you how you get prices quotes, just ensure you are comparing exactly the same coverages for each price quote. If your comparisons have mixed coverages you will not be able to determine the best price in Westerly. Just a small difference in limits could mean much higher rates. And when quoting car insurance, remember that comparing more company’s prices helps locate a better price.

Save money by taking advantage of these discounts

Car insurance can cost a lot, but you may find discounts to help offset the cost. Certain discounts will be applied at quote time, but a few need to be manually applied prior to getting the savings.

• Multiple Cars – Buying coverage for all your vehicles on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
• Student Driver Training – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to take driver’s ed class in school.
• Good Students Pay Less – A discount for being a good student can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
• Theft Prevention Discount – Vehicles with anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and earn discounts up to 10%.
• Safe Drivers – Drivers who avoid accidents can pay as much as 50% less than their less cautious counterparts.

A little note about advertised discounts, some credits don’t apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. Just because it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, it doesn’t quite work that way. But all discounts will help reduce the cost of coverage.

For a list of providers offering car insurance discounts in Rhode Island, follow this link.

Are insurance agents a thing of the past?

Some people would rather buy from a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. The best thing about comparing rates online is that you can obtain lower rates but still work with a licensed agent. Supporting local agencies is especially important in Westerly.

By using this simple form, your insurance coverage information gets sent to agents in your area who will return price quotes to get your business. You never need to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. How cool is that?! Get lower rates and a licensed agent to work with.

To select a specific agent in Westerly, simply jump to this page.

Deciding on an insurance company should depend on more than just the premium amount. These are valid questions to ask:

• If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
• Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
• If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
• Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
• Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
• Who are their largest clients?
• Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?

After receiving good answers as well as a affordable price, you have narrowed it down to an insurer that can properly service your car insurance policy.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to choosing the best car insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is unique.

For example, these questions might help in determining if your situation could use an agent’s help.

• Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
• Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
• Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
• Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
• Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
• Do all my vehicles need collision coverage?

If you can’t answer these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form.

More information can be found on the Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation website. Click here for link. Rhode Island consumers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, find out which companies have the most complaints, and learn about specific coverages.

Other informative sites include FindNewCarInsurance.com and this list of insurance agents in Westerly.

Online plus local equals savings

We’ve covered a lot of information how to compare car insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more times you quote, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. You may even find the best price on car insurance is with a smaller regional carrier.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it’s a bad idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many cases, an insured dropped physical damage coverage only to regret that it was a big mistake. The ultimate goal is to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

Cost effective car insurance can be purchased both online and with local Westerly insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance companies do not offer online price quotes and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.