Proven Methods to Getting the Absolute Lowest Volkswagen Passat Insurance Rates

Trying to find better insurance prices for a new or used Volkswagen Passat could be a painful process, but you can learn a few tricks to save time.

There are both good and bad ways to compare auto insurance rates and you need to know the proper way to get price quotes for a new or used Volkswagen and locate the cheapest rates either online or from local insurance agents.

Smart consumers take time to compare prices at least once a year since rates fluctuate regularly. If you had the lowest rates on Passat coverage two years ago other companies may now be cheaper. There is a lot of bad information regarding auto insurance on the web, but with this article, you’re going to get some great ideas on how to find cheap auto insurance.

If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to save some money using this strategy. Pricing the cheapest protection is easy if you know what you’re doing. But vehicle owners do need to know the way insurance companies sell insurance online.

Lesser-known factors impacting Volkswagen Passat insurance rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that help determine your auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? – Most insurance companies provide better rates to people who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, it’s in your best interest to compare rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Claim-free discounts can add up – If you are a frequent claim filer, you can pretty much guarantee either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Companies provide better rates to drivers who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Your insurance policy is meant to be used in the event of the large, substantial claims.
Never go without insurance – Driving your car without having proper coverage is illegal and you will pay a penalty because you let your insurance lapse. Not only will you pay more, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance will get you a steep fine or even jail time.
Rates may be lower depending on your job – Occupations like lawyers, architects and financial analysts tend to pay higher average rates in part from high stress levels and long work days. Conversely, professions such as scientists, engineers and retirees have the lowest average rates on Passat coverage.
Choose a safe vehicle and save – Vehicles with high crash test scores are cheaper to insure. The safest vehicles have better occupant injury protection and fewer injuries translates into savings for insurance companies and thus lower rates. If your Volkswagen has ratings of a minimum an “acceptable” rating on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website or four stars on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website it is probably cheaper to insure.
More performance means more cost – The performance level of the car you are insuring makes a huge difference in the rate you pay. The lowest rates are for low performance passenger vehicles, but the final cost of insurance is determined by many other factors. Due to the fact that the Volkswagen Passat is a compact car, rates will be the same to a little lower when compared to the average rates.
Poor driving leads to higher costs – Your driving citation history has a big impact on rates. Drivers with clean records have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Even one moving violation may increase your cost forty percent or more. Drivers who have flagrant citations like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility to the state department of motor vehicles in order to keep their license.

Discounts are great for lower rates

Car insurance is not cheap, but you can get discounts that you may not know about. Some discounts apply automatically when you purchase, but some must be asked about prior to getting the savings.

Life Insurance – Companies who offer life insurance give lower rates if you buy life insurance.
Multiple Vehicles – Insuring multiple vehicles on the same auto insurance policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
Senior Discount – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may receive a small decrease in premiums on Passat coverage.
Military Discounts – Having a deployed family member may qualify for rate reductions.
Driver Safety – Taking a driver safety course could cut 5% off your bill if you qualify.
Safe Drivers – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates on Passat coverage than less cautious drivers.
Good Student – Getting good grades can save 20 to 25%. The good student discount can last until age 25.
Driver’s Ed – Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver’s ed class if it’s offered in school.
Theft Prevention System – Anti-theft and alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most only apply to specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So when it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce your overall premium however.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts, click here. insurance prices

But don’t I need an insurance agent?

Some people just want to sit down with an agent and that is a personal choice. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is you may find lower rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from small agencies is important particularly in small towns and cities.

After filling out this quick form, the coverage information is submitted to participating agents who will battle to get your business. There is no need to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy! You’ll get the best rates AND a local agent.

Multiple types of insurance agents

If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two different agency structures from which to choose. Insurance agencies are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive).

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent agents are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with multiple insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the business is moved internally and that require little work on your part.

When searching for an agent, you should always include multiple independent agents for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller companies which can be an advantage.

Captive Agents

These agents write business for a single company and examples are State Farm, AAA and Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agencies are very knowledgeable on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some people will only buy from captive agents partially due to high brand loyalty and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

For a complete listing of insurance agents, click here.

Deciding on an auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a low price. These are valid questions to ask:

Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
Do they make recommendations based only on price?
Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?

Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction for all questions you ask and an affordable coverage quote, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that can adequately provide auto insurance.

Smart consumers save more

Drivers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including denial of a claim, high rates after DUI convictions, policy non-renewal or even unfair underwriting practices. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, switching companies is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.

When buying insurance coverage, you should never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are a lot of situations where someone dropped liability coverage limits only to regret at claim time that it was a big error on their part. The proper strategy is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

We just covered some good ideas how you can compare Volkswagen Passat insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more price quotes you have, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Consumers may even find the best price on auto insurance is with a smaller regional carrier.