Wasting Money on Auto Insurance in Johnston, RI? Here’s How to Save!

Saving money on Johnston auto insurance is always challenging for people who are new to comparison shopping online. People have so many choices that it can be a ton of work to locate the lowest price in Johnston.

Cheap Johnston Auto Insurance Comparisons

Most companies give price estimates on their websites. This process is pretty easy as you simply type in the amount of coverage you want as detailed in the form. Upon sending the form, the company’s rating system automatically retrieves your driving record and credit report and returns a price quote based on these and other factors.

This makes it a lot easier to compare rates but having to visit different websites and type in the same information gets old quite quickly. Unfortunately, it is important to compare as many rates as possible if you want to find lower prices.

Rate comparisons made easy

The preferred way to compare rates uses one form to obtain quotes from a lot of companies. The form is fast, reduces the work, and makes online price comparison much more enjoyable. After your information is entered, your coverage is rated and you can select any of the resulting price quotes.

If one or more price quotes are lower than your current rates, you can click and sign and buy the policy. It takes just a few minutes to complete and may save quite a bit of money.

To fill out one form to compare multiple rates now, simply click here to open in new window and begin entering your coverage information. If you currently have coverage, we recommend you replicate the insurance coverages just like they are on your policy. Using the same limits helps guarantee you will be getting a price comparison based on similar coverages.

Take discounts and save

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but there could be available discounts to help bring down the price. Most are applied when you purchase, but some may not be applied and must be inquired about before they will apply. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you’re paying more than you need to.

• Sign Online – A few companies will give a small break for buying your policy digitally online.
• Multi-policy Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you will save approximately 10% to 15%.
• Senior Citizens – Mature drivers may qualify for a discount up to 10%.
• No Accidents – Claim-free drivers pay much less when compared to accident-prone drivers.
• Multiple Vehicles – Buying coverage for multiple vehicles on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
• Anti-theft Discount – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems can help prevent theft and will save you 10% or more.
• Homeowners Savings – Being a homeowner may trigger a auto insurance policy discount due to the fact that maintaining a home is proof that your finances are in order.
• Payment Discounts – If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
• Fewer Miles Equal More Savings – Low mileage vehicles can earn lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.

Consumers should know that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most cut specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So when the math indicates all those discounts means the company will pay you, you won’t be that lucky. Any qualifying discounts will cut your premiums.

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

Make smart decisions and save

Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that go into determining the rates you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that can help you get lower auto insurance prices.

• Performance influences rates – The performance level of the car you own makes a big difference in your rates. Small economy passenger models usually have the lowest rates, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
• Your location is important – Choosing to live in a small town is a positive aspect when insuring your vehicles. Less people living in that area means a lower chance of having an accident as well as less vandalism and auto theft. Drivers in populated Rhode Island areas regularly have more traffic problems and longer commute times. Higher commute times translates into higher accident risk.
• Teen drivers pay high rates – Mature drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets. Teen drivers have a tendency to be less responsible in a vehicle therefore auto insurance rates are much higher.
• A lapse in coverage is a bad thing – Driving without insurance is against the law and you will pay a penalty because you let your insurance expire. And not only will insurance be more expensive, failure to provide proof of insurance can result in a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.You may have to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the Rhode Island motor vehicle department to get your license reinstated.
• Bundling policies can get discounts – Most auto insurance companies will award you with lower prices to customers who buy several policies from them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, it’s in your best interest to shop around to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
• Please use or commuting – The higher the mileage driven every year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies apply a rate based on their usage. Autos that are left in the garage can get a lower rate than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Verify your auto insurance declarations sheet properly reflects the correct usage for each vehicle, because it can save money.
• Poor driving leads to higher costs – Only having one speeding ticket may increase your cost forty percent or more. Drivers with clean records receive lower rates compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers with flagrant tickets such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions are required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state DMV in order to keep their license.
• Equipment add-ons that lower auto insurance rates – Driving a car with an alarm system can help lower your rates. Theft prevention devices such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all hinder your car from being stolen.

Comparing rates from local agents

Some consumers would rather visit with an insurance agent and that is OK! Licensed agents can help determine the best coverages and give you peace of mind. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you can get better rates but still work with a licensed agent. And supporting local businesses is definitely important in Johnston.

Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is transmitted to participating agents in Johnston who will compete for your coverage. You don’t have to drive around because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier!

Independent or Captive: It’s your choice

When looking for a good Johnston insurance agent, there are a couple of types of agencies that you can select. Insurance agencies in Johnston are classified as either captive or independent. While both can insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn how they are different since it can impact your selection of an agent.

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and that require little work on your part.

When comparing rates, we recommend you get quotes from several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. Most have the option of insuring with smaller regional carriers which may provide better rates.

Below is a short list of independent agents in Johnston who can help you get price quotes.

• Vincent S Podmaska Agency – 1465 Atwood Ave – Johnston, RI 02919 – (401) 273-8700
• Preferred Insurance Assoc Inc – 1343 Hartford Ave – Johnston, RI 02919 – (401) 944-1350
• Philip J Smith Insurance – 1200 Hartford Ave – Johnston, RI 02919 – (401) 490-4390

Agency Captives

This type of agents write business for a single company and some examples include AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agents are very knowledgeable on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy from captive agents partially due to high brand loyalty and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

Shown below are Johnston captive insurance agencies willing to provide price quotes.

• Allstate Insurance Co – 1478 Atwood Ave – Johnston, RI 02919 – (401) 454-4710

To view a complete directory of captive agents in Johnston, please go to this site.

Choosing an auto insurance agent requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

• Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
• Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
• How are they compensated?
• If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
• Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
• Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?

Once you have positive responses to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that can adequately provide auto insurance.

It’s not one size fits all

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.

These are some specific questions could help you determine whether or not you will benefit from professional help.

• Are split liability limits better than a combined single limit?
• What is high-risk coverage and where do I buy it?
• Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?
• Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
• What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
• Is my vehicle covered by my employer’s policy when using it for work?
• Is there coverage for injuries to my pets?
• Is my vehicle covered for flood damage?
• What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
• Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?

If you’re not sure about those questions, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form. It is quick, free and may give you better protection.

Additional information can be read on the Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation website through this link. Consumers can find disaster information, learn about insurance regulations, download brochures, and find out which companies have the most complaints.

Is there truth in advertising?

Consumers in Rhode Island get pounded daily by advertisements for the lowest price auto insurance by companies like Allstate and Progressive. They all seem to say the same thing of big savings after switching to them.

How do they all claim to save you money?

Different companies are able to cherry pick for the driver that is profitable for them. A good example of a profitable customer could be over the age of 40, is a homeowner, and has great credit. Any driver who matches those parameters will get very good rates and most likely will pay quite a bit less when switching companies.

Drivers who don’t meet the requirements will be charged higher prices and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads say “customers who switch” not “everybody who quotes” save that kind of money. That’s the way insurance companies can confidently make those claims.

That is why you need to quote coverage with many companies. It’s just too difficult to predict the company that will have the lowest rates.

Shop smart and save

Cheap auto insurance is attainable both online and with local Johnston insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance companies do not offer online quoting and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.

Drivers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including delays in responding to claim requests, high rates after DUI convictions, policy cancellation and denial of a claim. Regardless of your reason, choosing a new insurance company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.

As you restructure your insurance plan, do not sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced liability limits or collision coverage and discovered at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your goal should be to find the BEST coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.