5 Ways You Can Buy Auto Insurance for Less in Hialeah

Expensive auto insurance can empty your personal savings and put the squeeze on your family’s finances. Comparing price quotes is a great way to lower your monthly bill. Popular companies such as Progressive, GEICO and Farmers Insurance continually hit you with advertising and it is challenging if not impossible to ignore the flashy ads and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.

If you have a policy now or are looking for a new policy, you can use these techniques to reduce the price you pay and possibly find even better coverage. Buying car insurance in Hialeah is easy if you know what you’re doing. Florida drivers just need to understand the most efficient way to compare rates online.

Where Can I Get Cheap Hialeah Auto Insurance?

Getting a cheaper price on insurance is not rocket science. Drivers just need to invest a little time to compare rate quotes online from several insurance companies. This can be accomplished using a couple different methods.

1. The single most time-saving way consumers can make multiple comparisons is a comparison rater form (click to open form in new window). This form keeps you from doing separate quotation requests for each company you want a rate for. Completing one form gets you price quotes from many national carriers.
2. A less efficient way to get comparison quotes requires a visit to the website for every company you want to comare to request a price quote. For example, we’ll assume you want to compare rates from Nationwide, 21st Century and Allstate. To get rate quotes you would need to go to every website and enter your information, which is why the first method is quicker. For a handy list of car insurance company links in Hialeah, click here.
3. The most time-consuming method of getting rate comparisons is to spend time driving to and from local Hialeah insurance agencies. The ability to buy insurance online can eliminate the need for a local agent unless you prefer the professional advice of a local Hialeah agent. However, consumers can find lower rates online and still use a local agent and we’ll touch on that later.

Whichever way you use, double check that you are using identical information for every company. If you enter different deductibles you will not be able to determine the best price in Hialeah.

Are auto insurance companies telling the truth?

Florida consumers constantly see and hear ads for cheaper car insurance from companies such as Allstate, GEICO and Progressive. They all seem to say the same thing that you can save if you move your policy.

How do they all make almost identical claims?

All companies can use profiling for the type of customer that earns them a profit. For example, a desirable insured might be profiled as over the age of 50, has no prior claims, and has excellent credit. A driver who matches those parameters will qualify for the lowest rates and most likely will save a lot of money.

Potential customers who don’t meet the requirements will be charged a more expensive rate and ends up with business not being written. The ads state “drivers who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that much. This is how insurance companies can confidently claim big savings.

That is why drivers should get as many quotes as possible. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Don’t miss out on these 5 money-saving discounts

The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but discounts can save money and there are some available to help bring down the price. Some trigger automatically at the time you complete a quote, but some may not be applied and must be requested specifically before you will receive the discount. If you’re not getting every credit available, you are throwing money away.

• No Charge for an Accident – Certain companies permit an accident before hitting you with a surcharge if you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
• Discounts for Safe Drivers – Drivers who don’t get into accidents may receive a discount up to 45% less than their less cautious counterparts.
• Early Switch Discount – Select companies give a discount for switching policies prior to your current policy expiration. It’s a savings of about 10%.
• Multi-car Discount – Having more than one vehicle with the same company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
• Save with a New Car – Insuring a new car can save up to 30% since new cars are generally safer.

Consumers should know that most discount credits are not given to all coverage premiums. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you’re out of luck. But any discount will cut your overall premium however.

To choose companies with the best auto insurance discounts in Hialeah, click this link.

Your local neighborhood insurance agent

Some people would rather talk to a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Educated insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find lower rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from small agencies is especially important in Hialeah.

To help locate an agent, after submitting this quick form, the coverage information is submitted to agents in your area who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy!

What types of insurance agents are in Hialeah?

When finding a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are a couple of different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Hialeah agents are classified as either independent or captive. Both insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know how they differ because it can influence the selection process.

Independent Insurance Agents

These agents are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with many different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to find a new agent.

When comparing rates, we recommend you include at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection.

Below is a list of independent insurance agents in Hialeah that are able to give competitive price quotes.

First General Insurance – 7900 NW 155th St # 102 – Hialeah, FL 33016 – (305) 817-0303
All-Motors Assurance Agency – 1524 W 49th St – Hialeah, FL 33012 – (305) 362-6830
Dollar Insurance – 1142 W 68th St – Hialeah, FL 33014 – (305) 823-1515

Agency Captives

These agents can only write with one company and examples are American Family, State Farm and Allstate. These agents are not able to provide prices from multiple companies so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. These agents are usually quite knowledgeable on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents.

Below are captive insurance agents in Hialeah who can help you get price quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 8090 W 21st Ct – Hialeah, FL 33016 – (305) 823-7820
Allstate Insurance – 18512 NW 67th Ave – Hialeah, FL 33015 – (305) 828-2811

For a complete listing of Hialeah captive insurance agents, visit this link.

Choosing an auto insurance agent should depend on more than just a low price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:

• Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
• Can they give you a list of client referrals?
• Is assistance available after office hours?
• Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
• How often do they review policy coverages?
• Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
• Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
• Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?

Upon getting good answers to any questions you have and a low price estimate, you may have just found an insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.

Is my situation unique?

When buying coverage, there is no one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. Here are some questions about coverages that might help in determining whether you will benefit from professional help.

• What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
• How many claims can I have before being cancelled?
• Do I need to file an SR-22 for a DUI in Florida?
• Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
• Should I buy more coverage than the required Florida minimum liability coverage?
• Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Florida?
• What are the best liability limits?
• Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
• Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
• Is my custom paint covered by insurance?

If you can’t answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can help protect your family.

Much more information about auto insurance in Florida can be found on the website for the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation through this link. Visitors are able to read consumer alerts, find a variety of consumer forms, and file complaints about a company.

Auto insurance coverages and their meanings

Having a good grasp of your policy can be of help when determining appropriate coverage at the best deductibles and correct limits. Auto insurance terms can be difficult to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Shown next are typical coverage types found on most auto insurance policies.

Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage pay for short-term medical expenses such as hospital visits, X-ray expenses and funeral costs. They are often used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. It covers not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and also covers being hit by a car walking across the street. Personal Injury Protection is not available in all states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)

Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered losses include medical payments for you and your occupants as well as damage to your vehicle.

Since many Florida drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (10/20/10), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. So UM/UIM coverage is a good idea. Most of the time the UM/UIM limits are set the same as your liablity limits.

Comprehensive insurance

This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first must pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive insurance covers claims such as damage from a tornado or hurricane, a broken windshield, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, hitting a deer and damage from getting keyed. The maximum amount your auto insurance company will pay is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Liability insurance

Liability insurance will cover injuries or damage you cause to other’s property or people that is your fault. It protects you against claims from other people, and doesn’t cover damage to your own property or vehicle.

Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. As an example, you may have limits of 25/50/25 which means $25,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a total of $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and property damage coverage for $25,000. Alternatively, you may have one number which is a combined single limit which combines the three limits into one amount with no separate limits for injury or property damage.

Liability coverage pays for claims such as bail bonds, loss of income, structural damage and attorney fees. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is a decision to put some thought into, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as high a limit as you can afford. Florida requires drivers to carry at least 10,000/20,000/10,000 but you should think about purchasing better liability coverage.

Collision coverage protection

This pays for damage to your vehicle from colliding with another car or object. A deductible applies and then insurance will cover the remainder.

Collision coverage pays for things like driving through your garage door, backing into a parked car, scraping a guard rail, rolling your car and hitting a mailbox. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider dropping it from lower value vehicles. Another option is to increase the deductible to bring the cost down.

And the best car insurance company is…

When buying insurance coverage, make sure you don’t buy less coverage just to save a little money. In too many instances, an insured cut collision coverage and found out when filing a claim they didn’t have enough coverage. The aim is to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.

Cheap auto insurance is available on the web and also from your neighborhood Hialeah agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some auto insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.