Expert Advice on Paying Less for Greenbelt, MD Car Insurance

Are you tired of paying out the nose each month for car insurance? You are no different than most other car owners in Maryland. Lots of auto insurance companies contend to insure your vehicles, and it can be difficult to compare rates to get the lowest rate

If you are insured now or are shopping for new coverage, you will benefit by learning to find the best rates while maintaining coverages. Choosing the best insurance company for you in Greenbelt is not that difficult. Maryland drivers only need to know the tricks to get comparison rates online.

Why some people pay less for insurance in Greenbelt

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that help determine the rates you pay for car insurance. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that can help you get big savings.

• Drive a safer car and pay less – Cars with high safety ratings get lower rates. These vehicles reduce injuries and better occupant protection means less money paid by your insurance company and lower rates for you.
• How your age affects price – More mature drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents and are safer drivers. Teenage drivers tend to be careless and easily distracted when driving therefore car insurance rates are much higher.
• Theft deterrents lower rates – Driving a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can help bring down rates. Theft prevention devices like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system all hinder auto theft.
• Protect your assets with liability insurance – The liability section of your policy is the coverage that protects you in the event that a jury decides you are liable for damages caused by your negligence. Liability provides you with a defense in court starting from day one. Liability is cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so drivers should carry high limits.
• Is your vehicle built for speed? – The performance of the car you are buying insurance for makes a significant difference in your rates. The cheapest insurance rates are generally reserved for lower performance four cylinder passenger cars, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.

Don’t miss out on these money-saving discounts

Insurance can be prohibitively expensive, but there are discounts available that many people don’t even know exist. A few discounts will automatically apply when you complete an application, but a few must be inquired about before being credited. If you don’t get every credit you deserve, you’re paying more than you need to.

• Seat Belts Save more than Lives – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to wear their seat belts could cut 10% or more off your PIP or medical payments premium.
• Air Bag Discount – Cars that have air bags or automatic seat belts can qualify for discounts up to 30%.
• Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
• Auto/Home Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you may save at least 10% off all policies.
• Multiple Cars – Having all your vehicles with the same company qualifies for this discount.
• Claim Free – Good drivers with no accidents pay less when compared to frequent claim filers.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Some only reduce individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So when it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it doesn’t quite work that way. But all discounts will cut the cost of coverage.

To choose companies with the best car insurance discounts in Greenbelt, click here.

Do I need special coverages?

When it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a perfect coverage plan. Everyone’s situation is a little different so your insurance should reflect that These are some specific questions might help in determining if your insurance needs would benefit from professional advice.

• Does my policy cover me when driving someone else’s vehicle?
• Are my friends covered when driving my vehicle?
• Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
• Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
• Am I getting all the discounts available?
• How much liability coverage do I need in Maryland?
• What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
• Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
• When should I remove comp and collision on my vehicle?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but one or more may apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It’s fast, free and can provide invaluable advice.

More information can be found on the website for the Maryland Insurance Administration through this link. Consumers can read consumer alerts, download brochures, and find out industry alerts.

Other useful links include this page for car insurance in Maryland and this page for help finding agents in Greenbelt, MD.

Smart shoppers get results

While you’re price shopping online, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later that it was a big mistake. The aim is to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.

Lower-priced car insurance can be found online as well as from independent agents in Greenbelt, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best rate selection. There are still a few companies who don’t offer online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.