Find Rock Solid Methods to Save on Arlington Auto Insurance

Are you confused by the wide range of auto insurance company choices in Arlington? You’re not the only one! Drivers have so many choices that it can quickly become more work than you anticipated to find the best price.

It’s important to take a look at other company’s rates at least once a year due to the fact that insurance rates trend upward over time. Even if you got the best deal six months ago you can probably find a lower rate today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because I’m going to let you in on the secrets to how to quote online to get good coverage at a lower rate.

Make smart decisions and save

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that go into determining auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively determines base rates enables informed choices that could result in big savings.

Listed below are some of the factors auto insurance companies consider when setting premiums.

  • Never allow your policy to lapse – Letting your insurance expire is a sure-fire way to trigger a rate increase. Not only will you pay more, getting caught without coverage might get you a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.
  • Teen drivers pay high rates – Teenage drivers in Massachusetts are statistically proven to be careless and easily distracted when driving so they pay higher auto insurance rates. Adding a teen driver onto a policy can break the bank. More mature drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.
  • How many coverages with the same company – Most insurers will award you with lower prices to people who have multiple policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even if you’re getting this discount you may still want to compare rates to make sure you are getting the best deal.
  • High credit ratings translate to low rates – Your credit score is a large factor in determining your rates. If your credit rating is lower than you’d like, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your rating. Drivers who have excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers who have poor credit.
  • A clean driving record saves money – Your driving citation history impacts your car insurance rates tremendously. Just one speeding ticket can increase rates by as much as thirty percent. Good drivers have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who have flagrant citations such as DWI, reckless driving or hit and run convictions may need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with the DMV in their state in order to keep their license.
  • Claim-free discounts can add up – If you tend to file frequent claims, you can definitely plan on either higher rates or even cancellation. Companies in Massachusetts generally give discounts to drivers who file claims infrequently. Car insurance is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Safer occupants lowers premiums – Safer cars get lower rates. These vehicles protect occupants better and fewer injuries means lower claim amounts and more competitive rates for policyholders.
  • Please use or commuting – The more miles you rack up on your car every year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Most companies apply a rate based on their usage. Cars not used for work or commuting qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Ask your agent if your auto insurance policy is showing how each vehicle is driven.

Discounts can save BIG

Car insurance is not cheap, but you can get discounts that you may not even be aware of. Some trigger automatically at the time of quoting, but a few must be requested specifically prior to getting the savings.

  • Anti-theft Discount – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and will save you 10% or more.
  • Seat Belts Save more than Lives – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to wear their seat belts could cut 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
  • Low Mileage – Low mileage vehicles could qualify for discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
  • Save with a New Car – Buying coverage on a new vehicle is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
  • No Claims – Good drivers with no accidents pay less as compared to bad drivers.
  • Life Insurance – Select insurance companies reward you with lower rates if you buy life insurance from them.

As a disclaimer on discounts, some credits don’t apply to the entire policy premium. Some only apply to individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So even though they make it sound like you can get free auto insurance, you’re out of luck. But any discount will cut your overall premium however.car insurance image

The fine print in auto insurance ads

21st Century, Allstate and State Farm regularly use ads on television and other media. All the companies make an identical promise that you can save if you move your policy. How does each company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a certain “appetite” for the driver they prefer to insure. For example, a driver they prefer might be over the age of 50, has no prior claims, and has a short commute. Any new insured who matches those parameters receives the best rates and most likely will save when switching.

Consumers who are not a match for this ideal profile must pay higher prices which usually ends up with business not being written. The ads say “customers who switch” not “everybody who quotes” save that much. That is how insurance companies can confidently make those claims.

This illustrates why drivers must compare many company’s rates. You cannot predict which insurance companies will have the lowest rates.

Much more information about auto insurance in Massachusetts can be found on the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website found here. Visitors are able to download brochures, find out industry alerts, and read industry bulletins.

The following information may also be useful.

save money in Massachusetts

Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal

Consumers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as policy non-renewal, poor customer service, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and even not issuing a premium refund. Regardless of your reason, switching companies is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many instances, consumers will sacrifice liability coverage limits and discovered at claim time they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your focus should be to find the BEST coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.

You just learned a lot of information how to shop for auto insurance online. The most important thing to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may be surprised to find that the most savings is with some of the lesser-known companies.