Free Guide to Spending Less for Waterbury, CT Auto Insurance Online

Shopping for the most affordable Waterbury auto insurance on the web can seem to be challenging for consumers not familiar with shopping for insurance online. With so many online companies available, how can consumers have a chance to compare every one to find the best pricing?

Comparison of Auto Insurance in Waterbury, Connecticut

Performing a rate comparison can be exhausting if you don’t understand the most efficient way to do it. You can spend your afternoon talking about coverages with insurance companies in Waterbury, or you could use the web to get prices fast.

Most major companies enroll in a system that enables customers to submit one quote, and each participating company returns a rated price determined by their information. This eliminates the need for form submissions for every auto insurance company.

To compare rates using this form now click here to open in new window.

The only drawback to getting quotes like this is you are unable to specify the companies to get quotes from. So if you prefer to choose individual companies for rate comparison, we have a listing of the cheapest auto insurance companies in Connecticut. Click here to view list.

Whichever way you use, make absolute certain that you use exactly the same coverages for each price quote. If you use differing limits it will be impossible to truly determine the lowest rate in Waterbury.

Do you qualify for discounts?

Auto insurance companies don’t always publicize every discount very clearly, so the following is a list of some of the best known and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using. If you’re not getting every credit possible, you’re just leaving money on the table.

Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can avoid accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
Senior Citizens – If you’re over the age of 55, you may qualify for a discount up to 10%.
Sign Early and Save – A few companies offer discounts for switching policies prior to your current policy expiring. It can save you around 10%.
Anti-theft System – Vehicles with anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Paperless Signup – Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks simply for signing digitally online.
Discount for Life Insurance – Some companies give a discount if you purchase life insurance.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Just because it seems like you could get a free auto insurance policy, you won’t be that lucky.

To choose insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Waterbury, click this link.

Many Things Influence your Rates

It’s important that you understand the factors that go into determining auto insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

Discounts for married couples – Getting married actually saves money on your policy. It translates into being more mature and responsible and it’s proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
Your job and insurance rates – Jobs such as real estate brokers, executives and financial analysts have higher average rates due to job stress and lengthy work days. Conversely, jobs such as scientists, engineers and the unemployed get better rates.
Where you reside plays a part – Choosing to live in less populated areas is a positive aspect when insuring your vehicles. Drivers in populated areas tend to have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Less people living in that area means fewer accidents as well as less vandalism and auto theft.
Cautious drivers pay less – Whether or not you get tickets has a big impact on rates. Drivers who don’t get tickets tend to pay less for car insurance than people who have multiple driving citations. Only having one moving violation can bump up the cost by twenty percent. Drivers with severe tickets such as DUI or reckless driving are required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) to the state department of motor vehicles in order to drive a vehicle legally.
Always keep insurance in force – Driving with no insurance is against the law and your next policy will cost more because you let your insurance lapse. Not only will you pay more, getting caught without coverage will get you a revoked license or a big fine.

Buying auto insurance from a local agent

A small number of people just want to buy from a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Licensed agents can answer important questions and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about price shopping on the web is that you can obtain better rates and still choose a local agent.

After completing this quick form, the quote information gets sent to local insurance agents in Waterbury who will compete for your insurance coverage. There is no need to even leave your home since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier! Waterbury Connecticut insurance ad

Picking an insurer needs to be determined by more than just the premium amount. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Connecticut?
Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
Do they make recommendations based only on price?
How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?

Choose the right car insurance agent

When searching for a good Waterbury insurance agent, you need to know there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Agents are either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the difference between them because it can impact the type of agent you choose

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company and some examples include American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. These agents are not able to give you multiple price quotes so they have to upsell other benefits. Captives are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which can be an advantage. Consumers frequently buy insurance from these agents mostly because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

Below is a short list of captive agents in Waterbury willing to provide comparison quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 155 Thomaston Ave – Waterbury, CT 06702 – (203) 755-3700
Allstate Insurance – 581 Wolcott St – Waterbury, CT 06705 – (203) 757-9601

Independent Agents

Independent agents are not locked into one company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, they simply move the coverage in-house and that require little work on your part. When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to get quotes from multiple independent agents to get the best comparison. Many write coverage with different regional companies which may provide better rates.

The following is a list of independent agents in Waterbury that are able to give comparison quotes.

Sundel and Milford Inc Insurance – 11 Scovill St # 4 – Waterbury, CT 06706 – (203) 753-0114
Ciriano Agency – 751 Watertown Ave – Waterbury, CT 06708 – (203) 756-8170
Montagno Agency – 344 Robbins St – Waterbury, CT 06708 – (203) 574-5211
O’Brien Russo Quint Agency Inc – 27 Holmes Ave – Waterbury, CT 06710 – (203) 597-9313
Boiano Insurance – 349 Homestead Ave – Waterbury, CT 06705 – (203) 575-1224

To view a complete directory of insurance agents in Waterbury, please click here.

Upon getting positive responses to any questions you have and a low price estimate, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that can provide auto insurance coverage.

But I don’t know anything about car insurance

When choosing proper insurance coverage, there is no best way to insure your cars. Everyone’s situation is unique.

Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if your insurance needs would benefit from professional advice.

Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?
Do I have coverage if my license is suspended?
What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
When should I drop full coverage on my vehicle?
Is borrowed equipment or tools covered if stolen or damaged?
Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?
Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
What is the minimum liability in Connecticut?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, complete this form. It only takes a few minutes and you can get the answers you need.

More tips and info about auto insurance is located at the Connecticut Insurance Department website. Connecticut consumers can view agent and company licensing information, download brochures, read state legal mandates and laws, and find a variety of consumer forms.

Do you really save 40% when you switch?

Connecticut consumers can’t get away from ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like State Farm and Allstate. They all say the same thing of big savings if you move to them.

How can each company make almost identical claims?

Different companies have a certain “appetite” for the driver that is profitable for them. An example of a driver they prefer could be over the age of 50, is a homeowner, and has excellent credit. A customer getting a price quote that hits that “sweet spot” gets the lowest rates and therefore will save when they switch companies.

Potential insureds who don’t measure up to these standards will be quoted a more expensive rate and this can result in business not being written. The ads say “customers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that much money. That’s why companies can make the claims of big savings. This emphasizes why you need to quote coverage with many companies. It is impossible to predict which auto insurance company will have the lowest rates.

Online plus local equals savings

While you’re price shopping online, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many instances, drivers have reduced collision coverage and learned later that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your goal should be to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

People change insurance companies for any number of reasons including delays in responding to claim requests, delays in paying claims, questionable increases in premium and high rates after DUI convictions. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch finding the right auto insurance provider is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.

You just learned a lot of ways to shop for auto insurance online. It’s most important to understand that the more rate quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. Drivers may discover the lowest rates come from a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising.