Is Your Roanoke, VA Car Insurance Too High? Here is How to Save Money

No one in their right mind likes paying for car insurance, especially knowing the cost is way too high. Since consumers have many companies and agents to choose from, it can be diffult for consumers to choose the right insurance company.

This article will help educate you on the best way to quote coverages. If you currently have car insurance, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. Virginia drivers only need to know the proper methods to compare prices online.

Be sure to get all your discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but companies offer discounts to reduce the price significantly. Some discounts apply automatically when you get a quote, but some may not be applied and must be manually applied before they will apply. If you don’t get every credit available, you are throwing money away.

  • Senior Discount – Mature drivers may be able to get better car insurance rates.
  • Memberships – Participating in a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates on your policy.
  • Good Student – A discount for being a good student can earn a discount of 20% or more. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.
  • Federal Government Employee – Being employed by or retired from a federal job can earn a discount up to 10% with certain companies.
  • Early Signing – Select companies give a discount for buying a policy before your current expiration date. This can save 10% or more.

It’s important to understand that some credits don’t apply to all coverage premiums. Some only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don’t profit that way. But any discount will help reduce your premiums.

You are unique and your car insurance should be too

When it comes to buying adequate coverage, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Every insured’s situation is different so this has to be addressed. Here are some questions about coverages that can help discover if you may require specific advice.

  • Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
  • Does coverage extend to a rental car in a foreign country?
  • Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
  • Is a new car covered when I drive it off the dealer lot?
  • How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in Virginia?
  • Can I afford low physical damage deductibles?
  • If my vehicle is totaled, can I afford another vehicle?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to an agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area. It’s fast, free and may give you better protection.

Aren’t my neighborhood agents an option?

Some people just want to talk to a local agent and that is just fine! Professional agents can help determine the best coverages and help file insurance claims. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the best rates but also keep your business local. Supporting local businesses is important especially in Roanoke.

For easy comparison, once you complete this simple form, your insurance data is submitted to agents in your area who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You never need to visit any agencies since price quotes are sent to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!save money in Roanoke Virginia

Choose an insurance agent wisely

If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two types of agencies that you can select. Agencies in Roanoke can either be captive or independent. Either one can insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know how they are different because it can influence your agent selection.

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent insurance agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection.

Below is a list of independent agents in Roanoke who can help you get rate quotes.

Gmac Insurance – 2840 Electric Rd – Roanoke, VA 24018 – (540) 725-4600
Shepherd and Assoc Agency – 2609 Orange Ave NE – Roanoke, VA 24012 – (540) 981-1995
Tinaglia Agency – 4528 Old Cave Spring Rd – Roanoke, VA 24018 – (540) 989-9779
Nationwide Insurance – 1010 13th St SE – Roanoke, VA 24013 – (540) 777-4664

Agency Captives

These agents work for only one company and some examples include AAA, Allstate and State Farm. These agents are not able to provide prices from multiple companies so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captives are very knowledgeable on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.

Shown below is a list of captive agents in Roanoke willing to provide price quote information.

Allstate Insurance – 3524 Brambleton Ave – Roanoke, VA 24018 – (540) 725-5900
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 2965 Colonnade Dr # 305 – Roanoke, VA 24018 – (540) 989-6179
State Farm Insurance – 6335 Peters Creek Rd # B – Roanoke, VA 24019 – (540) 362-1838
Farmers Insurance Group – 3564 Grandin Rd – Roanoke, VA 24018 – (540) 776-9506

Car insurance in Roanoke VA

To view a complete directory of Roanoke captive agents, simply jump to this page.

Choosing an insurance agent requires more thought than just a cheap price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:

  • Are they full-time agents?
  • If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
  • Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
  • How long has their agency been open in Roanoke?
  • If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
  • Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?

After receiving good answers and a good coverage price, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that will properly service your car insurance policy.

Additional car insurance information can be found on the website for the Virginia Bureau of Insurance through this link. Virginia consumers can view a list of available companies, report car insurance fraud, find a variety of consumer forms, and read state legal mandates and laws.

Best coverage at the best price

Throughout this article, we presented some good ideas how to shop for car insurance online. It’s most important to understand that the more companies you get rates for, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. You may even find the biggest savings come from some of the lesser-known companies. Smaller companies can often provide lower rates in certain areas than their larger competitors like State Farm and Allstate.

Lower-priced car insurance is possible both online in addition to many Roanoke insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who do not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.