Shop For Nampa, ID Car Insurance for the Lowest Rate With These Tricks

Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy overpriced car insurance? Trust us when we tell you there are a lot of people in Nampa just like you who feel imprisoned by their car insurance policy. Insurance companies such as GEICO, 21st Century and Progressive constantly bombard you with ads and it is challenging if not impossible to sift through the bull and do the work needed to find the best deal.

Informed Drivers can Cut Their Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that play a part in calculating the price you pay for car insurance. Understanding what influences your rates enables informed choices that may reward you with lower car insurance prices.

Cautious drivers pay less – A bad driving record has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Drivers who don’t get tickets have lower premiums than people who have multiple driving citations. Just one moving violation can bump up the cost by twenty percent. If you have severe violations such as DUI or reckless driving may find they need to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to drive a vehicle legally.
More performance means more cost – The type of vehicle you own makes a significant difference in the rate you pay. Economy passenger cars generally receive the lowest base rates, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
Your credit rating is important – A driver’s credit score is a big factor in determining what you pay for car insurance. So if your credit score is lower than you’d like, you could save money insuring your by improving your rating. Drivers with good credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than those with poor credit.
Your job and insurance rates – Jobs such as real estate brokers, business owners and stock brokers tend to pay the highest rates attributed to stressful work requirements and long work hours. On the other hand, occupations such as scientists, students and retirees have the lowest average rates.
Do you qualify for a multi-policy discount? – Most insurance companies give discounts to people who consolidate policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even if you’re getting this discount it’s in your best interest to comparison shop to ensure the best deal.
Drive a safer car and pay less – Vehicles with good safety scores can get you lower premiums. Safe vehicles protect occupants better and better occupant protection translates into savings for insurance companies passed on to you as lower rates.
Lower rates with optional equipment – Choosing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft devices like GM’s OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can thwart your car from being stolen.
Do you know your deductibles? – Physical damage coverage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims are colliding with a building, vandalism, and rolling your vehicle. Your deductibles are how much you are required to spend out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. The more expense you’re willing to pay, the less your company will charge you for insurance.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but you may find discounts that you may not even be aware of. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at the time of purchase, but some must be asked for prior to getting the savings. If you’re not getting every credit you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.

Drive Safe and Save – Drivers who avoid accidents may receive a discount up to 45% less than drivers with accidents.
Employee of Federal Government – Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with certain companies.
Drive Less and Save – Fewer annual miles can earn better rates on cars that stay parked.
Senior Discount – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
Life Insurance Discount – Companies who offer life insurance give lower rates if you buy life insurance.
Good Student Discount – This discount can get you a discount of up to 25%. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
Student Driver Training – Have your child enroll in driver’s education if offered at their school.
Organization Discounts – Being a member of a civic or occupational organization could qualify you for a break when buying car insurance.

It’s important to note that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies wouldn’t make money that way. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce your premiums.

Compare online but buy from a local Nampa agent

A small number of people would rather talk to a local agent. Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and give you peace of mind. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is you can get the best rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from small agencies is especially important in Nampa.

To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this form (opens in new window), your coverage information is submitted to companies in Nampa who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. How’s that for easy!

Insurance agent types

When researching a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple types of agencies to choose from. Agencies in Nampa are categorized either captive or independent. Both do a good job, but it’s important to know the differences because it can influence the selection process.

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent agencies do not work for one specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency. When comparison shopping, you should always include price quotes from multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection. car insurance image

Below is a short list of independent agents in Nampa that can give you price quotes.

Jim Waters Insurance – 1713 12th Ave Rd – Nampa, ID 83686 – (208) 466-4800
Sellman Agency – 1314 12th Ave S – Nampa, ID 83651 – (208) 442-6800
Farm Bureau Insurance – 16440 Franklin Rd – Nampa, ID 83687 – (208) 461-6112

Captive Insurance Agents

These agents are contracted to one company and some examples include AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. They are well schooled in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.

Listed below is a short list of captive agents in Nampa that are able to give rate quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 1621 12th Ave Rd – Nampa, ID 83686 – (208) 461-4411
Farmers Insurance Group – 714 16th Ave S – Nampa, ID 83651 – (208) 466-0809
American Family Insurance – 2414 12th Ave Rd – Nampa, ID 83686 – (208) 461-2245
Allstate Insurance – 312 1/2 Caldwell Blvd – Nampa, ID 83651 – (208) 467-2100
Farm Bureau Insurance – 16440 Franklin Rd – Nampa, ID 83687 – (208) 461-6112

For a complete listing of captive agents in Nampa, please click here.

Selecting an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

How are they compensated?
Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
Which company do they place the most coverage with?
What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
Is working in the agency their full-time job?

Once you have reasonable responses to your questions as well as a affordable price, you have narrowed it down to a car insurance agent that is a good match to properly insure your vehicles.

Car insurance is unique, just like you

When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Every situation is different and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. These are some specific questions might point out if your insurance needs might need an agent’s assistance.

Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
Do I have coverage if my license is suspended?
Does having multiple vehicles earn me a discount?
Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
Will my vehicle be repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
Do I need motorclub coverage?
Should I buy only the required Idaho minimum liability coverage?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It only takes a few minutes and may give you better protection.

Informative consumer insurance sites

Additional information can be read on the website for the Idaho Department of Insurance found here. Idaho drivers can download brochures, file complaints about a company, and discover disciplinary actions.

Best coverage at the best price

Discount car insurance can be sourced both online and also from your neighborhood Nampa agents, so you should compare both to have the best selection. A few companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.

We just presented many ideas to save on car insurance. The most important thing to understand is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your comparison will be. Consumers could even find that the lowest rates come from a lesser-known regional company. Some small companies may only write in your state and offer lower rates than the large multi-state companies such as Allstate or State Farm.

While you’re price shopping online, do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where an insured cut collision coverage only to find out that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your focus should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.