Things You Must Know Before Buying Portsmouth, RI Auto Insurance Online

No one enjoys paying for auto insurance, especially when their premiums are through the roof. Consumers have many insurance companies to insure vehicles with, and although it’s nice to have a choice, so many choices can make it hard to find a good deal.

This information will let you in on the best way to quote coverages. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will be able to save some money using these tips. Rhode Island consumers just need to learn the most efficient way to shop over the internet.

What determines how much you pay?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that can help you get big savings.

The list below includes some of the factors that factor into your rates.

Mature drivers pay less – Teen drivers in Rhode Island tend to be careless and easily distracted behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Parents adding a teen driver onto your auto insurance can be quite pricey. Older drivers are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and tend to be better behind the wheel.
Your spouse saves you money – Having a wife or husband can get you a discount when buying auto insurance. Marriage usually means you are more mature than a single person it has been statistically shown that being married results in fewer claims.
Optional equipment can affect rates – Choosing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Theft prevention features like GM’s OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can thwart your car from being stolen.
Lower miles equals lower premium – The higher the mileage driven every year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies price each vehicle’s coverage determined by how the vehicle is used. Autos that are left in the garage get more affordable rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Verify your auto insurance declarations sheet is rated on the correct usage for each vehicle.

Don’t miss out on these money-saving discounts

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but there are discounts available that many people don’t even know exist. Most are applied when you complete an application, but less common discounts must be specially asked for before they will apply. If you aren’t receiving every discount you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.

Pay Now and Pay Less – If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.
Military Rewards – Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.
Paperwork-free – A handful of insurance companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application on their website.
Driver Safety – Completing a defensive driving course could cut 5% off your bill and easily recoup the cost of the course.
College Student – Kids in college who are attending college and don’t have a car can receive lower rates.
Federal Government Employee – Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% with a few auto insurance companies.
Auto/Home Discount – When you combine your home and auto insurance with one insurance company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.
One Accident Forgiven – Some insurance companies allow you one accident before raising your premiums if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.

It’s important to understand that most credits do not apply the the whole policy. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you won’t be that lucky. Any amount of discount will help reduce your premiums.

For a list of providers with the best auto insurance discounts in Rhode Island, follow this link. Portsmouth car insurance quote

Advertising myths

Rhode Island consumers constantly see and hear ads for car insurance savings from the likes of Allstate, GEICO and Progressive. They all seem to have a common claim that you can save if you switch your coverage to them.

How do they all make almost identical claims?

Insurance companies have a certain “appetite” for the driver they prefer to insure. For example, a desirable insured could be between the ages of 40 and 55, is a homeowner, and has excellent credit. Any driver who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and therefore will save quite a bit of money when switching.

Potential insureds who don’t meet the requirements will be charged a higher premium and this can result in the customer not buying. The ad wording is “customers that switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that kind of money. That’s why insurance companies can confidently state the savings.

That is why you need to get as many comparisons as possible. You cannot predict the company that will give you the biggest savings.

Do I need special coverages?

When it comes to buying coverage, there really is no cookie cutter policy. Everyone’s situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine whether you might need professional guidance.

Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Portsmouth?
Does my policy cover me when driving someone else’s vehicle?
Does my vehicle need full coverage?
Does my policy pay for OEM or aftermarket parts?
Can I afford to pay high deductible claims out of pocket?
Where can I get insurance after a DUI in Rhode Island?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It is quick, free and may give you better protection.

Additional auto insurance information is available on the website for the Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation located here. Rhode Island drivers can find disaster information, view agent and company licensing information, and discover disciplinary actions.

The following information may also be useful.

Better coverage you can count on

Cheaper auto insurance is available both online in addition to many Portsmouth insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to get a complete price analysis. Some companies do not provide you the ability to get quotes online and usually these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

When you buy insurance online, it’s very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are many occasions where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits and discovered at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your strategy should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at a price you can afford while not skimping on critical coverages.