Top 8 Ways to Save on Car Insurance in Georgetown Delaware

Are you tired of being strong-armed to pay your car insurance bill each month? You’re in the same situation as millions of other consumers. Companies like Progressive, State Farm and GEICO persitently shower you with fancy advertisements and it is challenging if not impossible to ignore the promise of big savings and do the work needed to find the best deal.

It’s a good habit to compare prices yearly since rates fluctuate regularly. If you had the lowest price on your last policy other companies may now be cheaper. So just forget all the misinformation about car insurance because it’s time to teach you how to use the internet to lower your annual insurance bill.

If you are insured now or need new coverage, you can use this information to find the best rates and possibly find even better coverage. Choosing the best insurance company for you in Georgetown is quite easy. Delaware vehicle owners only need an understanding of the best way to get comparison rates on the web.

Fast and Easy Georgetown Car Insurance Quotes

Getting a lower price on insurance is not a difficult process. Consumers just need to spend a little time comparing rate quotes provided by online insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

One of the simplest ways to get quotes for comparison is a comparison rater form (click to open form in new window). This method prevents you from having to do boring form submissions for each company. In just a few minutes this one form gets you price quotes from all major companies.
A harder way to compare rate quotes consists of going to each company’s website to complete their respective quote request forms. For instance, we’ll assume you want to compare GEICO, Safeco and Farmers. To find out each rate you need to spend time on each company’s site to enter your coverage information, which is why the first method is more popular. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Georgetown, click here.
The most time-consuming method of getting rate comparisons to different agent offices. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you want the professional advice of a local agent. It is possible to comparison shop online and still use a local agent and we’ll talk about that later.

Whichever method you choose, make absolute certain that you use the exact same coverage information on every quote. If the quotes have unequal deductibles or liability limits you can’t possibly determine which rate is truly the best in Georgetown.

Discounts are basically free money

Car insurance is not cheap, but companies offer discounts that many people don’t even know exist. Certain discounts will be applied at the time you complete a quote, but a few must be requested specifically prior to receiving the credit. If you don’t get every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.

New Vehicle Savings – Adding a new car to your policy can save up to 30% compared to insuring an older model.
Own a Home – Being a homeowner may earn you a small savings because maintaining a house is proof that your finances are in order.
Employee of Federal Government – Simply working for the federal government can earn a discount up to 10% depending on your company.
Life Insurance – Select insurance companies reward you with better rates if you take out auto and life insurance together.
Discount for Good Grades – A discount for being a good student can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. This discount can apply up to age 25.
Defensive Driver – Successfully completing a driver safety course could cut 5% off your bill depending on where you live.
Accident Forgiveness – A few companies will forgive one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
Discounts for Safe Drivers – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than their less cautious counterparts.

Drivers should understand that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Just because it seems like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, car insurance companies aren’t that generous. But all discounts will bring down your overall premium however.

To choose providers with the best car insurance discounts in Delaware, click here to view.

What if I want to buy from a local Georgetown agent?

A small number of people would prefer to visit with an insurance agent and that is OK! Insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is you can get lower rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local agencies is important particularly in Georgetown.

After completing this simple form, the coverage information is emailed to insurance agents in Georgetown who will give you bids for your business. You never need to leave your house since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. Now that’s easy!

The type of insurance agency you choose is important

If you’re trying to find local Georgetown agents, you need to know there are two types of agencies that you can select. Insurance agencies in Georgetown are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. Either one can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning how they are different since it may influence buying decisions.

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business with many different companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to find a new agent.

When comparison shopping, we recommend you contact several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.

Listed below is a short list of independent insurance agencies in Georgetown that can give you price quote information.

A To Z Insurance Inc – 117 W North St – Georgetown, DE 19947 – (302) 854-0110
Insurance Market – 419 N Dupont Hwy – Georgetown, DE 19947 – (302) 856-2513

Captive Agents

Captive insurance agents are contracted to one company such as American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. They generally cannot shop your coverage around so keep that in mind. Captive agencies are very knowledgeable on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage.

Listed below are Georgetown captive agents that can give you rate quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 522 E Market St – Georgetown, DE 19947 – (302) 856-7724

For a full directory of car insurance agents in Georgetown, please go to this site.

Choosing an auto insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:

If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
How often do they review policy coverages?
Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
Can they give you a list of client referrals?

Upon receiving satisfactory answers to all your questions and an affordable coverage quote, you may have just found a car insurance agent that can properly service your car insurance policy.

Information about specific coverages

Having a good grasp of your policy can be of help when determining which coverages you need for your vehicles. The terms used in a policy can be confusing and reading a policy is terribly boring. These are typical coverage types found on the average car insurance policy.

Comprehensive auto coverage

This coverage pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive insurance covers claims like falling objects, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, damage from getting keyed and hitting a bird. The maximum payout you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Collision protection

Collision insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You first must pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.

Collision insurance covers claims like hitting a mailbox, rolling your car, sideswiping another vehicle, hitting a parking meter and colliding with a tree. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so you might think about dropping it from lower value vehicles. You can also choose a higher deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

This coverage gives you protection when other motorists do not carry enough liability coverage. This coverage pays for hospital bills for your injuries as well as damage to your vehicle.

Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (Delaware limits are 15/30/10), their limits can quickly be used up. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is very important. Normally these coverages are set the same as your liablity limits.

Medical payments and PIP coverage

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage pay for bills for chiropractic care, surgery, ambulance fees, X-ray expenses and dental work. The coverages can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance program or if you are not covered by health insurance. Coverage applies to you and your occupants and will also cover being hit by a car walking across the street. Personal Injury Protection is only offered in select states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage

Liability auto insurance

This provides protection from damage that occurs to people or other property by causing an accident. It protects YOU from legal claims by others, and does not provide coverage for your own vehicle damage or injuries.

Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You might see liability limits of 25/50/25 which stand for a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, a limit of $50,000 in injury protection per accident, and a total limit of $25,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Some companies may use a combined single limit or CSL which provides one coverage limit without having the split limit caps.

Liability can pay for things like emergency aid, bail bonds, loss of income, legal defense fees and pain and suffering. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a personal decision, but buy higher limits if possible. Delaware state law requires minimum liability limits of 15,000/30,000/10,000 but it’s recommended drivers buy more coverage.

Quote often and quote early

As you shop your coverage around, never buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many situations where consumers will sacrifice collision coverage only to regret that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

Low-cost car insurance can be bought online as well as from independent agents in Georgetown, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers don’t offer you the ability to get quotes online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

Consumer car insurance information in Delaware

More information can be read on the website for the Delaware Department of Insurance found here. Consumers can find a variety of consumer forms, view agent and company licensing information, read state legal mandates and laws, and file complaints about a company.