Best 5 Ways You Can Buy Auto Insurance for Less in Kenai

I can’t think of anyone who enjoys paying for auto insurance, particularly when they are paying too much.

Big companies like GEICO, 21st Century and Progressive continually hit you with catchy ads and consumers find it hard to sift through the bull and do the work needed to find the best deal.

You should make it a habit to do rate comparisons periodically because insurance rates go up and down regularly. Even if you got the lowest price six months ago you may be paying too much now. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you’re about to learn the things you must know in order to find better coverage at a better price.

How to Lower Your Auto Insurance Cost in Kenai, AK

To find the best auto insurance prices, there are several ways of comparing rate quotes and find the best price. The easiest way by far to find the cheapest insurance rates is to use the internet to compare rates. It is quite easy and can be accomplished in several different ways.

One of the simplest ways to find low rates is a comparison rater form (click to open form in new window). This easy form eliminates the need for boring form submissions for every auto insurance company. One quote request will return quotes instantly.
A different way to obtain and compare quotes online consists of visiting the website for each individual company and fill out their own quote form. For instance, let’s assume you want to compare Nationwide, Liberty Mutual and Allstate. To get each rate you have to go to every website to enter your coverage information, which is why the first method is more popular. For a list of links to insurance companies in Kenai, click here.
The hardest method of comparing rate quotes is driving to insurance agents’ offices. The internet makes this process obsolete unless you require the professional guidance of a licensed agent. You can, however, find lower rates online and get advice from an agent in your area and you’ll learn how to do that later.

It doesn’t matter which method you choose, just double check that you are using the exact same coverage limits and deductibles for each comparison quote. If you use different liability limits it will be next to impossible to determine the lowest rate in Kenai. Slightly different coverage limits may result in a large different in cost. Just keep in mind that more quotes helps you find the best offered rates.

Don’t pay full price with these 5 discounts

Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but you may find discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Some discounts apply automatically when you purchase, but less common discounts must be asked about before you get the savings.

Discount for Good Grades – Getting good grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you up until you turn 25.
Use Seat Belts – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to wear their seat belts can save 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
Discounts for Safe Drivers – Insureds without accidents may save up to 50% more than less cautious drivers.
Anti-lock Brakes – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems prevent accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
Defensive Driver – Completing a defensive driving course could possibly earn you a 5% discount if your company offers it.

Drivers should understand that most discount credits are not given the the whole policy. Most only cut specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. So even though they make it sound like you can get free auto insurance, you’re out of luck. But all discounts will reduce your premiums.

To see a list of companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Kenai, click here.

Compare online but buy from a local Kenai agent

Some people prefer to buy from a licensed agent and that is just fine! One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local businesses is definitely important in Kenai.

Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is emailed to insurance agents in Kenai who will give you bids for your business. There is no reason to leave your computer as quotes are delivered to your email. Get lower rates AND an agent nearby.

Choose the right insurance agent

When finding an insurance agent, you must know there are a couple different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Kenai are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive.

Independent Insurance Agents

These agents do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency. When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include several independent insurance agents for the best price selection. save money concept

Listed below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Kenai who can help you get rate quotes.

Horace Mann Insurance Co – 1314 Kiana Ln – Kenai, AK 99611 – (907) 335-0085
Brown Agency – 110 S Willow St # 106 – Kenai, AK 99611 – (907) 283-7834
Walters and Assoc Insurance – 130 S Willow St # 8 – Kenai, AK 99611 – (907) 283-5116

Captive Agents

Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company and examples are Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. Captives cannot give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage.

Selecting an insurance agency shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. Some important questions to ask are:

Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
Do they make recommendations based only on price?
Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?

Once you have received acceptable answers to any questions you have as well as a affordable price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that is a good match to provide auto insurance coverage. But keep in mind consumers can cancel your coverage for any reason so don’t assume you’re contractually obligated to a specific agent with no way out.

Auto insurance coverage options

Having a good grasp of your policy helps when choosing the best coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. Auto insurance terms can be difficult to understand and coverage can change by endorsement. These are typical coverage types offered by auto insurance companies.

Comprehensive coverages

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive insurance covers claims like vandalism, theft and fire damage. The highest amount your auto insurance company will pay is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s not worth carrying full coverage.

Liability insurance

This coverage provides protection from damage that occurs to other people or property by causing an accident. Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. You might see values of 100/300/100 which stand for a limit of $100,000 per injured person, a limit of $300,000 in injury protection per accident, and $100,000 of coverage for damaged propery. Occasionally you may see a combined single limit or CSL which provides one coverage limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.

Liability insurance covers things like court costs, loss of income, bail bonds, funeral expenses and legal defense fees. How much liability should you purchase? That is a decision to put some thought into, but buy as large an amount as possible. Alaska state law requires minimum liability limits of 50,000/100,000/25,000 but it’s recommended drivers buy higher limits.

Coverage for medical payments

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage pay for immediate expenses for hospital visits, surgery and ambulance fees. They are used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. Coverage applies to not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants in addition to being hit by a car walking across the street. Personal Injury Protection is not universally available but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage

Uninsured and underinsured coverage

This coverage provides protection from other motorists when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. This coverage pays for hospital bills for your injuries as well as your vehicle’s damage.

Since many Alaska drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (Alaska limits are 50/100/25), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage should not be overlooked. Normally these limits are identical to your policy’s liability coverage.

Collision coverage

This will pay to fix damage to your vehicle from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You first must pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision can pay for claims like sideswiping another vehicle, crashing into a building and crashing into a ditch. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. It’s also possible to choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.

Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal

Discount auto insurance can be bought both online and with local Kenai insurance agents, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies do not offer online quoting and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.

When buying insurance coverage, never buy less coverage just to save a little money. In many cases, someone sacrificed liability limits or collision coverage only to regret that they should have had better coverage. The aim is to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price.

Alaska insurance information

Much more information about auto insurance in Alaska can be found on the website for the Alaska Division of Insurance found here. Alaska consumers can find out which companies have the most complaints, discover disciplinary actions, and learn about specific coverages.