Car Insurance in Mitchell – 7 Ways to Cut Costs

I can’t think of a single person who looks forward to buying car insurance, in particular when they are paying too much. There is such a variety of insurance companies to pick from, and although it’s nice to have a choice, lots of choices makes it harder to find the lowest rates.

It’s a great practice to price shop coverage quite often since rates go up and down regularly. Even if you think you had the lowest price a year ago the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. Don’t believe everything you read about car insurance online but by reading this article, you’re going to learn the easiest ways to buy car insurance cheaper.

Save big with these seven discounts

Car insurance companies don’t list all available discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so the following is a list of some of the more common and also the lesser-known savings tricks you should be using. If you aren’t receiving every discount possible, you’re paying more than you need to.

  • Defensive Driving Course – Completing a defensive driving course could possibly earn you a 5% discount and easily recoup the cost of the course.
  • Senior Citizens – Mature drivers may qualify for a small decrease in premiums.
  • Air Bag Discount – Vehicles with factory air bags or automatic seat belts can qualify for discounts of more than 20%.
  • Low Mileage Discounts – Fewer annual miles could qualify for lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
  • Anti-lock Brake Discount – Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles are safer to drive and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Drivers Education – Have your child enroll in driver’s education in school.
  • Bundle and Save – When you combine your home and auto insurance with the same insurance company you may save at least 10% off all policies.

It’s important to understand that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So when the math indicates all those discounts means the company will pay you, it just doesn’t work that way.

To choose insurance companies offering car insurance discounts in South Dakota, click this link.

But buying car insurance online seems impersonal

Some people prefer to talk to a local agent and that is a personal choice. Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is you can get the lowest rates and still choose a local agent.

By using this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is transmitted to companies in Mitchell who will compete for your business. You won’t need to leave your house since price quotes are sent to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!

Deciding on an insurance company shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. Here are some questions to ask:

  • What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
  • Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
  • Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
  • Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
  • How long has their agency been open in Mitchell?
  • How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
  • How often do they review policy coverages?
  • Are there any discounts that you might be missing?

Two different types of auto insurance agents

If you’re trying to find an insurance agent, there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Mitchell agents are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can insure your vehicles, but it’s good to learn the differences because it can impact the selection process.

Captive Insurance Agents

These agents have only one company to place business with and some examples include AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. Captives cannot shop your coverage around so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. These agents are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage.

The following is a list of captive insurance agents in Mitchell who may provide you with price quotes.

Farm Bureau Insurance – 100 W 5th Ave – Mitchell, SD 57301 – (605) 996-0919
American Family Insurance – 411 S Ohlman St – Mitchell, SD 57301 – (605) 996-1594
State Farm Insurance – 1414 N Main St – Mitchell, SD 57301 – (605) 996-3611
Farmers Insurance Group – 106 W 5th Ave – Mitchell, SD 57301 – (605) 996-0088

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

These agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency. When comparing rates, it’s recommended you include at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.

Below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Mitchell who can help you get price quote information.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px;" src="https://www.findnewcarinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-100.jpg" alt="Mitchell car insurance prices“/>

First National Insurance – 208 E 3rd Ave – Mitchell, SD 57301 – (605) 996-6565
Reginald Martin Agency – 510 W Havens St – Mitchell, SD 57301 – (605) 996-5881
Guymon Agency – 712 S Sanborn Blvd – Mitchell, SD 57301 – (605) 996-7132
American National Insurance Co – 510 E Havens St – Mitchell, SD 57301 – (605) 996-4099
Ray Feldman Agency – 106 W 5th Ave – Mitchell, SD 57301 – (605) 996-9832

For a complete listing of insurance agents in Mitchell, click here to link.

After getting positive feedback to your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, chances are good that you have found an insurance agent that is a good match to provide car insurance coverage.

Don’t believe everything you hear

Consumers can’t get away from ads for cheaper car insurance from companies such as Allstate, GEICO and Progressive. They all seem to say the same thing that you’ll save big if you change your policy.

How can each company make the same claim?

Different companies are able to cherry pick for the right customer they prefer to insure. An example of a preferred risk might be a mature driver, has no driving citations, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and as a result will probably save when they switch companies.

Drivers who fall outside the “perfect” profile will have to pay more money which usually ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is “drivers who switch” not “people who quote” save money. That’s the way insurance companies can state the savings. Because of the profiling, you need to compare many company’s rates. Because you never know which company will provide you with the cheapest rates.

Additional detailed information can be read at the South Dakota Division of Insurance website. South Dakota consumers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, download brochures, and view agent and company licensing information.

Additional helpful sites include this page for car insurance prices in South Dakota and this link where you can get more info about Mitchell car insurance.

Car insurance policy coverages

Knowing the specifics of your policy aids in choosing the best coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. Car insurance terms can be confusing and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Shown next are typical coverages available from car insurance companies.

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)

Comprehensive insurance will pay to fix damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You need to pay your deductible first then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive can pay for things like falling objects, fire damage, theft, a tree branch falling on your vehicle and hitting a deer. The most you’ll receive from a claim is the actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Insurance for medical payments

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage reimburse you for short-term medical expenses for things like nursing services, EMT expenses and surgery. They can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance program or if you do not have health coverage. Medical payments and PIP cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and will also cover being hit by a car walking across the street. Personal injury protection coverage is not available in all states and may carry a deductible

Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance

This coverage gives you protection from other drivers when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered claims include injuries to you and your family and also any damage incurred to your vehicle.

Due to the fact that many South Dakota drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (South Dakota limits are 25/50/25), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is a good idea.

Liability

This protects you from injuries or damage you cause to a person or their property in an accident. It protects you from legal claims by others, and doesn’t cover your injuries or vehicle damage.

It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. As an example, you may have liability limits of 25/50/25 that means you have $25,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, $50,000 for the entire accident, and a total limit of $25,000 for damage to vehicles and property.

Liability insurance covers claims such as attorney fees, pain and suffering and emergency aid. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is your choice, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as high a limit as you can afford. South Dakota requires minimum liability limits of 25,000/50,000/25,000 but you should consider buying more liability than the minimum.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.

Collision can pay for claims like sustaining damage from a pot hole, hitting a parking meter, damaging your car on a curb, rolling your car and colliding with a tree. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are older. It’s also possible to choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.

In conclusion

When you buy insurance online, never buy less coverage just to save a little money. Too many times, an accident victim reduced liability limits or collision coverage and discovered at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

Budget-conscious car insurance can be purchased on the web and with local Mitchell insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some companies do not offer online quoting and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.