Free Guide to Spending Less for Meridian Auto Insurance Online

Are you intimidated by the number of auto insurance options in Meridian? Many other consumers are too. People have so many options that it can be a ton of work to find better rates.

How insurance companies determine rates

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the different types of things that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are a partial list of the pieces companies use to determine your rates.

Allowing your policy to lapse raises rates – Driving your car without having proper coverage is illegal and your next policy will cost more because you let your coverage have a gap. Not only will you pay more, but not being able to provide proof of insurance can result in a revoked license or a big fine.
High performance equals high price – The type of car you drive makes a significant difference in the rate you pay. Economy passenger cars generally receive the lowest base rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
Low deductibles can be expensive – Insurance for physical damage to your car, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Some examples of claims that would be covered are collision with another vehicle, collision with an animal, and burglary. Deductibles for physical damage are how much you are required to spend out-of-pocket before your auto insurance pays a claim. The higher the amount the insured has to pay upfront, the less your auto insurance will be.
Your stress level may be raising your rates – Occupations such as real estate brokers, executives and stock brokers tend to pay the highest rates in part from high stress and lots of time spent at work. On the other hand, professions such as pilots, students and the unemployed have the lowest average rates.
Poor credit can mean higher rates – Your credit score is a large factor in determining what you pay for auto insurance. People with excellent credit tend to be more responsible than those with lower credit ratings. Therefore, if your credit rating is low, you could save money insuring your by improving your credit score.

Discounts are available to cut your rates

Companies offering auto insurance don’t always advertise every available discount in a way that’s easy to find, so here is a list both well-publicized and the more hidden ways to save on auto insurance.

Payment Method – If you pay your bill all at once instead of paying each month you can actually save on your bill.
Early Switch Discount – Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching to them prior to your current policy expiration. It’s a savings of about 10%.
Senior Discount – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may be able to get a discount up to 10%.
Passive Restraints – Vehicles equipped with air bags or automatic seat belts can qualify for discounts of 20% or more.
Drivers Ed for Students – Require your teen driver to take driver’s ed class if offered at their school.
Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.

It’s important to note that most discount credits are not given to all coverage premiums. Most cut specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. So when it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, you’re out of luck.

To choose providers with the best auto insurance discounts in Meridian, click this link. insurance quote Meridian MS

Slick advertising tricks that work

Auto insurance companies such as State Farm, Allstate and GEICO continually stream ads in print and on television. They all seem to make the same claim of big savings after switching your coverage to them. How do they all make the same claim?

Different companies can use profiling for the type of driver that earns them a profit. An example of a driver they prefer could possibly be between 30 and 50, owns a home, and drives less than 7,500 miles a year. Any new insured who matches those parameters receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.

Consumers who don’t measure up to the “perfect” profile will be charged higher premiums and ends up with the customer not buying. Company advertisements say “people who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save money. That is how companies can truthfully state the savings. That is why you need to compare as many rates as you can. Because you never know which company will fit your personal profile best.

Everyone needs different coverages

When choosing adequate coverage, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Each situation is unique.

For instance, these questions can aid in determining whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

Do I have coverage when making deliveries for my home business?
Can my teen driver be rated on a liability-only vehicle?
Am I covered when driving a rental car?
Should I buy only the required Mississippi minimum liability coverage?
Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
When should my teen driver be added to my policy?
How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
Do I have coverage if my license is suspended?

If you can’t answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.

More tips and info about auto insurance is available at the Mississippi Insurance Department website. Consumers can learn about specific coverages, find out which companies have the most complaints, and report car insurance fraud.

Compare but don’t skimp

Insureds switch companies for any number of reasons including high rates after DUI convictions, delays in paying claims, extreme rates for teen drivers or even an unsatisfactory settlement offer. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch finding a great new company can be easier than you think.

The cheapest auto insurance is definitely available online and also from your neighborhood Meridian agents, so you should compare both to get a complete price analysis. A few companies may not provide online price quotes and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

We covered a lot of information how to reduce auto insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more you quote, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. You may even discover the most savings is with a small local company.