Gary, IN Car Insurance Buying Tips You Aren’t Supposed to Know

Searching for the most affordable Gary car insurance over the internet can be problematic for people who are new to comparing rates online. With dozens of choices, how can consumers effectively compare every company to locate the lowest price available?

Finding the best rates in Gary is not that difficult. If you have a current car insurance policy or need new coverage, you can use these techniques to cut your premiums and still get good coverage. Indiana drivers just need to know how to compare prices on the web.

Automobile Insurance Quotes in Gary, IN

Getting better car insurance pricing can be quick and easy. All that’s required is to take time comparing rates online from several insurance companies. This can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.

1. The fastest way consumers can make multiple comparisons would be an industry-wide quote request form (click to open form in new window). This method keeps you from doing separate quotes for every car insurance company. Filling out one form will return price quotes from all major companies. It’s definitely the quickest method.
2. A slightly less efficient method to find lower rates requires you to visit the website of each company and request a quote. For example, let’s assume you want to compare rates from Allstate, Safeco and Liberty Mutual. To find out each rate you need to spend time on each company’s site and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is quicker.

   To view a list of companies in Gary, click here.

3. The least recommended way of getting rate comparisons is driving to insurance agents’ offices. Buying insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you have a need for the personal advice only provided by licensed Gary agents. You can, however, comparison shop your insurance online but still have the advice of a local agent and you’ll learn how to do that later.

It doesn’t matter which method you choose, just compare apples-to-apples information for each comparison quote. If you are comparing unequal deductibles or liability limits you will not be able to determine the lowest rate in Gary.

Don’t believe everything you hear

Indiana consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for car insurance savings by State Farm and Allstate. All the ads make the same claim about savings if you change to their company.

How do they all make almost identical claims? It’s all in the numbers.

Different companies can use profiling for the driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a preferred risk might be between 30 and 50, has no prior claims, and drives newer vehicles. A driver who matches those parameters gets the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to pay quite a bit less when switching companies.

Drivers who fall outside the “perfect” profile will be quoted higher rates which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. The ads state “customers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that much. That’s the way insurance companies can make those claims. This emphasizes why it’s extremely important to get quotes from several different companies. It is impossible to predict which insurance companies will have the lowest rates.

Pay less by taking advantage of discounts

Companies that sell car insurance do not list all their discounts in an easy-to-find place, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and the more hidden discounts you could be receiving. If they aren’t giving you every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

• Paperless Signup – Some insurance companies give back up to $50 simply for signing on their website.
• Accident Waiver – A handful of insurance companies permit an accident before raising your premiums so long as you haven’t had any claims for a particular time prior to the accident.
• Anti-lock Brakes – Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
• Safe Driver Discount – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than drivers with accidents.
• Resident Student – Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home and don’t have a car can be insured at a reduced rate.
• Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Factory air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of 20% or more.

It’s important to understand that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So even though it sounds like it’s possible to get free car insurance, car insurance companies aren’t that generous.

To choose providers offering car insurance discounts in Indiana, click this link.

Neighborhood agents for car insurance

Some people prefer to visit with an insurance agent. Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. The biggest benefit of getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find lower rates and still choose a local agent.

Upon completion of this form (opens in new window), the quote information is immediately sent to participating agents in Gary who will return price quotes for your coverage. You don’t have to leave your computer as quotes are delivered directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!

Selecting an insurance company needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Some important questions to ask are:

• Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
• Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
• Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
• Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
• How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
• Can glass repairs be made at your home?

Types of insurance agents

When finding local Gary agents, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents to choose from. Insurance agencies in Gary are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive). Both do a good job, but it’s important to know how they differ since it can impact the type of agent you choose

Captive Agents

These agents are contracted to one company such as Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Captives cannot compare other company’s rates so they have to upsell other benefits. Captives receive extensive training on their company’s products which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers often purchase coverage from captives mainly due to the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

The following are captive agents in Gary willing to provide comparison quotes.

• Allstate Insurance – 1336 Broadway # 1 – Gary, IN 46407 – (219) 881-9249
• State Farm Insurance – 3981 Cleveland St – Gary, IN 46408 – (219) 884-6947
• Farmers Insurance Group – 4499 W 5th Ave – Gary, IN 46406 – (219) 977-9447
• American Family Insurance – 3270 Grant St – Gary, IN 46408 – (219) 980-2886

Independent Agencies or Brokers

These agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you contact multiple independent agents for the best price selection. Most have the option of insuring with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.

The following is a list of independent insurance agents in Gary willing to provide comparison quotes.

• Lake Medical Insurance Group – 487 Broadway – Gary, IN 46402 – (219) 881-0678
• Advance Security Insurance – 2800 W 4th Ave – Gary, IN 46404 – (219) 883-3322

To view a full list of insurance agents in Gary, view this link.

Upon receiving answers to your satisfaction to any questions you have and locked in a price quote, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that will adequately provide car insurance.

Additional detailed information can be read at the Indiana Department of Insurance website. Indiana consumers can read industry bulletins, view a list of available companies, and get help finding coverage.

Summing up your car insurance search

We just presented some good ideas how to save on car insurance. The key thing to remember is the more rate comparisons you have, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Drivers may discover the biggest savings come from the least-expected company.

Insureds switch companies for any number of reasons including policy cancellation, delays in paying claims, lack of trust in their agent and not issuing a premium refund. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching companies can be pretty painless.

While you’re price shopping online, make sure you don’t buy less coverage just to save a little money. In many cases, someone sacrificed liability coverage limits only to regret at claim time they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your focus should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.