Learn How to Lower Your Premiums for Shawnee, OK Auto Insurance
Have you fallen victim to an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me, there are lots of people in the same boat. Having so many auto insurance companies to choose from, it can be challenging to locate the cheapest provider.
It’s important to get comparison quotes occasionally since rates are adjusted regularly by insurance companies. Despite the fact that you may have had the lowest price a couple years back a different company probably has better rates today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because I’m going to let you in on the secrets to how to quote online to get good coverage at a lower rate.
Finding affordable coverage in Shawnee is not rocket science. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you should be able to cut costs considerably using these tips. Oklahoma drivers only need an understanding of the most effective way to buy auto insurance on the web.
Finding Auto Insurance Deals in Shawnee
There are several ways to compare auto insurance quotes, but one way is less labor-intensive and much quicker. You can spend countless hours driving to local insurance agents in Shawnee, or you could use online quoting to get pricing more quickly.
Many popular insurance companies belong to a marketplace where insurance shoppers only type in their quote data once, and every company can give them a price. This system prevents you from having to do form submissions for each company you want a rate for.
To find out how much you can save on auto insurance click here to start a free quote.
The only drawback to comparing rates this way is you can’t choose which insurance companies you want to price. If you would rather choose individual companies to compare rates, we have a listing of companies who write auto insurance in Oklahoma. Click here to view list.
However you get your quotes, be sure to compare identical coverage limits and deductibles on every quote. If you have unequal deductibles or liability limits then you won’t be able to make a fair comparison in Shawnee.
What impacts Shawnee insurance rates?
Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Knowing what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that can help you get big savings.
The list below includes a partial list of the pieces auto insurance companies consider when setting your rates.
- Theft deterrents lower rates – Driving a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all hinder your car from being stolen.
- Your auto insurance rates can be influenced by your job – Did you know your occupation can influence how much you pay for auto insurance? Occupations like doctors, executives and dentists are shown to have the highest average rates attributed to high stress and lots of time spent at work. Other jobs such as scientists, historians and performers pay the least.
- Don’t get talked into coverage you don’t need – There are a lot of additional coverages that you can get tricked into buying when buying auto insurance. Insurance for roadside assistance, accidental death and additional equipment coverage are examples of these. They may seem good initially, but now you might not need them so eliminate the coverages to reduce your premium.
- Cautious drivers pay less – Careful drivers tend to pay less for car insurance than their less careful counterparts. Just one citation can boost insurance rates by as much as thirty percent. Drivers with dangerous tickets such as reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence are required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility to the state department of motor vehicles in order to prevent a license revocation.
- Men pay higher rates – Statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, don’t assume that men are worse drivers. They both have accidents in similar percentages, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically have more aggressive citations like reckless driving and DUI.
- Rate your vehicle for proper use – The more miles you rack up on your car in a year the more you will pay for auto insurance. Almost all companies apply a rate determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars and trucks that are left in the garage can get a lower rate as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Verify your auto insurance policy is rated on how each vehicle is driven, because it can save money.
- Protect your assets with liability insurance – Liability coverage is the protection if a jury decides you are liable for damages caused by your negligence. It provides legal defense which can cost thousands of dollars. Carrying liability coverage is mandatory and cheap when compared with rates for comp and collision, so do not skimp.
Verify you’re getting all your discounts
Companies offering auto insurance do not list every available discount in a way that’s easy to find, so the following is a list of some of the more common and the more hidden auto insurance savings. If you aren’t receiving every discount available, you’re just leaving money on the table.
- Save with a New Car – Insuring a new car can save up to 30% because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
- Paperwork-free – Some insurance companies will give a small break for buying your policy on their website.
- One Accident Forgiven – Certain companies will forgive one accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
- Anti-lock Brakes – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
- Senior Citizens – If you’re over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for better auto insurance rates.
- Early Signing – Some companies give discounts for switching policies before your current expiration date. This can save 10% or more.
- No Claims – Drivers with accident-free driving histories can save substantially when compared with bad drivers.
- Use Seat Belts – Drivers who require all occupants to use their safety belts could save 15% off your PIP or medical payments premium.
- Organization Discounts – Belonging to certain professional organizations is a good way to get lower rates when shopping for auto insurance.
- Multiple Vehicles – Buying insurance for multiple vehicles with the same company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
Keep in mind that most credits do not apply to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it just doesn’t work that way.
To see a list of insurance companies with discount auto insurance rates in Oklahoma, follow this link.
What if I want to buy from a local Shawnee agent?
A small number of people would rather sit down with an agent and that is just fine! Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help submit paperwork. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is you may find lower rates and still choose a local agent.
Once you complete this simple form, the coverage information is submitted to companies in Shawnee who will compete for your coverage. You never need to leave your computer as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. How’s that for easy!
Picking a company should depend on more than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Oklahoma?
- Which company do they place the most coverage with?
- How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
The different types of insurance agents
When researching a local agent, you need to know there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Agencies in Shawnee are classified as either captive or independent. Either one can do a good job, but it’s important to know the differences because it can influence the selection process.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive agents write business for a single company and some examples include AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are usually quite knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Listed below are Shawnee captive insurance agents that can give you rate quotes.
Farmers Insurance Group – 1607 N Harrison St – Shawnee, OK 74804 – (405) 878-0100
Farm Bureau Insurance – 3301 N Kickapoo Ave – Shawnee, OK 74804 – (405) 273-4261
State Farm Insurance – 3813 N Harrison St – Shawnee, OK 74804 – (405) 275-1343
Shelter Insurance – 2205 N Kickapoo Ave # A – Shawnee, OK 74804 – (405) 273-1632
Allstate Insurance – 2801 N Kickapoo Ave # B – Shawnee, OK 74804 – (405) 275-5520
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When searching for an agent, you should always contact at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection.
Shown below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Shawnee who can help you get rate quotes.
Prudential Insurance Co – 110 N Bell Ave # 413 – Shawnee, OK 74801 – (405) 878-0999
SCS Secondwind Insurance – 101 E Macarthur St – Shawnee, OK 74804 – (405) 273-8280
For a full directory of licensed insurance agents in Shawnee, visit this site.
Once you have satisfactory answers to your questions and a low price estimate, most likely you have located an insurance agent that is a good match to adequately provide auto insurance.
Quote often and quote early
Discount auto insurance can be sourced from both online companies in addition to many Shawnee insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best rate selection. A few companies do not provide online price quotes and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
We’ve covered a lot of tips how to shop for auto insurance online. The most important thing to understand is the more rate comparisons you have, the higher the chance of saving money. Consumers may even find the lowest premiums are with some of the lesser-known companies. They often have lower prices on specific markets as compared to the big name companies such as Allstate and Progressive.
For more Oklahoma auto insurance information
Even more information is available at the Oklahoma Insurance Department website. Oklahoma consumers can view a list of available companies, learn about insurance regulations, and read state legal mandates and laws.
The following articles may also be useful.