Lower Shelton Connecticut Auto Insurance Rates in Five Minutes

Confused by the crazy number of auto insurance companies in Shelton? You have a lot of company. You have so many options that it can easily become a real challenge to find better rates.

If you are insured now or are shopping for new coverage, you can use these tips to reduce the price you pay and possibly find even better coverage. The purpose of this post is to introduce you to the best way to quote coverages. Connecticut vehicle owners only need an understanding of the most efficient way to shop over the internet.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Car insurance is not cheap, but you can get discounts that you may not know about. Some trigger automatically at the time of purchase, but a few need to be specifically requested before you will receive the discount. If you don’t get every credit you deserve, you’re paying more than you need to.

  • Own a Home – Owning a house in Shelton may trigger a auto insurance policy discount because of the fact that having a home demonstrates responsibility.
  • Save over 55 – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can possibly qualify for better auto insurance rates.
  • Government Employees – Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off with certain companies.
  • Drivers Ed for Students – Require your teen driver to successfully complete driver’s ed class in high school.
  • Low Mileage – Driving fewer miles can earn a substantially lower rate.

A little note about advertised discounts, some credits don’t apply to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears it’s possible to get free car insurance, you won’t be that lucky. But any discount will reduce your overall premium however.

To choose companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Shelton, follow this link.

Do I just need basic coverages?

When buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Each situation is unique.

These are some specific questions may help you determine whether you might need an agent’s assistance.

  • Can I pay claims out-of-pocket if I buy high deductibles?
  • Will I lose any money if I cancel my policy before it expires?
  • What happens if I owe more than my vehicle is worth?
  • Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Connecticut?
  • How many claims can I have before being cancelled?
  • Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
  • Are rental cars covered under my policy?
  • Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
  • Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?

If you can’t answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, simply complete this short form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and you can get the answers you need.

Buying car insurance locally

Certain consumers prefer to sit down with an agent and that is a personal choice. Agents can help determine the best coverages and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is you can get the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to. And providing support for local insurance agencies is especially important in Shelton.

By using this simple form, your insurance data is submitted to participating agents in Shelton who will give you bids for your business. There is no need to leave your house since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. Now that’s easy!

Types of insurance agents

When finding a local agent, there are two types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Shelton are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive). While both can write coverage properly, but it’s good to learn the difference between them since it may influence the selection process.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. To move your coverage to a new company, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency. When comparing rates, you should always include multiple independent agents for the best price selection. Most have the option of insuring with different regional companies which can save you money.

The following are Shelton independent insurance agencies willing to provide pricing information.

  • Gold/Sinclair Insurance – 1 Greenwich Pl – Shelton, CT 06484 – (203) 426-9593
  • Giroux and O’Neill Insurance – 8 Pearmain Rd – Shelton, CT 06484 – (203) 929-4600
  • David M Banas Agency – 4 Corporate Dr # 193 – Shelton, CT 06484 – (203) 929-5122
  • Managing Agency Group Inc – 1 Enterprise Dr # 210 – Shelton, CT 06484 – (203) 924-2994
  • Wilson Agency Inc – 30 Huntington St – Shelton, CT 06484 – (203) 929-8444
Captive Insurance Agents

Captive insurance agents can only write with one company and examples are American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. Captives cannot provide prices from multiple companies so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captives receive extensive training on their company’s products which can be an advantage. Consumers sometimes buy insurance from these agents mostly because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.

The following is a short list of captive insurance agents in Shelton willing to provide comparison quotes.

  • Allstate Insurance – 1 Forest Pkwy – Shelton, CT 06484 – (203) 929-7292
  • State Farm Insurance – 1 Cots St – Shelton, CT 06484 – (203) 924-8883

For a complete listing of Shelton captive insurance agents, visit this link.

Selecting an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the premium amount. Agents should be asked these questions:

  • If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
  • Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
  • Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
  • Which company do they place the most coverage with?
  • How are claims handled?
  • Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
  • Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?

Once you have received acceptable answers for all questions you ask and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agent that will properly service your auto insurance policy.

Do you really save 40% when you switch?

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance by Allstate and Progressive. They all have a common claim that you can save if you move to their company.

But how can every company make the same claim?

All companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that earns them a profit. For example, a desirable insured might be between the ages of 40 and 55, has no tickets, and drives newer vehicles. A driver who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and as a result will probably cut their rates substantially.

Drivers who don’t qualify for these standards will be charged a higher premium and this can result in business not being written. The ads state “customers who switch” not “people who quote” save that much money. That’s the way companies can advertise the savings.

Shelton Connecticut car insurance

That is why you should quote coverage with many companies. Because you never know which auto insurance company will have the lowest rates.

Additional auto insurance links

Additional information is available on the Connecticut Insurance Department website located here. Connecticut consumers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, report car insurance fraud, and file complaints about an insurance agent or broker.

Also read more on this site for rates in Connecticut and this page for help finding agents in Shelton, CT.

More comparisons equals lower rates

Budget-conscious auto insurance is definitely available from both online companies and with local Shelton insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

We just showed you many tips how you can save on auto insurance. The key thing to remember is the more quotes you get, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. Consumers could even find that the most savings is with a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising.

People switch companies for many reasons like an unsatisfactory settlement offer, delays in paying claims, not issuing a premium refund or poor customer service. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, choosing a new insurance company can be easier than you think.