How To Save More By Comparing Car Insurance Rates

It goes without saying that you must be insured and have the minimum liability coverage if you are going to drive legally in the state of California. The reality is Car Insurance Fresno is a double-edged sword in that none of us like having to pay for car insurance, but it is one of those intangibles in life that you must have. However, if your policy is coming up for renewal within the next 3 to 4 weeks, there is something you can do to lower your premium rates and save money during your next policy period.

Considerations before You Renew Many individuals fear that lowering their premium rates by buying cheap car insurance will mean having less-than-adequate coverage and that they will offer poor customer service when you need their help. However, this is not always the case. We have listed some suggestions here that will enable you to save money on your car insurance rates without having to sacrifice the quality of that coverage in the process. If you are considering the purchase of a new or used vehicle, don’t overlook the fact that your auto insurance is part of the expenses involved with owning it. So it is a good idea to take your car insurance into consideration before purchasing the vehicle. Depending on the price of the vehicle as well as its other specific characteristics, the prices you are quoted for an insurance policy could vary significantly. Other factors in the equation include average repair costs, the vehicle’s safety rating, and whether or not it’s a theft target. Compare several Car Insurance Companies The first step you want to take in order to save money on your car insurance is to check out the premium rates that other insurance companies offer for the same coverage that you currently have. It is always recommended that you do some comparison shopping as no two insurers are alike and their premium rates can vary – and vary dramatically in some cases. The general rule of thumb is to research several companies online or discuss your needs in person with several insurance agents. You should get a written proposal or quote from each agent so that you can compare prices across the board. You should also talk to family members and friends to see who they are insured by and happy or disgruntled they are with their current insurer. Another helpful resource where comparing insurance companies is concerned is the state of California’s Department of Insurance website. They typically provide specific information such as complaint ratios, customer ratings, and rate comparisons. The Department of Insurance also provides contact information for a wide range of major insurance companies. Just keep in mind that in the event of an auto accident or other emergency, you’re going to be dealing with an agent and the company’s customer service representatives directly. So you want to take advantage of the information that the Department of Insurance has to offer regarding the complaints that have been documented about different companies. Additional Tips for Saving Money It’s a lot easier than you might think to compare auto insurance quotes and find the best coverage value for the money. However, there are other things that you can do to lower your premium rates including: • Asking about discounts that may apply • Combining different insurance policies under a single insurer • Driving your vehicle less by carpooling or using public transportation • Inquiring about teenage driver discounts • Paying for roadside assistance through a different provider • Purchasing a low-profile vehicle (one that is not as popular with auto thieves as other models) • Purchasing a safer vehicle (discounts are available for vehicles equipped with air bags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices or alarm systems, automatic seat belts, and daytime running lights) • Raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles • Removing any coverage that you don’t really need (e.g. collision and comprehensive on older vehicles) • Removing medical payments coverage if you are already covered by a good disability and healthcare insurance policy

The bottom line is that auto insurance is mandatory, and just like any other major purchase, you want to do some research before making your decision. The more knowledge you gain, the easier it will be to recognize the different areas of your insurance policy where you can realize some very significant savings.

Central Auto Insurance can offer you a wide range of affordable policies. Get a free car insurance quote online today!