Anyone got tips on finding affordable auto insurance? Appreciate any advice or recommendations for how to go about it.
- Only file claims for big stuff
- Keep a clean driving record
- Maintain good credit
- Don’t switch providers too often
- Owning a home can help
- Married status can lower rates
- Multiple cars on one policy
- Avoid big cities if possible
- Don’t go for highly rated vehicles
There’s a lot to consider, but these tips cover most of it.
@Mai
As an agent, I sometimes suggest people buddy up with a roommate or partner for the discount, but it can be tricky. Personally, I added my boyfriend to my policy, and my rate dropped from $85 to $40 a month. His went from $120 to $40, too. We have the same vehicles and coverage and even had the same company before.
Recently, I added two basic cars to a single-car policy with a driver who had a bad record. His rate only dropped slightly, but sometimes I see people remove a car, and their rate goes up! It’s a strange system.
@Tory
Interesting experience! Anyone else try this and see results?
Adley said:
@Tory
Interesting experience! Anyone else try this and see results?
I work in MN/WI/AZ, and in my experience, we require all household members to be on the policy unless they sign a form saying they won’t be covered if they drive. You might want to do a quick quote on Progressive’s app to see if it allows adding someone.
@Mai
Can someone explain #9? No sarcasm, I just don’t get how highly rated vehicles affect insurance.
Ash said:
@Mai
Can someone explain #9? No sarcasm, I just don’t get how highly rated vehicles affect insurance.
It usually means how the insurance company rates (or prices) the car, not like consumer ratings. For example, a Corolla might cost less to insure than a Mustang. But it doesn’t always make sense. I pay more for my minivan than for my truck, even though the truck would likely cause more damage in a crash. Probably because the minivan is assumed to carry more people, like kids.
@Bernice
Exactly, I had an old Chevy truck, and my underwriter said the premium was high because it could cause a lot of damage in a collision.
@Mai
Some of these factors vary by state, and there are tons of rating factors involved. An independent agent can shop around for you and has access to carriers that don’t always provide direct quotes.
Reach out to a local independent agent, they’ll shop around for good rates. Avoid the comparison sites; they’ll just spam you with calls and emails.
Parker said:
Reach out to a local independent agent, they’ll shop around for good rates. Avoid the comparison sites; they’ll just spam you with calls and emails.
Yep, that’s the best way.
Parker said:
Reach out to a local independent agent, they’ll shop around for good rates. Avoid the comparison sites; they’ll just spam you with calls and emails.
Is it cheaper to go directly to the company?
This topic comes up a lot! The main thing is to shop around and know what your risks are so you don’t end up underinsured. Also, research different coverages, so you’re informed about what you’re buying. A good agent can help educate you, but we only get paid if you make a purchase, so keep that in mind.
Best way is to put in the time to get quotes. Call companies directly if you want a big-name insurer. If you want someone to shop for you, go with an independent agent and skip the online sites that ask for all your info.
Talk to independent agents in your area. Find one who knows their stuff. Avoid entering your info on those social media ads—it’ll just lead to tons of calls from random places.
Getting more quotes is key, but here’s a breakdown of why prices vary:
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State insurance departments review and approve rating methods, so rates can vary by state (e.g., Michigan has higher rates).
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Each insurance company has its own rating method and target audience.
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Dozens of factors go into pricing, like your age, driving record, credit score, and even how early you shop. Some companies give discounts if you shop more than 30 days before your renewal.
Just shop around.
Micah said:
Just shop around.
Is that sarcastic? Any good resources or sites to check out?
Micah said:
Just shop around.
Is that sarcastic? Any good resources or sites to check out?
It’s hard to give specifics without knowing more, like your location. Insurance is regulated differently depending on where you are, so rates and options vary. Just be prepared to get quotes from several places.
@Micah
I totally get why some folks get frustrated, but yeah, it’d be great if everyone were more patient with these questions. Even a simple answer can be helpful.