I’ve just bought a new car. I’m looking for an auto insurer that won’t get every penny in my pocket. How do I look for the best auto insurance quotes and insurance agents in my area?

Kierra

Portland, ME

How To Find an Auto Insurance Agent

It may seem like auto insurers these days are all out in prying as much money from their policyholders as possible (and sometimes this may be true). However, you can definitely turn the table and get yourself some much-deserved savings on your auto insurance rates. Here’s how:

1. Compare Rates on Cheaper Auto Insurance Quotes – You can do this quickly and easily with the help of auto insurance comparison websites (like this one). You can get free quotes and effectively compare offers coming from a wide-selection of insurers. This helps you find the lowest quotes and rates today.

2. Are You Eligible for Discounts – There are tons of auto insurance discounts out there! Just find the ones you’re eligible for. It doesn’t stop there, certain discounts (e.g. Good driver discount, good student discounts, low-mileage discounts, Multi-policy/vehicle discounts, Annual payment plans etc.) you can work at getting. Always ask your insurer about all possible discount options you can get.

3. Minimize the Risk You Represent as a Driver – Simply following the rules and being a responsible driver is enough to keep your rates affordable. The les-risk of getting into an auto accident, the cheaper your auto insurance quotes becomes.

4. Compare Companies Carefully – Go to the Better Business Bureau website or to any independent rating agencies (e.g. A.M. Best, J.D. Power). These sites will help you find out which auto insurance companies you should be doing business with.

5. Streamline your Policy – Get a higher deductible to keep premiums low. Read your policy carefully and try to remove coverage that you may already be getting somewhere else. It also doesn’t make financial sense to buy full-coverage on an old or inexpensive vehicle.

6.  Raise your deductible amount to the highest level you feel comfortable with.  This alone can be a huge cost savings to you premium and you only pay the deductible if you have a claim and your carrier pays the claim. If you are a safe driver with few or no claims, you could save a lot with a $1,000 deductible.