6 Tricks to Cut Your Auto Insurance Prices in Charlestown
Shopping online for Charlestown auto insurance can be a challenge if you’ve never compared online quotes. Don’t let that stop you because finding affordable coverage online is easier than you think.
How to Compare Auto Insurance in Charlestown, RI
There are several ways to compare quotes from auto insurance companies in your area. The easiest way by far to compare insurance prices consists of obtaining rate quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished in several different ways.
- The fastest way to compare a lot of rates at once is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This type of form eliminates the need for a different quote for every auto insurance company. A single, simple form gets you coverage quotes . It’s the fastest way to compare.
- A slightly less efficient method to analyze rates requires you to visit the website for each individual company to complete their respective quote request forms. For examples sake, let’s assume you want to compare Auto-Owners, Allstate and GMAC. To find out each rate you need to visit each site and enter your information, which is why most consumers use the first method.
To view a list of companies in Charlestown, click here.
- The least efficient method of getting rate comparisons is to waste gas driving to and from local Charlestown insurance agencies. The ability to buy insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you require the professional guidance that only a license agent can provide. You can, however, compare the best prices online but buy from a local insurance agent and we’ll talk about that later.
It’s your choice how you get your quotes, but make sure you use the exact same quote information for each comparison quote. If you compare unequal deductibles or liability limits it will be impossible to make a fair comparison in Charlestown. Just a small difference in coverage limits may result in large price differences. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that comparing a large number of companies gives you a better chance of getting lower pricing.
Do you qualify for discounts?
Companies do not list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so the following is a list of both well-publicized as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance.
- Discount for Life Insurance – Larger companies have a discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
- Accident Forgiveness – A handful of insurance companies permit an accident before your rates go up if your claims history is clear for a particular time prior to the accident.
- Student in College – Any of your kids who live away from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may qualify for this discount.
- New Vehicle Savings – Buying coverage on a new vehicle is cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
- Use Seat Belts – Requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts can save 10% or more off your medical payments premium.
- Auto/Home Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with one insurance company you may earn 10% to 20% off each policy.
- Pay Now and Pay Less – By paying your policy upfront instead of paying each month you could save up to 5%.
- Defensive Driver – Successfully completing a course teaching defensive driving skills could save 5% or more if your company offers it.
As a disclaimer on discounts, most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. So when it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way.
More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Rhode Island Division of Insurance Regulation website. Rhode Island drivers can file complaints about a company, download brochures, and discover disciplinary actions.
Other useful links include QuoteClickInsure.com and this page where you can research Charlestown insurance agents.