Best 10 Ways You Can Buy Auto Insurance for Less in Plymouth, MA

Are you intimidated by the dozens of auto insurance company choices in Plymouth? Many other drivers are as well. Drivers have so many choices that it can quickly become more work than you anticipated to compare prices.

If you currently have car insurance, you will be able to cut costs considerably using this strategy. Pricing affordable protection in Plymouth is easy if you know what you’re doing. Nevertheless, Massachusetts drivers need to learn how big insurance companies price online insurance and use this information to your advantage.

Where Can I Get Cheap Plymouth Auto Insurance?

When shopping for auto insurance there are multiple ways to compare rate quotes from local in Plymouth, MAauto insurance companies. The recommended way to find the cheapest insurance rates consists of obtaining rate quotes online. This is very easy and can be done in several different ways.

One of the best ways consumers can analyze rates is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This form prevents you from having to do boring form submissions for each company you want a rate for. One form submission will return price quotes from multiple low-cost companies. This is by far the quickest method.
A harder way to compare rate quotes requires a trip to the website for each individual company and complete a new quote form. For examples sake, we’ll assume you want rates from Nationwide, Farmers and Travelers. To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site to input your insurance information, which is why most consumers use the first method. For a handy list of car insurance company links in Plymouth, click here.
The least efficient method of comparing rate quotes is to spend time driving to insurance agents’ offices. Shopping for auto insurance online can eliminate the need for a local agent unless you have a need for the professional guidance of a licensed agent. Drivers can compare the best prices online but buy from a local insurance agent and we’ll touch on that later.

Which method you use is up to you, but be sure to compare identical coverage limits and deductibles for each comparison quote. If your comparisons have different values for each quote it will be next to impossible to make an equal comparison in Plymouth. Just a small difference in coverage limits can result in a big premium difference. Just keep in mind that quoting more will increase your chances of finding the best price.

Don’t overlook these ten discounts

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, but you may find discounts to cut the cost considerably. Some discounts apply automatically when you quote, but a few need to be specially asked for before you will receive the discount.

Organization Discounts – Affiliation with a civic or occupational organization could qualify you for a break on auto insurance.
Paperwork-free – Some insurance companies will give a small break for buying a policy and signing up digitally online.
Pay Now and Pay Less – If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.
Senior Discount – Older drivers can possibly qualify for a discount up to 10%.
Student Driver Training – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver’s ed class if offered at their school.
Life Insurance – Larger companies have a break if you buy life insurance from them.
Government Employees – Active or retired federal employment may qualify you for a discount depending on your company.
Anti-theft System – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Accident Waiver – Certain companies permit an accident without raising rates if your claims history is clear for a particular time prior to the accident.
Own a Home – Simply owning a home may trigger a auto insurance policy discount because maintaining a house shows financial diligence.

It’s important to understand that most credits do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. Just because you may think all those discounts means the company will pay you, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. But all discounts will help reduce your overall premium however.

To see a list of insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Massachusetts, click here.

But don’t I need an insurance agent?

Certain consumers just want to buy from a local agent. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain better rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from local insurance agencies is definitely important in Plymouth.

By using this form (opens in new window), the quote information is transmitted to participating agents in Plymouth who will give you bids for your business. You don’t have to leave your computer as quotes are delivered directly to your email. You’ll get the best rates and work with a local agent.

What types of insurance agents are in Plymouth?

If you’re trying to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are a couple of different types of agents to choose from. Agents are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive.

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent. When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at least one independent agent to get the best comparison. Many write coverage with different regional companies which can save you money.

Shown below are independent insurance agencies in Plymouth that are able to give price quotes.

Rogers and Gray Insurance – 341 Court St – Plymouth, MA 02360 – (508) 746-0055
Hollis Insurance Inc – 1 Village Grn N – Plymouth, MA 02360 – (508) 746-0800
Spencer Agency – 100 Armstrong Rd # 203 – Plymouth, MA 02360 – (508) 747-8181

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agents can only place business with one company and some examples include AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so keep that in mind. Captives are trained well on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents. Some people will only buy from captive agents partially due to the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.

Shown below is a short list of captive insurance agencies in Plymouth willing to provide rate quotes. car insurance image

Liberty Mutual Insurance – 100 Armstrong Rd – Plymouth, MA 02360 – (508) 746-8758

To view a full list of auto insurance agents in Plymouth, click here to link.

Selecting an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the price. Some important questions to ask are:

Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
How often do they review policy coverages?

After receiving positive responses and an acceptable price quote, most likely you have located an insurance agency that will properly insure your vehicles. Just keep in mind consumers can cancel coverage whenever you wish so don’t assume you’re contractually obligated to a specific agent for the full term.

When might I need help?

When choosing coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Every insured’s situation is different.

For example, these questions may help you determine whether you will benefit from professional help.

Do I need higher deductibles?
Do no-fault laws apply in Massachusetts?
Where can I get insurance after a DUI in Massachusetts?
Do I have coverage when making deliveries for my home business?
Does my policy pay for OEM or aftermarket parts?
Do all my vehicles need collision coverage?
Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?

If you can’t answer these questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form.

More information can be found on the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website found here. Massachusetts drivers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, get help finding coverage, read consumer alerts, and read state legal mandates and laws.

The following information may also be useful.

Parts of your auto insurance policy

Understanding the coverages of your policy can be of help when determining the right coverages for your vehicles. Policy terminology can be difficult to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring.

Medical expense coverage

Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance provide coverage for bills for prosthetic devices, EMT expenses, nursing services, ambulance fees and X-ray expenses. They are often used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. Coverage applies to not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay

Comprehensive protection

This pays for damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first must pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage pays for claims like rock chips in glass, falling objects, a tree branch falling on your vehicle and hail damage. The highest amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Uninsured or underinsured coverage

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage provides protection when the “other guys” either have no liability insurance or not enough. It can pay for injuries to you and your family and also any damage incurred to your vehicle.

Since many Massachusetts drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (which is 20/40/5), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is very important. Usually these limits do not exceed the liability coverage limits.

Auto collision coverage

This pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.

Collision insurance covers things like scraping a guard rail, hitting a mailbox and rolling your car. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from older vehicles. You can also raise the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Liability insurance

Liability insurance can cover injuries or damage you cause to people or other property that is your fault. Coverage consists of three different limits, per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. Your policy might show limits of 50/100/50 that translate to $50,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $100,000, and property damage coverage for $50,000. Alternatively, you may have a combined limit which combines the three limits into one amount without having the split limit caps.

Liability coverage protects against claims such as medical expenses, pain and suffering, structural damage, repair costs for stationary objects and legal defense fees. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is up to you, but you should buy as high a limit as you can afford. Massachusetts state minimum liability requirements are 20,000/40,000/5,000 but drivers should carry more coverage.

Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal

Cheaper auto insurance can be purchased on the web in addition to many Plymouth insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who do not provide the ability to get a quote online and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

While you’re price shopping online, make sure you don’t buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are many occasions where someone sacrificed collision coverage to discover at claim time they didn’t have enough coverage. Your focus should be to purchase plenty of coverage at a price you can afford.

You just read a lot of ways to shop for auto insurance online. It’s most important to understand that the more providers you compare, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even discover the lowest priced auto insurance comes from a small local company.