How to Know You’re Spending Too Much for Auto Insurance in Amherst
Having to pay for overpriced auto insurance can drain your savings account and put the squeeze on your family’s finances. Comparing price quotes is a smart way to cut your insurance bill. Consumers have many car insurance companies to choose from, and even though it’s nice to have a choice, too many choices makes it more difficult to find a good deal.
The purpose of this post is to instruct you on how to effectively get price quotes and some tricks to saving. If you currently have car insurance, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using this strategy. New York consumers only need an understanding of the proper methods to get comparison rates online.
Auto Insurance Comparison Rates in Amherst, New York
Lowering your auto insurance rates doesn’t have to be difficult. All that’s required is to take time comparing price quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done in several different ways.
The most efficient way to get quotes for comparison would be an industry-wide quote request form like this one (opens in new window). This method eliminates the need for separate forms for every auto insurance company. A single, simple form gets you price quotes from several companies.
A different way to analyze rates is to take the time to go to the website of each company to complete a price quote. For instance, let’s assume you want comparison quotes from USAA, Progressive and Travelers. To get each rate you have to go to every website and enter your information, which is why the first method is more popular. For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Amherst, click here.
However you get your quotes, make absolute certain that you use exactly the same deductibles and coverage limits with every price quote. If you have different limits and deductibles on each one you can’t possibly find the best deal in Amherst.
Don’t miss these discounts
Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, but you may find discounts that you may not even be aware of. Most are applied at the time you complete a quote, but a few must be manually applied before being credited. If you’re not getting every credit available, you’re just leaving money on the table.
- Safety Course Discount – Taking part in a course teaching defensive driving skills could save 5% or more if your company offers it.
- Student Driver Training – Have your child enroll in driver’s education if it’s offered in school.
- Drive Safe and Save – Drivers who don’t get into accidents may receive a discount up to 45% less than less cautious drivers.
- Auto/Life Discount – Larger companies have a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
- Anti-theft Discount – Anti-theft and alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
It’s important to understand that many deductions do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce the cost of coverage.
For a list of insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in New York, follow this link.
When might I need help?
When choosing adequate coverage, there isn’t really a single plan that fits everyone. Every situation is different so your insurance needs to address that. Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine whether or not you might need an agent’s assistance.
- What if I don’t agree with a claim settlement offer?
- How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in New York?
- Do I pay less if my vehicle is kept in my garage?
- Is New York a no-fault state?
- Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?
- Should I buy only the required New York minimum liability coverage?
If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It only takes a few minutes and can provide invaluable advice.
Online resources for education
Additional auto insurance information is located on the website for the New York Department of Financial Services. Click here for link. New York drivers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, download brochures, and read industry bulletins.
Other related articles: