How to Know You’re Spending Too Much for Car Insurance in Claremont, NH

Paying for high-priced car insurance can empty your savings account and make it hard to pay other bills. Shopping your coverage around is a smart way to cut your insurance bill. Drivers have multiple insurance companies to buy insurance from, and even though it’s nice to be able to choose, it makes it harder to compare rates.

It is always a good idea to compare prices yearly because prices change frequently. Even if you think you had the lowest rates two years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. Starting right now, forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because it’s time to teach you the best methods to find better rates and still maintain coverage.

Buying more affordable coverage in Claremont is easy if you know what you’re doing. If you are insured now or are shopping for new coverage, you can use these techniques to get lower rates while maintaining coverages. New Hampshire consumers only need an understanding of the tricks to compare prices over the internet.

Companies offer discounts so take them!

Insurance can cost an arm and a leg, but companies offer discounts to cut the cost considerably. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at the time of quoting, but some must be requested specifically prior to receiving the credit. If you’re not getting every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.

• Organization Discounts – Affiliation with a qualifying organization could trigger savings when buying car insurance.
• Auto/Life Discount – Companies who offer life insurance give better rates if you take out life insurance from them.
• Federal Government Employee – Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount depending on your company.
• Multiple Vehicles – Buying coverage for multiple vehicles on one policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
• Distant Student – Children who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a vehicle on campus can receive lower rates.

A little note about advertised discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given to all coverage premiums. A few only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like adding up those discounts means a free policy, you’re out of luck. But all discounts will reduce the cost of coverage.

To see a list of companies offering car insurance discounts in Claremont, click this link.

Which policy gives me the best coverage?

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is a little different and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions may help highlight whether or not you would benefit from an agent’s advice.

• What is high-risk coverage and where do I buy it?
• Is my custom paint covered by insurance?
• At what point should I drop full coverage?
• I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
• What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
• Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
• When should I drop full coverage on my vehicle?
• Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
• Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions then you might want to talk to an agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and can provide invaluable advice.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px;" src="https://www.findnewcarinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-118.jpg" alt="Claremont car insurance prices“/>

But buying car insurance online seems impersonal

Certain consumers just want to sit down with an agent and that is OK! Agents can help determine the best coverages and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain the best rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local businesses is important particularly in Claremont.

To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your information is immediately sent to agents in your area who will battle for your insurance coverage. There is no need to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy!

Captive or Independent: There is a difference

When looking for a good insurance agency, there are two types of agencies that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Claremont are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can do a good job, but it’s good to learn the difference between them because it can impact the type of agent you choose

Independent Agencies or Brokers

These agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with many different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If you are not satisfied with one company, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection.

Below is a list of independent agents in Claremont willing to provide pricing information.

A B Gile Insurance – 131 Broad St – Claremont, NH 03743 – (603) 542-0941
Roger H Ryan Insurance – 24 Opera House Sq – Claremont, NH 03743 – (603) 542-2184

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive insurance agents have only one company to place business with and examples are Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. They usually cannot place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. They receive extensive training on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.

Choosing an insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:

• Which company do they place the most coverage with?
• Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in New Hampshire?
• Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
• If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
• If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
• Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
• How often do they review policy coverages?
• Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?

Once you have received satisfactory answers to any questions you have and a low price estimate, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that will adequately provide car insurance.

Additional car insurance information can be found on the website for the New Hampshire Insurance Department located here. New Hampshire drivers can learn about specific coverages, find a variety of consumer forms, read state legal mandates and laws, and read industry bulletins.

Additional helpful sites include III.org’s auto insurance page and this list of agents in Claremont, NH.

A tidy conclusion

Budget-conscious car insurance can be purchased from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Claremont agents, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some car insurance companies may not provide online quoting and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

As you prepare to switch companies, never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In many cases, an insured cut liability coverage limits only to regret at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The proper strategy is to find the BEST coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.