Learn How to Compare Portland Car Insurance Like a Professional

Have you fallen victim to an underperforming, overpriced car insurance policy? Believe me, many Portland consumers feel financially strained by their car insurance policy. Because there are so many different company options, it can be impossible to choose the most cost effective car insurance company.

Buying cheaper coverage in Portland is quite easy. If you have a policy now or are looking for a new policy, you can use this information to find better prices while maintaining coverages. Maine vehicle owners just need to know the proper way to get comparison quotes over the internet.

Cut your car insurance rates with discounts

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but there are discounts available to help bring down the price. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied when you complete an application, but a few must be specifically requested before being credited. If they aren’t giving you every credit possible, you’re paying more than you need to.

Passive Restraints – Factory air bags can qualify for discounts up to 30%.
Pay Now and Pay Less – If paying your policy premium upfront instead of paying each month you can actually save on your bill.
Accident Waiver – A few companies permit an accident before your rates go up if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
New Vehicle Savings – Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
Paperless Signup – Certain companies may give you up to $50 for buying your policy online.

Drivers should understand that many deductions do not apply the the whole policy. Some only apply to individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though it sounds like it’s possible to get free car insurance, you won’t be that lucky. Any amount of discount will help reduce the cost of coverage.

For a list of insurers who offer car insurance discounts in Maine, click this link.

Do I need special coverages?

When choosing coverage for your vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Every situation is different so this has to be addressed. These are some specific questions may help highlight if you may require specific advice.

Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
Am I covered when using my vehicle for business?
Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
Should I buy additional glass protection?
Does my insurance cover damage caused when ticketed for reckless driving?
Is Maine a no-fault state?
Are rental cars covered under my policy?
Is my babysitter covered when using my vehicle?

If you can’t answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. If you don’t have a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It only takes a few minutes and you can get the answers you need.

Neighborhood agents for car insurance

Some consumers just want to sit down with an agent and that is OK! Insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find better rates but still work with a licensed agent. Buying from local agencies is important particularly in Portland.<img class="alignright" style="padding-top:15px;" src="https://www.findnewcarinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/ci175-7.jpg" alt="Portland car insurance prices“/>

Once you complete this simple form, the coverage information is transmitted to participating agents in Portland who will compete to get your business. You never need to visit any agencies because quoted prices will be sent to the email address you provide. Now that’s easy!

To view licensed agents in Portland, visit this site.

Selecting an insurer requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:

How often do they review policy coverages?
Which company do they place the most coverage with?
Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
How are claims handled?
How many years of experience in personal lines insurance coverages do they have?
Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?

After receiving answers to your satisfaction for all questions you ask and a low price estimate, chances are good that you have found a company that is a good match to service your policy.

Can switching companies really save?

Consumers in Maine get pounded daily by advertisements for the lowest price auto insurance from the likes of State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all make the same claim about savings if you change your coverage to them.

How does each company claim to save you money? This is how they do it.

All companies can use profiling for the type of customer that makes them money. A good example of a driver they prefer might be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no tickets, and drives newer vehicles. A propective insured who meets those qualifications is entitled to the best price and most likely will cut their rates substantially.

Potential customers who don’t qualify for these standards will be quoted a more expensive rate and ends up with business not being written. The ad wording is “customers that switch” not “everybody who quotes” save money. This is how insurance companies can advertise the way they do.

This emphasizes why it’s extremely important to compare as many rates as you can. You cannot predict which company will give you the biggest savings.

More information can be found on the website for the Maine Bureau of Insurance found here. Maine drivers can read consumer alerts, view a list of available companies, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and learn about insurance regulations.

Additional helpful sites include this page for car insurance in Maine and this list of insurance agents in Portland, ME.

What is YOUR best insurance company?

When trying to cut insurance costs, it’s not a good idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are too many instances where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Budget-conscious car insurance is available both online in addition to many Portland insurance agents, so compare prices from both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance providers do not provide online quoting and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.