Learn How to Compare Sacramento California Auto Insurance Like a Pro

Feel like you’re a prisoner to overpriced auto insurance? Believe me, there are lots of people in the same boat. With so many online and local companies to choose from, it’s difficult to pick the right car insurance company.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies offering auto insurance don’t always advertise all available discounts in an easy-to-find place, so the following is a list of both the well known and also the lesser-known auto insurance savings. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you’re just leaving money on the table.

  • Passive Restraint Discount – Vehicles equipped with air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • More Vehicles More Savings – Buying coverage for multiple cars or trucks with the same company could earn a price break for each car.
  • Good Student – Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.
  • Government Employees – Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% with select insurance companies.
  • Defensive Driving Course – Taking part in a course teaching defensive driving skills can save you 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.
  • Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Theft Prevention System – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Student Driver Training – Have your child take driver’s ed class in school.

Keep in mind that some of the credits will not apply to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies wouldn’t make money that way.

For a list of providers with the best auto insurance discounts in California, click here to view.

Can’t I compare rates from local Sacramento agents?

Some consumers would prefer to visit with an insurance agent. Licensed agents can answer important questions and help you file claims. The best thing about price shopping on the web is that you can obtain the lowest rates but also keep your business local.

After filling out this quick form, your coverage information gets sent to participating agents in Sacramento who will battle to get your business. You won’t need to even leave your home because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier!auto insurance image

Picking an provider should depend on more than just a cheap price. Here are some questions to ask:

  • Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
  • If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
  • Do they specialize in personal lines coverage?
  • Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
  • Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
  • Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
  • How long has their agency been in business in Sacramento?

Shown below is a list of auto insurance companies in Sacramento that may be willing to give price quotes.

Payless Diamond Auto Insurance – 3411 Arden Way, Sacramento, CA 95825 – (916) 480-2777
California Farm Bureau Fed – 1127 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814 – (916) 446-4647
Allstate Insurance – 4629 Whitney Ave # 7, Sacramento, CA 95821 – (916) 974-3299
Bill Parker Agency – 4528 Millrace Rd, Sacramento, CA 95864 – (916) 486-0783
Liberty Mutual Insurance – 1750 Howe Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825 – (916) 564-1792
State Farm Insurance – 2715 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95818 – (916) 441-1476
CSE Insurance Group – 2710 Gateway Oaks Dr # 150, Sacramento, CA 95833 – (916) 564-5126
Farmers Insurance Group – 5687 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95824 – (916) 737-2886

Once you have good answers to these questions as well as a affordable price, you’ve probably found an insurance company that is a good match to provide auto insurance coverage.

Auto insurance ads bend the truth

Consumers in California can’t get away from ads for car insurance savings from the likes of Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. All the ads have a common claim about savings if you move your coverage to them.

But how can every company claim to save you money?

All the different companies have a preferred profile for the driver they prefer to insure. A good example of a profitable customer might be profiled as over the age of 50, has no tickets, and has great credit. A customer that hits that “sweet spot” will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to pay quite a bit less when switching companies.

Drivers who do not match this ideal profile must pay a higher premium and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state “people who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that kind of money. That’s the way insurance companies can confidently claim big savings. This illustrates why you should get quotes from several different companies. It’s just too difficult to predict the company that will fit your personal profile best.

More detailed California auto insurance information is available at the California Department of Insurance website. California drivers can get help finding coverage, view agent and company licensing information, and read consumer alerts.

Compare but don’t skimp

When buying insurance coverage, you should never reduce needed coverages to save money. Too many times, an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage and learned later that the savings was not a smart move. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price.

We just showed you some good ideas how you can reduce auto insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more you quote, the better your comparison will be. Consumers could even find that the lowest premiums are with a small mutual company. These smaller insurers can often insure niche markets at a lower cost than their larger competitors like GEICO and State Farm.