Learn How to Cut Costs on North Smithfield Auto Insurance

Paying for high-priced auto insurance can drain your savings account and put the squeeze on your family’s finances. Comparison shopping is a great way to help make ends meet. Drivers have so many auto insurance companies to purchase coverage from, and even though it’s nice to have a selection, so many choices can make it hard to adequately compare rates.

It’s a great practice to price shop coverage once or twice a year since insurance rates are rarely the same from one policy term to another. Even if you got the best deal six months ago a different company probably has better rates today. Starting now, block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you’re going to learn how to use the internet to lower your annual insurance bill.

Buying car insurance in North Smithfield is easy if you know what you’re doing. If you are insured now or are just looking to switch companies, you can use this information to get lower rates while maximizing coverage. Rhode Island drivers just need to know the tricks to find the lowest price online.

How much can you save with discounts?

Companies offering auto insurance don’t always advertise all their discounts very well, so we break down some of the more common and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving. If you don’t get every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.

E-sign – A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 just for signing your application online.
Discount for Swiching Early – A few companies offer discounts for buying a policy before your current policy expires. The savings is around 10%.
Passive Restraint Discount – Vehicles with factory air bags can receive discounts of more than 20%.
Senior Citizens – Mature drivers may qualify for a discount up to 10%.
Military Rewards – Having a family member in the military could be rewarded with lower premiums.
Anti-lock Brake Discount – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
Life Insurance – Some companies give a break if you buy auto and life insurance together.

It’s important to understand that some credits don’t apply to all coverage premiums. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability and collision coverage. So when it seems like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, it just doesn’t work that way.

But I prefer to buy car insurance from an agent

Some people just want to visit with an insurance agent and that is OK! Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. The best thing about price shopping on the web is you can get the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent.

To find an agent, once you fill out this simple form, your insurance data is submitted to local insurance agents who will compete for your coverage. There is no reason to leave your house as quotes are delivered to your email. It doesn’t get any easier! car insurance image

Deciding on an insurer should depend on more than just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:

Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
Who is covered by the car insurance policy?

Independent or Captive: It’s your choice

When looking for a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are a couple of different types of agents that you can select. Agents are either captive or independent (non-captive). While both can insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know the difference between them because it can impact the type of agent you choose

Agency Captives

These agents can only place business with one company and some examples include Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to shop your coverage around so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents are very knowledgeable on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage.

Listed below is a list of captive insurance agencies in North Smithfield that can give you comparison quotes.

Allstate – 125 Eddie Dowling Hwy – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 765-5000

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, they simply move the coverage in-house without you having to go to a different agency. When searching for an agent, we recommend you include at least one independent agent to ensure the widest selection of prices.

Shown below are independent agents in North Smithfield that can give you rate quotes.

Knights Of Columbus Insurance – 501 Great Rd – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 765-1492
Bouley Insurance – 117 Eddie Dowling Hwy # 3 – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 765-6311
Charles L Kirby Agency Inc – 75 Eddie Dowling Hwy – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 762-4500
Charles L Kirby Agency Inc – 75 Park Sq – North Smithfield, RI 02896 – (401) 762-4500

For a complete listing of North Smithfield insurance agents, please view this page.

Upon receiving reasonable responses as well as a affordable price, you’ve probably found an insurance agency that will service your policy.

Quote often and quote early

In this article, we presented a lot of techniques to reduce auto insurance prices online. The key concept to understand is the more providers you compare, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers could even find that the best prices are with an unexpected company. These companies may cover specific market segments cheaper compared to the large companies like Progressive or GEICO.

When you buy insurance online, it’s not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many situations where someone sacrificed liability coverage limits and discovered at claim time that they should have had better coverage. The aim is to buy enough coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.