Learn Proven Techniques to Save on Los Lunas, NM Auto Insurance

Expensive auto insurance can empty your savings account and make it hard to pay other bills. Comparison shopping is a smart way to slash your bill and have more diposable income. There is such a variety of auto insurance companies to pick from, and though it is a good thing to be able to choose, it can be more difficult to find the lowest cost provider.

It’s a good habit to do rate comparisons on a regular basis due to the fact that insurance rates change frequently. If you had the lowest price two years ago you can probably find a lower rate today. So ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you’re going to learn the best way to save money, get proper coverage and the best rates.

How to Compare Auto Insurance in Los Lunas

Finding a lower price on insurance is actually quite simple. The only requirement is to spend a few minutes comparing price quotes provided by online insurance companies. This can be accomplished in several different ways.

The first (and easiest) way to compare a lot of rates at once is to use a rate comparison form (click to open form in new window). This method keeps you from doing separate quotation requests for each company. In just a few minutes this one form will get you price quotes direct from many companies.

A more time consuming way to analyze rates requires visiting the website for each individual company to complete their respective quote request forms. For instance, let’s assume you want rates from State Farm, 21st Century and Liberty Mutual. To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site to enter your coverage information, which is why the first method is more popular. For a handy list of car insurance company links in Los Lunas, click here.

The most time-consuming method of comparing rate quotes is to spend your day driving to insurance agents’ offices. Buying insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you prefer the professional advice of a licensed agent. Drivers can price shop online and still use a local agent and we’ll cover that in a bit.

It’s up to you how you get prices quotes, just be sure to compare apples-to-apples coverages and limits on every quote you get. If you compare different deductibles it’s impossible to determine the best price in Los Lunas.

Is there truth in advertising?

New Mexico drivers can’t get away from ads that promise big savings by 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm. All the companies have a common claim that you can save if you switch to their company.

But how can every company say the same thing?

Different companies have a preferred profile for the right customer they prefer to insure. An example of a profitable customer could be a mature driver, owns a home, and has a high credit rating. A propective insured who matches those parameters will get the preferred rates and therefore will pay quite a bit less when switching companies.

Consumers who don’t meet these standards will be quoted a higher premium and this can result in business going elsewhere. The ads say “people who switch” not “everybody who quotes” save that much money. That is how insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do.

This emphasizes why it is so important to get a wide range of price quotes. It is impossible to predict which auto insurance company will fit your personal profile best.

Lower rates by qualifying for discounts

Insuring your vehicles can cost a lot, but discounts can save money and there are some available that you may not know about. Some discounts apply automatically when you quote, but a few need to be asked for before being credited. If you aren’t receiving every discount you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.

• Military Discounts – Having a family member in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
• Multiple Policy Discount – If you have multiple policies with the same company you could get a discount of at least 10% off all policies.
• Safety Course Discount – Successfully completing a driver safety course can save you 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.
• Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Vehicles equipped with air bags or automatic seat belts can receive discounts of up to 25% or more.
• Anti-lock Brake Discount – Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles prevent accidents and will save you 10% or more.
• Auto/Life Discount – Some companies give lower rates if you buy auto and life insurance together.
• College Student – Any of your kids who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have a car can be insured at a reduced rate.

Consumers should know that some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like it’s possible to get free car insurance, companies don’t profit that way. Any amount of discount will cut your premiums.

To choose insurers with discount auto insurance rates in Los Lunas, click this link.

Aren’t my neighborhood agents an option?

A small number of people would prefer to talk to a local agent and that is OK! Licensed agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help submit paperwork. The best thing about comparing rates online is you can get the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from local insurance agencies is important particularly in Los Lunas.

To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this quick form, your coverage information is emailed to agents in your area who will battle for your business. There is no need to even leave your home as quotes are delivered directly to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!

Compare rates from both independent and captive insurance agents

When looking for a reliable agent, you must know there are a couple different agency structures from which to choose. Agents are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning the difference between them because it can impact your selection of an agent.

Independent Agents

Independent agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies depending on which coverage is best. To move your coverage to a new company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency.

When shopping rates, we recommend you include several independent insurance agents to get the best comparison.

Shown below is a list of independent agents in Los Lunas who can help you get comparison quotes.

Marcus C Gallegos Agency – 400 Main St NW – Los Lunas, NM 87031 – (505) 565-1500
Joe Baca Insurance – 1910 Main St NE – Los Lunas, NM 87031 – (505) 865-8755
Baca’s Village Insurance – 1910 Main St NE # B – Los Lunas, NM 87031 – (505) 865-5111

Agency Captives

These agents have only one company to place business with like State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. These agents receive extensive training on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage.

Shown below is a short list of captive agencies in Los Lunas willing to provide rate quotes.

Allstate Insurance – 2424 Main St NE – Los Lunas, NM 87031 – (505) 865-3638
State Farm Insurance – 3459 Highway 47 – Los Lunas, NM 87031 – (505) 865-4681
Farmers Insurance Group – 3470 Highway 47 – Los Lunas, NM 87031 – (505) 865-7684
Farm Bureau Financial Svc – 2060 Main St NE – Los Lunas, NM 87031 – (505) 565-3555

For a complete listing of captive agents in Los Lunas, please go to this site.

Choosing a car insurance agent requires more thought than just a cheap price. Agents should be asked these questions:

• Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
• Can they give you a list of client referrals?
• Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
• What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
• Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
• How long has their agency been open in Los Lunas?

Upon receiving acceptable answers to all your questions and an affordable coverage quote, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that will service your policy.

You are unique and your auto insurance should be too

When it comes to buying coverage, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Every insured’s situation is different so your insurance needs to address that. Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine if you may require specific advice.

• Is my teen driver covered when they drive my company car?
• What can I do if my company won’t pay a claim?
• Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?
• Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
• Will my vehicle be repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
• Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?
• Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It only takes a few minutes and you can get the answers you need.

Additional auto insurance information can be found on the website for the New Mexico Insurance Division found here. Visitors are able to learn about specific coverages, read industry bulletins, learn about insurance regulations, and download brochures.

Also read more on this site for rates in New Mexico and this page where you can research Los Lunas insurance agents.

In conclusion

Throughout this article, we presented many ideas to get a better price on auto insurance. It’s most important to understand that the more companies you get rates for, the higher the chance of saving money. You may be surprised to find that the best prices are with some of the smallest insurance companies. Some small companies can often provide lower rates in certain areas as compared to the big name companies such as State Farm, GEICO and Nationwide.

Cheaper auto insurance is definitely available from both online companies and with local Los Lunas insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.