Nobody I know cherishes buying auto insurance, particularly when the cost is way too high. Multiple insurers compete to insure your vehicles, and it can be difficult to compare rates and uncover the absolute best rate
An important part of buying insurance is that you know the factors that help determine auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that could result in much lower annual insurance costs.
The following are some of the items companies use to determine premiums.
There are a variety of methods to compare auto insurance quotes, but one way is easier and takes less work. You could spend your day talking to insurance companies in your area, or you could save time and use online quoting to get the quickest rates.
Many of the larger companies belong to a marketplace that allows shoppers to complete one form, and each participating company can provide price quotes based on that information. This prevents consumers from doing form submissions to each individual auto insurance company.
To find out what other companies charge click to open in new window.
The single downside to getting quotes like this is that you can’t choose the companies to get pricing from. If you would rather choose from a list of companies to compare rates, we have a page of companies who write auto insurance in your area. View list of insurance companies.
It’s up to you which method you use, but ensure you’re using identical coverages and limits for every quote you compare. If each company quotes higher or lower deductibles it’s impossible to make a fair comparison for your Volkswagen Passat.
Consumers constantly see and hear ads that promise big savings from the likes of Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. All the ads say the same thing that you’ll save big if you change your coverage to them.
How does each company claim to save you money?
Different companies are able to cherry pick for the driver that makes them money. For example, a profitable customer could be over the age of 40, is a homeowner, and drives newer vehicles. A driver who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and as a result will probably cut their rates substantially.
Consumers who don’t measure up to the requirements must pay higher premiums and this can result in business not being written. Company advertisements say “people who switch” not “people who quote” save money. That is how insurance companies can confidently claim big savings.
This illustrates why you need to get as many comparisons as possible. It is impossible to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.
Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but there are discounts available to help offset the cost. Most are applied when you quote, but some may not be applied and must be requested specifically prior to getting the savings. If you don’t get every credit possible, you are paying more than you should be.
It’s important to understand that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. So when the math indicates adding up those discounts means a free policy, you’re out of luck. Any qualifying discounts will help reduce the amount you have to pay.
For a list of companies with the best auto insurance discounts, click here.
Some people just want to buy from a local agent. Professional agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is you may find the best rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from local insurance agencies is important especially in smaller communities.
After completing this simple form, your information is immediately sent to local insurance agents who will give you bids for your coverage. You never need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!
If you prefer to view a list of agents in your state to contact, click here.
Choosing an provider requires more thought than just the premium amount. These questions are important to ask:
Upon getting answers to your satisfaction and an acceptable price quote, chances are good that you have found an provider that is a good match to insure your vehicles.
Budget-conscious Volkswagen Passat insurance is definitely available both online and with local insurance agents, so compare prices from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
As you shop your coverage around, never buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many cases where someone dropped full coverage and discovered at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford.