Techniques for Paying Less for Kirkland Auto Insurance Rates

Cutting costs on Kirkland auto insurance is nearly impossible for consumers new to buying insurance online. Drivers have so many choices that it can be a big hassle to compare prices in Kirkland.

Consumers need to do rate comparisons before your policy renews due to the fact that insurance rates go up and down regularly. Even if you think you had the lowest price a few years ago there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Starting now, block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you’re going to get a crash course in one of the best ways to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.

Low Cost Kirkland Auto Insurance

Performing a rate comparison is a ton of work if you don’t know the best way to get rate quotes. You could spend your day driving to insurance companies in Kirkland, or you could use the web to get pricing more quickly.

Most of the best insurance companies belong to a marketplace where prospective buyers enter their coverage request one time, and at least one company can provide price quotes. This prevents consumers from doing quotation requests to each individual auto insurance company.

To compare pricing click here (opens in new window).

The single downside to getting quotes like this is that consumers can’t choose which providers you want pricing from. If you prefer to choose specific providers to compare, we put together a list of low cost auto insurance companies in Washington. Click here for list of insurance companies in Washington.

It’s your choice how you get your quotes, but make absolute certain that you use identical information with every price quote. If you have different liability limits it will be very difficult to find the best deal in Kirkland. Kirkland WA insurance prices

Informed Drivers can Cut Their Rates

It’s important that you understand some of the elements that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. Knowing what determines base rates enables informed choices that could result in better auto insurance rates.

How many coverages with the same company – Some companies give discounts to customers who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it’s in your best interest to compare rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
Too many auto insurance claims drive up costs – If you tend to file frequent claims, you can look forward to either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Car insurance companies in Washington provide cheaper rates to insureds who are claim-free. Your insurance policy is meant to be used in the event of larger claims.
Never let your coverage lapse – Not having insurance is illegal and your next policy will cost more because you let your coverage lapse. Not only will you pay more, but not being able to provide proof of insurance may earn you a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.You may need to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the Washington motor vehicle department.
Bump up deductibles to save – Physical damage deductibles define the amount you are required to spend out-of-pocket before your auto insurance pays a claim. Physical damage insurance, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, protects your car from damage. A few examples of covered claims are running into the backend of another car, vandalism, and windstorm damage. The more you have to pay, the bigger discount you will receive.
Your stress level may be raising your rates – Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Occupations like real estate brokers, executives and financial analysts tend to pay higher average rates in part from high stress levels and lots of time spent at work. Conversely, occupations such as scientists, engineers and homemakers have the lowest average rates.

Save big with these discounts

Companies do not list all available discounts very clearly, so we break down some of the best known and the harder-to-find discounts you could be receiving. If you’re not getting every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.

Discounts for Safe Drivers – Safe drivers can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than their less cautious counterparts.
Anti-lock Brake Discount – Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can avoid accidents and will save you 10% or more.
55 and Retired – Older drivers may be able to get reduced rates.
One Accident Forgiven – A few companies permit an accident before your rates go up if you are claim-free prior to the accident.
Employee of Federal Government – Simply working for the federal government may qualify you for a discount with certain companies.
Auto/Life Discount – Some companies give better rates if you take out life insurance.
New Vehicle Savings – Insuring a new car can cost up to 25% less compared to insuring an older model.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. So when it seems like all those discounts means the company will pay you, it doesn’t quite work that way.

But I don’t know anything about car insurance

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Each situation is unique.

These are some specific questions might point out if your insurance needs would benefit from professional advice.

Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
Should I sign the liability waiver when renting a car?
When should I remove comp and collision on my vehicle?
Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?
Is business property covered if stolen from my car?
Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It’s fast, free and you can get the answers you need.

Do the work, save more money

Cheap auto insurance is available both online and with local Kirkland insurance agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies do not offer online price quotes and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

You just read a lot of ways to get a better price on auto insurance. The most important thing to understand is the more companies you get rates for, the higher the chance of saving money. You may be surprised to find that the most savings is with some of the smallest insurance companies.

When buying insurance coverage, don’t be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. There are a lot of situations where someone sacrificed collision coverage to discover at claim time they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The aim is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.

Learn more today

More tips and info about auto insurance can be read at the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner website. Consumers can learn about insurance regulations, find out which companies have the most complaints, read consumer alerts, and discover disciplinary actions.