Tightwads Guide for Saving on Rancho Cucamonga, CA Car Insurance
Perplexed by the crazy number of car insurance companies in Rancho Cucamonga? You’re not the only one! People have so many choices that it can quickly become a big hassle to find the lowest price.
If you are insured now or need new coverage, you can follow these tips to reduce the price you pay while maximizing coverage. The purpose of this post is to teach you the most effective way to quote insurance. California vehicle owners only need an understanding of the proper way to shop online.
How to Compare Car Insurance in Rancho Cucamonga, California
There are a variety of methods you can shop for car insurance and some are easier and takes less work. You could waste a few hours talking about coverages with insurance agencies in Rancho Cucamonga, or you could save time and use the web to maximize your effort.
Many companies participate in a marketplace that allows shoppers to submit one quote, and each company returns a rated price based on that information. This system prevents you from having to do repetitive form submissions for each company.
To use this form to compare rates click to open in new window.
The only downside to doing it this way is that consumers can’t choose which insurance companies you want to price. If you prefer to choose specific providers to compare rates, we have a page of car insurance companies in California. View list of California insurance companies.
Whichever method you choose, double check that you are using apples-to-apples coverage limits with each company. If you use differing limits you can’t possibly determine which rate is truly the best in Rancho Cucamonga.
Lower rates by qualifying for discounts
Companies offering auto insurance don’t necessarily list every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so here is a list some of the best known and the more hidden ways to save on car insurance. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you are throwing money away.
- Employee of Federal Government – Simply working for the federal government can earn a discount up to 10% depending on your company.
- Pay Upfront and Save – If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
- Multiple Policy Discount – When you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you could get a discount of 10% to 20% off each policy.
- Homeowners Pay Less – Being a homeowner may trigger a car insurance policy discount because owning a home requires personal responsibility.
- Sign Early and Save – Some companies give discounts for switching to them prior to your current policy expiration. It can save you around 10%.
A little note about advertised discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given the the whole policy. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. So when it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, it just doesn’t work that way.
Won’t my local insurance agent miss me?
Some people would rather buy from a licensed agent. Educated insurance agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. The best thing about comparing rates online is the fact that you can find lower rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this form (opens in new window), your coverage information is immediately sent to agents in your area who will give you bids to get your business. You won’t need to leave your house because quoted prices will be sent to your email. It doesn’t get any easier!
Choosing an provider shouldn’t rely on just the bottom line cost. Some important questions to ask are:
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
Different types of auto insurance agents in Rancho Cucamonga
When finding a good Rancho Cucamonga insurance agent, there are two types of insurance agents to choose from. Agents are classified as either independent (non-captive) or captive. Either one can do a good job, but it’s good to learn the differences since it may influence your agent selection.
Captive Insurance Agents
These agents can only write with one company and examples are AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. They generally cannot compare other company’s rates so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agents receive extensive training on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some people will only purchase coverage from captives mainly due to the brand legacy and strong financial ratings.
The following is a list of captive agencies in Rancho Cucamonga that are able to give rate quotes.
- Allstate Insurance – 7365 Carnelian St # 242 – Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 – (909) 987-6403
- Farmers Insurance Group – 9267 Haven Ave # 235 – Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 – (909) 373-1841
- State Farm Insurance – 9235 Baseline Rd – Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 – (909) 989-2044
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agents do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To move your coverage to a new company, the business is moved internally and that require little work on your part.
When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include price quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to get the best comparison. They also have the ability to place coverage with different regional companies who may have lower rates.
Listed below are Rancho Cucamonga independent insurance agencies that are able to give price quote information.
- H K Insurance and Financial Svc – 9620 Center Ave – Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 – (909) 481-5300
- Braunwalder Insurance – 8560 Vineyard Ave # 110 – Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 – (909) 944-8601
- Jung Agency – 7365 Carnelian St – Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 – (909) 466-4792
- Jungs Agency – 7365 Carnelian St # 206 – Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 – (626) 339-9190
For a full directory of insurance agents in Rancho Cucamonga, please click here.
Once you have received good answers for all questions you ask and a low price estimate, most likely you have located an auto insurance agent that will properly service your car insurance policy.
Everyone needs different coverages
When choosing proper insurance coverage, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Every insured’s situation is different.
Here are some questions about coverages that may help you determine whether you may require specific advice.
- Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?
- Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
- Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
- How much underlying liability do I need for an umbrella policy?
- I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
- Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
- Is business property covered if stolen from my car?
- Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
- Do I need rental car coverage?
If you’re not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It’s fast, free and may give you better protection.
Even more information can be read at the California Department of Insurance website. Consumers can view a list of available companies, find disaster information, get help finding coverage, and report car insurance fraud.
The following articles may also be useful.
Buy online or local, you save
When buying insurance coverage, it’s very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your strategy should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
We covered some good ideas how to save on car insurance. The key thing to remember is the more companies you get rates for, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. Drivers may discover the best price on car insurance is with the least-expected company.
Consumers switch companies for many reasons like high rates after DUI convictions, questionable increases in premium, not issuing a premium refund or even an unsatisfactory settlement offer. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch finding a new company is actually quite simple.