Wasting Money on Car Insurance in Rochester Hills? Here’s How to Save!

Finding lower rates for Rochester Hills car insurance is always difficult for people who are new to comparison shopping online. You have so many options that it can be a challenge to locate the lowest price in Rochester Hills.

Finding the best rates in Rochester Hills is not rocket science. Basically, every vehicle owner who shops for car insurance stands a good chance to be able to find lower rates. But Michigan vehicle owners must know the way insurance companies determine prices because it can help you find the best coverage.

Take discounts and save

Companies that sell car insurance don’t always advertise all available discounts very clearly, so here is a list both the well known and the more hidden ways to save on car insurance.

• Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more.
• Defensive Driving Course – Taking a driver safety course could save 5% or more if you qualify.
• Use Seat Belts – Requiring all passengers to wear their seat belts can save 10% or more on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
• Safe Driver Discount – Safe drivers may save up to 50% more than their less cautious counterparts.
• Paperless Signup – A few companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying your policy on their website.
• Anti-theft System – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
• Save over 55 – Older drivers may receive better car insurance rates.
• Drivers Ed for Students – Cut your cost by having your teen driver enroll in driver’s education if offered at their school.
• Multi-car Discount – Having more than one vehicle on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut the price of certain insurance coverages like medical payments or collision. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won’t be that lucky.

To see a list of companies who offer car insurance discounts in Michigan, click this link.

Many Things Influence your Rates

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that play a part in calculating the price you pay for car insurance. Having a good understanding of what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to lower car insurance prices.

• What are your deductibles? – The deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if you file a covered claim. Coverage for physical damage, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, protects your car from damage. Some examples of claims that would be covered are running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, and windstorm damage. The higher the amount the insured has to pay upfront, the bigger discount you will receive.
• How’s your driving record? – Just one citation may increase your cost forty percent or more. Drivers with clean records have lower premiums compared to drivers with tickets. Drivers who have flagrant citations like hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state DMV in order to keep their license.
• How your age affects price – Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and are safer drivers. Youthful drivers are statistically proven to be more careless behind the wheel and because of this, their car insurance rates are much higher.
• Multiple policies with one company can save – Some companies will give a discount to customers who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, you still need to shop around to make sure you are getting the best deal.
• Theft deterrents lower rates – Owning a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can save you a little every year. Anti-theft devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems can help prevent your car from being stolen.
• High credit ratings translate to low rates – Having a bad credit rating is a large factor in calculating your car insurance rates. People with excellent credit tend to be more responsible as compared to drivers with lower credit scores. Therefore, if your credit can use some improvement, you could save money insuring your by repairing your credit.

Which policy gives me the best coverage?

When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a best way to insure your cars. Each situation is unique.

These are some specific questions might help in determining if your situation could use an agent’s help.

• Is my custom paint covered by insurance?
• What can I do if my company won’t pay a claim?
• Is borrowed equipment or tools covered if stolen or damaged?
• Will my rates increase for filing one claim?
• Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
• Is my vehicle covered by my employer’s policy when using it for work?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form.

Read more about Michigan car insurance

Additional detailed information can be read at the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation website. Michigan consumers can read consumer alerts, report car insurance fraud, and read state legal mandates and laws.

Additional helpful sites include QuoteClickInsure.com and this list of insurance agents in Rochester Hills, MI.

What is YOUR best insurance company?

Insureds leave their current company for a number of reasons such as an unsatisfactory settlement offer, high rates after DUI convictions, lack of trust in their agent and even high prices. Whatever your reason, finding a new car insurance company is actually quite simple.

In this article, we presented many ways to save on car insurance. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. You may even find the most savings is with some of the lesser-known companies.

As you shop your coverage around, it’s a bad idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are too many instances where drivers have reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.