How to Get the Best Car Insurance With the Lowest Premium Rates

Insurance is usually an easy place where you can cut your personal budget. Provided you have a contract that meets your needs and a responsive customer service department, the lowest price is always the best deal. The auto insurance market in particular is very competitive. This makes it easier for you to save money on car insurance rates. While finding the cheapest premiums may take a bit of time, the money saved makes it worth the effort.

Before Shopping 

1. Develop a great driving record. Always obey the speed limit and other driving laws. Drive defensively, since even accidents that aren't your fault will count against you when insurance companies determine your rates.

2. Stay on your parents' insurance as long as possible. Your rates will almost definitely go up as soon as you buy your own insurance.

3. Take a defensive-driving course from the American Safety Council or the National Safety Council. These courses are state-specific, and not all insurance companies offer discounts based on them.

4.Maintain a good credit score. Some insurance companies offer discounts based on a good credit score.

While Choosing 

1. Compare prices from different insurance companies. Despite offering essentially the same product, insurance prices can vary widely. Select the least expensive three or four to investigate further.

2. If you have renter's, homeowner's or life insurance, call your current company and ask for auto rates. Some will give you a multiple-policy discount.

3. Call the companies you want to compare. Ask for group rates if you belong to organizations such as AARP, the military or a fraternity. Also ask about any other discounts, such as those for special vehicular safety equipment.

4. Determine final costs after discounts are applied and choose your insurer based on the final price.


Purchase and Maintenance 

1. When you purchase your insurance, choose a high deductible. Put the money you save in a savings account and use it to pay the deductible if you have an accident.

2. Pay as much of your insurance coverage as possible in advance. Monthly rates are more affordable, but they also add significant costs to your overall cost.

3. Always maintain coverage with no lapses. Insurers generally charge more for reinstatement of insurance, and your rates thereafter will be higher.

How to Find the Top 10 Car Insurance Companies

Cars have to be insured, (unless you live somewhere that insurance is not compulsory) but trying to find the best coverage at the most reasonable price can be daunting. The top 10 car insurers listed in this article appeared in 5 surveys conducted by different companies. All of the car insurers below appeared in the top 10 of all the surveys we reviewed.

1. Choose a company based on multiple factors. You definitely want a car insurer that’s been in the business for a long period of time and that has a proven reputation. It’s always a good idea to check a company’s credit rating, it may have a large impact on their ability to provide adequate insurance and pay claims.

2. Use the following list to take a closer look at a company you are interested in. Remember to examine all aspects of an insurance company; including its credit rating, longevity, premiums and customer satisfaction. Listed below are the top 10 rated car insurance companies. The information for the top 10 car insurers on this list is compiled from Auto Insurance.org, Consumer Search Insurance Quote Review The Top Tens and Auto Insurance Claim Advice.

• 21st Century
•  Allstate
•  America
•  American Family
•  Auto Owners
•  GEICO
• Liberty Mutual
•  Nationwide
•  Progressive

 3. Understand how car insurers develop their premium quotes. You are being rated on your driving history, age, gender, geographical location, (the companies listed above may not provide insurance for cars in other countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, Northern Ireland and New Zealand) marital status, the amount of miles you drive annually and the make, model and age of your car. Your premiums may be discounted for the following reasons:

•  Clean driving record
•  Low mileage
•  Anti-theft devices
• Academic record (for student drivers)
• Marital status and home ownership
• Multiple policy holders (using the same company to insure your house, boat or RV, for example)

4. Always compare the quotes from at least 4 companies before you decide on which policy to purchase. Some companies may not offer the same kind of discounts. It’s also smart to get quotes from 4 or 5 national companies and then ask your local car insurer[6] if they can do better.

Tips

• The rankings mentioned in this article are for nationwide companies, but you should check into regional companies as well. Many regional companies are extremely competitive with larger insurers.
•  If you have a poor driving record, check out some companies that are most likely to insure you: Dairy land Auto, (division of Sentry) State Farm, Allstate and Progressive. Again, these companies may not insure cars or drivers that are not present where they are based.
•  If you are in the US military, get quotes from USAA (United States Armed Forces Association). This company consistently showed up in the top 10, but their coverage is available only to U.S. military personnel and their families.