The BEST time to buy Auto Insurance

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In today’s times keeping car insurance costs low is a high priority for many people.  A question commonly asked is if the time of year affects the cost of an insurance policy.  The theory behind this says if you begin to compare car insurance quotes during a specific time of year, a driver will be able to find the lowest priced insurance policy possible.

Car insurance companies are indeed affected by season.  For example winter is the hardest season on auto insurance companies.  Rain, snow, low visibility, and other factors make driving conditions difficult for any driver.  Inevitably more accidents happen this time of the year for those exact reasons.   Cars also more commonly break down in bad weather, which will increase the likelihood of a claim to an insurance company.  With bad weather comes more phone calls to the insurance provider, increasing insurance company costs.

In some cases when Insurance companies experience an increased amount of claims they are likely to raise insurance rates. However, it’s important to note that hundreds of factors affect the car insurance industry and some aren’t very predictable. The overall state of the economy can certainly change the average auto insurance quote, as insurance providers might have more or less money to use to offer new auto insurance policies. What’s more, any variation in the cost of auto insurance due to the weather or the season is probably minor, especially when compared to things like a driver’s record and the type of vehicle that he or she drives. Waiting for a certain season to look for car insurance ultimately makes little sense, especially when drivers could be taking much more effective steps to decrease the cost of their auto insurance policies.

If you’re looking for quality auto insurance policies with low rates, your best bet is to manage your risks and look at insurance quotes before you buy a policy, not to wait for a certain time in the year. Make sure that your car is well maintained and in good condition to decrease the risk of an accident. Talk to your insurance agent and ask about any discounts that your provider offers. Look online for auto insurance quotes every few months. This will help you to spot a great low price for your coverage, regardless of the time of year at which it pops up. Insurance comparison websites make it easy to quickly get quotes from five or six insurance providers, and they’re a driver’s best tool in trying to lock down a low insurance rate in any season.

 

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Auto Insurance Rates: A Must Know Guide

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Auto Insurance is confusing and trying to determine fact from fiction makes purchasing auto insurance that much more difficult.  Understand the complexities of auto insurance with this must know guide.  eTotal Insurance is dedicating to helping you understand auto insurance while finding the best auto insurance rates available to you.

An individual’s car insurance rate can be affected by many factors, depending on the insurance company different criteria is used when evaluating an insurance application.  While each company is different, many will look at motor vehicle records to see how many accidents, tickets, and other incidents are on an individual’s driving record.   Many companies will also use an insurance history report to review past claims.  The final piece of information most insurance companies will take into consideration, is credit history. Viewing credit history is to determine how the applicant is classified; this is however, not a full credit report.

The amount of coverage you choose to receive on your auto insurance plan will affect the amount that you pay to your monthly premium.  The majority of your monthly premium will go to the legally required portion of your policy.  Often times other coverage can be reduced or eliminated in order to save money.  Insurance prices can also be based on the deductible you choose to pay.  The higher the deductible, the less money an auto insurance carrier has to pay.  In cases like this, the insurance company is likely to lower the monthly premium because they will not have to pay as much if a claim is filed.  In order to learn about reducing costs by eliminating unnecessary coverage, or requesting a higher deductible, contact your insurance agent today.

Each insurance carrier offers different auto insurance rates and plans, and prices vary widely from company to company.  The auto insurance business is competitive and companies are continuously competing for your business.  The best way to ensure that you are getting the best priced plan available to you is to shop around by comparing quotes for comparable plans available in your area.  To do this online visit a price comparison site such as eTotal Insurance.  If you find that you are getting the best auto insurance rate with your current company there is no need to switch plans.  Prices for the same policy from the same company are set by law, approved by the state and cannot be changed by an agent.  Switching your auto insurance policy is most effective when switching to a new company that can offer comparable coverage at a cheaper price.

Myths associated with auto insurance price:

  • Vehicle color will determine the price of auto insurance: The color of your car will absolutely not affect the price of your auto insurance.  What does matter is the type of car you are driving; auto insurance premiums are based on the make, model, body type, engine size, etc.  Auto insurance rates can also be based on the actual sticker price of the car, the costs to repair it, and safety record.
  • It costs more to insure your car when you are older: This is quite the opposite.  In fact, when drivers reach 55 years of age or older, more discount become available.  Some insurance companies will provide as much as a 20% percent discount for those who qualify.  In addition there are benefits for being retired, as well as additional driving courses
  • Soldiers pay more for auto insurance:   As a thank you for serving our country past and present, soldiers qualify for a discount on auto insurance. There are many auto insurance carriers that will also extend that discount to family members of soldiers.
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