Understanding Auto Insurance...

​Auto insurance may sometimes seem like an unwelcome expense, but it really is a good thing.  Having auto insurance can shield you from the pain of financial loss due to injuries or property damage related to a traffic accident, auto theft, natural disaster or some other event.

There are a wide range of factors that affect the rates and premiums insurance carriers will offer you.  Knowing this information BEFORE you shop can drastically save you money and time.

​Here are 
#1. Shop around and compare quotes - click here 
Our goal is to help you secure the BEST insurance coverages at the BEST price possible.  The key to achieving this objective is using a broker or marketplace system to help you find the BEST insurance carrier at the BEST price.  Insurance brokers have been around for a long time.  Unlike insurance agents, who work for a specific insurance company, brokers work for the consumers to help them find the best rates from the endless pool of insurers.  Think of a broker as your personal shopper. 
#2. Understand the factors that affect your premium
Driving Record
​Your driving record is most certainly the primary determining factor in what insurance companies would base your policy on.  Insurance carriers base the cost of insurance on the risk they're taking by insuring you.  They use claims data and personal information, among other factors, to assess this risk.  Drivers with a clean record typically qualify for lower rates and discounts.

Credit Profile
In some states, your credit can have significant influence on your premium.  Although this is somewhat controversial, the use of credit-based insurance scores to influence premium costs is still a reality, with studies suggesting that those with less-than-ideal credit are more likely to make insurance claims and vice versa.  Drivers with better credit may get better rates than those with not so great credit.

Zip Code
Certain areas have higher-than-normal rates of accidents and vehicle theft.  Auto insurance carriers factor this into their risk estimates, when determining rates for consumers.

Year/Make/Model of your vehicle
The more expensive your vehicle is, the more it will cost to repair and therefore the greater the cost to insure it.  Insurers can also look at whether drivers with the same make and model tend to file more claims or be in more accidents, as well as safety test results, cost of repairs and theft rates.

Mileage
The number of miles you drive each week or month affects your rates.  The less you are on the road, the less likely you are to have a claim.  This translates into lower rates and vice versa.

Age and Marital Status
It's all about risk.  Typically, drivers who have aged and matured in their driving habits are less likely to get into an accident and therefore will pay less for auto insurance.  The length of time a person has been married also falls in line with this thought.  The more mature and stable you seem, the less likely you are to file claims.
#3. Claim your discounts
Do you have a clean driving record?  Are you a straight-A student?
Some insurers offer a range of car insurance discounts based on group membership, car features such as anti-theft devices, driving history, policy ownership and more.

When you are shopping around, don't forget to ask about these applicable discounts.
​•Military personnel
•Veterans
•Full-time students with a good academic record
•Good drivers (accident-free for a certain number of years)
•Drivers who’ve taken a defensive driving or driver’s education course
•Drivers whose insured vehicles have air bags, antilock brakes, antitheft systems or daytime running lights
•Active or retired federal employees
•Drivers who have more than one vehicle insured with the same carrier
•Drivers who also have homeowners or renters insurance with their car insurance carrier
•Drivers who pay their annual premium in one payment and/or choose automatic payments
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