Have you fallen victim to an overpriced car insurance policy? Believe me, you’re not the only one. Because you have many options when it comes to car insurance, it can be challenging to find the cheapest car insurance company.
Finding the best rates in Mansfield is easy if you know what you’re doing. If you are insured now or need a new policy, you can learn to get lower rates while maximizing coverage. Texas drivers just need to understand how to get comparison rates online.
Vehicle Insurance Comparison
Cutting your Mansfield car insurance rates is actually quite simple. Just take the time comparing rate quotes online from several insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done in a couple of different ways.
- One of the simplest ways to compare a lot of rates at once would be an industry-wide quote request form click to view form in new window. This type of form prevents you from having to do separate forms for each company you want a rate for. Taking the time to complete one form compares rates from many national carriers.
- A different way to shop for car insurance online requires a visit to the website of each company and fill out their own quote form. For instance, we’ll pretend you want to compare USAA, Liberty Mutual and Allstate. To get each rate you have to go to every website to input your insurance information, which is why the first method is more popular.
To view a list of companies in Mansfield, click here.
It’s up to you which method you use, but double check that you are using apples-to-apples quote information on every quote. If you compare differing limits it will be impossible to determine the best price in Mansfield.
Misconceptions in car insurance advertisements
Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for the lowest price auto insurance by State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. All the ads make an identical promise about savings after switching to their company.
But how can every company make the same claim?
All companies have a preferred profile for the driver that makes them money. An example of a preferred risk might be profiled as between the ages of 30 and 50, a clean driving record, and has a short commute. Any new insured who matches those parameters receives the best rates and most likely will save quite a bit of money when switching.
Potential customers who don’t measure up to the “perfect” profile will be quoted higher prices which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads say “people who switch” not “people who quote” save money. This is how companies can truthfully advertise the way they do. This emphasizes why you should compare many company’s rates. Because you never know which company will fit your personal profile best.
Get Cheaper Rates by Understanding Pricing
Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that go into determining the price you pay for car insurance. Understanding what impacts premium levels allows you to make educated decisions that will entitle you to lower car insurance prices.
- Special features that cut premiums – Purchasing a vehicle with an alarm system can save you a little every year. Theft prevention devices like GM’s OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all aid in stopping car theft.
- Small claims can cost you – Companies in Texas provide cheaper rates to policyholders who file claims infrequently. If you frequently file small claims, you can look forward to higher rates. Car insurance is intended to be relied upon for larger claims.
- Your credit rating is important – Having a bad credit rating is a large factor in calculating your car insurance rates. Consumers who have high credit ratings tend to be less risk to insure than those with poor credit. If your credit score can use some improvement, you could be paying less to insure your by repairing your credit.
- Performance level impacts rates – The type of vehicle you own makes a substantial difference in your rates. Economy passenger cars usually have the lowest rates, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
- Please use or commuting – Driving more miles each year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. The majority of insurers apply a rate based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars not used for work or commuting qualify for better rates than those used for commuting. Ask your agent if your car insurance coverage properly reflects the proper vehicle usage.
- Men are more aggressive – Statistics demonstrate that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. Now that doesn’t mean men are worse drivers. Men and women have accidents in similar percentages, but the male of the species tend to have more serious accidents. Men also tend to get cited for more serious violations such as DWI and reckless driving.
Take discounts and save
Companies do not advertise all available discounts in an easy-to-find place, so we took the time to find some of the best known and the more hidden car insurance savings. If they aren’t giving you every credit you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.
- Accident Waiver – A handful of insurance companies permit an accident without raising rates if you are claim-free for a set time period.
- Life Insurance Discount – Some companies give a break if you buy auto and life insurance together.
- Pay Now and Pay Less – If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.
- Driver’s Ed – Cut your cost by having your teen driver take driver’s ed class in school.
- Homeowners Discount – Owning a home in Mansfield can save you money due to the fact that maintaining a home shows financial diligence.
- Military Discounts – Being on active duty in the military could be rewarded with lower premiums.
- Early Signing – Select companies give a discount for switching to them prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.
- Federal Government Employee – Employees or retirees of the government may qualify you for a discount with certain companies.
- Theft Prevention System – Vehicles with anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
It’s important to note that some of the credits will not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only cut individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So despite the fact that it appears you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you won’t be that lucky.
To choose companies with the best car insurance discounts in Texas, click here.
A little work can save a LOT of money
Affordable car insurance can be found both online and with local Mansfield insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best selection. Some insurance companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agents.
When buying insurance coverage, it’s a bad idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many cases, an insured cut liability coverage limits and found out when filing a claim they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate.
More tips and info about car insurance is available at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Texas drivers can read enforcement actions against agents and companies, find out industry alerts, and view a list of available companies.