5 Must-Know Tips When Buying Jacksonville, NC Auto Insurance

Nobody likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when the price is too high. Many auto insurance companies vie for your business, and it can be difficult to compare rates to find the absolute cheapest price

It’s a good habit to compare rates every six months since rates are rarely the same from one policy term to another. If you had the lowest rates a year ago you can probably find a better price now. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because we’re going to demonstrate how to use the internet to properly buy coverages while reducing your premium.

Comprehensive Auto Insurance Comparison in Jacksonville

Performing a rate comparison can be challenging if you don’t understand the best way to get rate quotes. You could waste time talking to insurance companies in Jacksonville, or you could use online quotes to accomplish the same thing much quicker.

Most of the larger companies participate in an industry program where prospective buyers only type in their quote data once, and each participating company then gives them pricing based on that data. This system prevents you from having to do quotation requests to each company. To compare rates using this form now click here (opens in new window).

The one downside to using this type of form is you can’t choose the companies to receive prices from. If you prefer to choose from a list of companies to compare rates, we have assembled a list of the cheapest auto insurance companies in North Carolina. Click here for list of insurance companies in North Carolina.

It’s your choice how you get your quotes, but ensure you’re using identical deductibles and coverage limits for every company. If your comparisons have different liability limits it will be very difficult to make an equal comparison in Jacksonville.

Discounts can save BIG

Car insurance companies do not list all available discounts very clearly, so we researched some of the best known and the more hidden auto insurance savings. If you’re not getting every credit you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.

Anti-lock Brakes – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can reduce accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Accident Free – Claim-free drivers can earn big discounts compared to frequent claim filers.
Good Students Pay Less – Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply well after school through age 25.
No Charge for an Accident – Certain companies permit an accident before hitting you with a surcharge if you are claim-free prior to the accident.
Save with a New Car – Adding a new car to your policy can save up to 30% compared to insuring an older model.
Sign Online – A handful of insurance companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application digitally online.
Pay Now and Pay Less – If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save up to 5%.
Federal Government Employee – Active or retired federal employment may qualify you for a discount with select insurance companies.
Driver’s Ed – Have your child complete a driver education course in high school.

It’s important to understand that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like medical payments or collision. Just because it seems like adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don’t profit that way.

Your insurance agent down the street

Some people prefer to visit with an insurance agent and that is OK! Agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. The best thing about getting online price quotes is the fact that you can find lower rates but also keep your business local.

To find an agent, once you fill out this quick form, the coverage information is transmitted to local insurance agents in Jacksonville who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to even leave your home because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. How cool is that?!

Deciding on an provider shouldn’t rely on just the price. Here are some questions to ask: Auto insurance in Jacksonville NC

If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
Will your rates increase after a single accident?
Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in North Carolina?
Do they make recommendations based only on price?

Is a captive or independent insurance agency right for you?

When researching a good Jacksonville insurance agent, there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Agents are categorized either independent or captive. Both write coverage properly, but it’s important to know how they are different since it can impact the type of agent you choose

Agency Captives

Captive agencies work for only one company and some examples include Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They usually cannot place coverage with different providers so they have to upsell other benefits. They receive extensive training on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage.

Below are captive agencies in Jacksonville willing to provide rate quotes.

Allstate Insurance Co – 468 Western Blvd # C – Jacksonville, NC 28546 – (910) 347-1248
State Farm Insurance – 2535 Henderson Dr – Jacksonville, NC 28546 – (910) 347-2500
Farm Bureau Insurance – 2869 Richlands Hwy – Jacksonville, NC 28540 – (910) 346-9812

Independent Agencies or Brokers

These agents do not work for one specific company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you don’t have to find a new agent.

When shopping rates, we recommend you contact several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection.

Shown below is a short list of independent agencies in Jacksonville that are able to give comparison quotes.

Prudent Insurance Planning – 408 Woodland Dr – Jacksonville, NC 28540 – (910) 346-6886
Protective Agency Inc – 1203 Hargett St # D – Jacksonville, NC 28540 – (910) 346-4814
Helene Lawson Agency – 207 Western Blvd – Jacksonville, NC 28546 – (910) 455-0785
Direct General Ins Agency – 230 Wilmington Hwy – Jacksonville, NC 28540 – (910) 938-4668
Farm Bureau Insurance – 2869 Richlands Hwy – Jacksonville, NC 28540 – (910) 346-9812

For a full directory of insurance agents in Jacksonville, please view this page.

Once you have satisfactory answers for all questions you ask and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an auto insurance agent that can insure your vehicles.

Insurance agents can help

When buying the right insurance coverage, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Everyone’s situation is unique so your insurance needs to address that. For instance, these questions might help in determining if your situation will benefit from professional help.

Is borrowed equipment or tools covered if stolen or damaged?
Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?
At what point should I drop full coverage?
Is pleasure use cheaper than using my vehicle to commute?
Do I need roadside assistance coverage?

If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. If you don’t have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It’s fast, free and you can get the answers you need.

Why your price might be higher

Smart consumers have a good feel for the different types of things that help determine the rates you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

Small claims can cost you – Insurance companies in North Carolina award better rates to people who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you frequently file small claims, you can expect either higher rates or even cancellation. Car insurance is designed for larger claims.
How many coverages with the same company – Some auto insurance companies give discounts to people who have multiple policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, you may still want to shop around to ensure the best deal. Drivers may still find a better deal by buying auto insurance from a different company.
Better crash test results mean better rates – Vehicles with high crash test scores get lower rates. Safer cars result in less severe injuries and better occupant protection translates into savings for insurance companies and more competitive rates for policyholders.
Rates may be higher depending on your occupation – Careers like judges, executives and accountants have higher rates than average because of job stress and long work hours. On the flip side, occupations like pilots, athletes and retirees get better rates.
Allowing your policy to lapse raises rates – Allowing your coverage to lapse is a quick way to pay more for auto insurance. And not only will your rates increase, failure to provide proof of insurance may earn you a steep fine or even jail time.You may have to file a SR-22 with the North Carolina motor vehicle department to get your license reinstated.

One last thing about your coverage

As you shop your coverage around, it’s not a good idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage only to discover later that it was a big mistake. Your strategy should be to find the BEST coverage at the best price.

You just learned many ways to reduce auto insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more rate quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. Consumers may even find the best price on auto insurance is with a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising. These companies may only write in your state and offer lower rates compared to the large companies like State Farm, GEICO and Nationwide.

Low-cost auto insurance can be found both online and also from your neighborhood Jacksonville agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best selection. Some auto insurance companies may not provide online quoting and these small insurance companies work with independent agents.

Online resources for education

Additional detailed information is available at the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. Consumers can read industry bulletins, discover disciplinary actions, find disaster information, and file complaints about a company.

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