6 Ways to Pay Less on Auto Insurance in Chamberlain

Finding the lowest price for Chamberlain auto insurance can be difficult if you’ve never compared online rate quotes. But don’t be discouraged because comparing prices is actually very simple.

It’s important to shop coverage around occasionally because rates are adjusted regularly by insurance companies. Despite the fact that you may have had the best rates two years ago you can probably find a lower rate today. Starting right now, forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because it’s time to teach you the fastest and easiest way to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.

Discounts are basically free money

Companies don’t necessarily list every discount very well, so we break down both the well known and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using. If you don’t get every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.

• Anti-theft System – Anti-theft and alarm systems can help prevent theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
• Early Switch Discount – A few companies offer discounts for buying a policy prior to your current policy expiring. It’s a savings of about 10%.
• Own a Home – Owning a house in Chamberlain can help you save on auto insurance due to the fact that maintaining a home demonstrates responsibility.
• Multiple Vehicles – Insuring multiple vehicles on one policy could earn a price break for each car.
• College Student – Youth drivers who attend school more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle can receive lower rates.
• Auto/Home Discount – If you have multiple policies with one company you may save 10% to 20% off each policy.

Drivers should understand that many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce individual premiums such as comp or med pay. Just because it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way.

Which insurance is the “right” coverage?

When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s needs are different.

For example, these questions may help you determine whether or not you might need an agent’s assistance.

• When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
• Can I afford to pay high deductible claims out of pocket?
• Am I covered when driving someone else’s vehicle?
• Does my personal policy cover me when driving my company car?
• What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
• How many claims can I have before being cancelled?
• Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
• Is South Dakota a no-fault state?
• What are South Dakota no-fault laws?
• Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?

If you can’t answer these questions, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and may give you better protection.

But I want to work with a local agent

Some consumers just want to buy from a licensed agent and that is just fine! Professional agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you someone to call. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is that you can obtain better rates but still work with a licensed agent.

After completing this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to agents in your area who will compete for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered directly to your email. Now that’s easy!

Deciding on a company shouldn’t rely on just the price. Any agent should have no problem answering these questions:

• Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
• Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
• Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
• Are they full-time agents?
• Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
• If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
• Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?

Different types of auto insurance agents in Chamberlain

When searching for a good Chamberlain insurance agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that you can select. Chamberlain agents are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know how they are different since it may influence buying decisions.

Captive Insurance Agents

This type of agents can only write with one company and some examples include Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. Captives cannot give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only purchase coverage from captives mostly because of the brand legacy and strong financial ratings.

Listed below are Chamberlain captive agents who may provide you with price quote information.

• Farm Bureau Insurance – 315 N Main St # 1 – Chamberlain, SD 57325 – (605) 234-4070

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent agencies are not locked into one company but rather can write business with multiple insurance companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency.

When searching for an agent, you should always include price quotes from several independent insurance agents for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can save you money.

Shown below are independent insurance agencies in Chamberlain that are able to give price quotes.

• Adams Agency Inc – 201 E Lawler Ave – Chamberlain, SD 57325 – (605) 734-6871
• KPI Insurance – 201 S Main St – Chamberlain, SD 57325 – (605) 234-2323
• Statewide Ag Insurance – 703 E King St – Chamberlain, SD 57325 – (605) 734-6086
• Carol Hloucha Agency – 316 N Main St – Chamberlain, SD 57325 – (605) 734-6491

For a complete listing of insurance agents in Chamberlain, go to this page.

Once you have good answers to any questions you have and a low price estimate, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that meets your needs to properly insure your vehicles.

More detailed South Dakota auto insurance information can be found at the South Dakota Division of Insurance website. South Dakota drivers can report car insurance fraud, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and get help finding coverage.

Parts of your auto insurance policy

Learning about specific coverages of your policy can help you determine the best coverages and proper limits and deductibles. Auto insurance terms can be impossible to understand and coverage can change by endorsement.

Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance

This coverage gives you protection from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered claims include hospital bills for your injuries as well as damage to your vehicle.

Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (South Dakota limits are 25/50/25), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is a good idea.

Coverage for collisions

This covers damage to your vehicle from colliding with an object or car. You first must pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision coverage pays for claims like hitting a parking meter, rolling your car, driving through your garage door and sustaining damage from a pot hole. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider dropping it from lower value vehicles. Another option is to choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.

Insurance for medical payments

Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for short-term medical expenses such as hospital visits, EMT expenses, ambulance fees and nursing services. They can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance program or if there is no health insurance coverage. It covers you and your occupants and will also cover if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal injury protection coverage is not available in all states and may carry a deductible

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)

Comprehensive insurance coverage will pay to fix damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first have to pay a deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive insurance covers claims such as damage from getting keyed, a tree branch falling on your vehicle and damage from flooding. The most you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much it’s not worth carrying full coverage.

Liability auto insurance

This will cover damages or injuries you inflict on a person or their property. It protects you against other people’s claims. It does not cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.

Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have liability limits of 25/50/25 which means $25,000 bodily injury coverage, a total of $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a total limit of $25,000 for damage to vehicles and property.

Liability insurance covers things such as court costs, emergency aid, structural damage, repair bills for other people’s vehicles and repair costs for stationary objects. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is a personal decision, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as much as you can afford. South Dakota requires drivers to carry at least 25,000/50,000/25,000 but you should think about purchasing more liability than the minimum.

Better coverage you can count on

When shopping online for auto insurance, it’s very important that you do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to discover later that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The proper strategy is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.

You just read a lot of information how to compare auto insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even discover the best price on auto insurance is with a small local company.

The cheapest auto insurance can be found from both online companies as well as from independent agents in Chamberlain, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.