7 Must-Know Tricks When Comparing Greensburg, PA Auto Insurance

Comparison shopping for Greensburg auto insurance can be challenging for consumers not familiar with comparison shopping online. You have so many options that it can easily become more work than you anticipated to locate the lowest price in Greensburg.

Consumers need to shop coverage around quite often since rates change frequently. Even if you got the lowest rates a year ago you can probably find a lower rate today. Starting now, block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you’re about to learn how to use the internet to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Insurance can be prohibitively expensive, but companies offer discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied when you purchase, but some may not be applied and must be inquired about in order for you to get them. If you’re not getting every credit possible, you’re just leaving money on the table.

• Government Employees – Active or retired federal employment could cut as much as 10% off depending on your company.
• Distant Student – Kids in college who attend school more than 100 miles from home without a vehicle on campus can be insured at a reduced rate.
• Homeowners Savings – Being a homeowner may trigger a auto insurance policy discount because of the fact that having a home demonstrates responsibility.
• Braking Control Discount – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
• Multiple Policy Discount – When you combine your home and auto insurance with the same company you will save approximately 10% to 15%.
• Good Student Discount – Getting good grades can earn a discount of 20% or more. Earning this discount can benefit you until age 25.
• Save with a New Car – Insuring a new car is cheaper due to better safety requirements for new cars.
• Senior Discount – If you’re over the age of 55, you may be able to get a discount up to 10%.
• More Vehicles More Savings – Insuring multiple cars or trucks on one policy can get a discount on all vehicles.

It’s important to note that many deductions do not apply the the whole policy. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don’t profit that way. But all discounts will cut the amount you have to pay.

When might I need an agent?

When choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Each situation is unique.

These are some specific questions can aid in determining if your situation could use an agent’s help.

• What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
• Will my rates increase for filing one claim?
• I don’t drive much so do I pay less?
• Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
• Does my insurance cover damage caused when ticketed for reckless driving?
• How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
• Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Greensburg?
• Exactly who is provided coverage by my policy?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with an agent. If you don’t have a local agent, simply complete this short form. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.

Slick advertising tricks that work

Pennsylvania drivers can’t ignore all the ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like State Farm, GEICO and Progressive. All the companies make an identical promise of big savings if you move to them.

But how can every company say the same thing? It’s all in the numbers.

All companies can use profiling for the driver that is profitable for them. An example of a desirable insured might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, has no driving citations, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. Any new insured who fits that profile is entitled to the best price and as a result will probably save when they switch companies.

Potential insureds who don’t qualify for these standards must pay higher premiums and this can result in the customer not buying. The ads say “customers who switch” not “people who quote” save that much money. That’s why companies can advertise the way they do.

This illustrates why you need to get as many comparisons as possible. You cannot predict which auto insurance company will have the lowest rates.

More resources for learning

Additional auto insurance information can be read on the Pennsylvania Insurance Department website found here. Pennsylvania consumers can download brochures, read industry bulletins, learn about specific coverages, and read consumer alerts.

More effort can pay off

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it’s not a good idea to buy poor coverage just to save money. Too many times, drivers have reduced liability coverage limits and found out when filing a claim that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price.

People leave their current company for any number of reasons including unfair underwriting practices, policy non-renewal, lack of trust in their agent and even an unsatisfactory settlement offer. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new auto insurance company is actually quite simple.

You just learned quite a bit of information on how to lower your auto insurance rates. It’s most important to understand that the more companies you get rates for, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers may even find the lowest rates come from an unexpected company.