9 Must-Know Techniques When Shopping for Long Beach Car Insurance

If you are a novice to online car insurance shopping, it’s easy to be confused by the sheer number of online companies offering insurance in Long Beach.

Lower rates by qualifying for discounts

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but discounts can save money and there are some available to help offset the cost. Some discounts apply automatically at quote time, but some must be manually applied before being credited. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you’re paying more than you need to.

  • New Car Discount – Buying coverage on a new vehicle can be considerably cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
  • Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Vehicles equipped with air bags can qualify for discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • Defensive Driver – Taking a course teaching defensive driving skills could save 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.
  • Discounts for Safe Drivers – Drivers who avoid accidents may receive a discount up to 45% less than drivers with accidents.
  • Good Student – Performing well in school can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.
  • Save over 55 – Mature drivers may receive a discount up to 10%.
  • No Accidents – Claim-free drivers pay much less compared to drivers who are more careless.
  • One Accident Forgiven – Certain companies permit an accident before raising your premiums if you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
  • Service Members Pay Less – Being on active duty in the military can result in better rates.
  • Theft Prevention Discount – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems help deter theft and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.

It’s important to note that most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like liability, collision or medical payments. So even though they make it sound like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies don’t profit that way. But all discounts will cut your premiums.

To choose companies with discount car insurance rates in Long Beach, click here to view.

What impacts Long Beach insurance rates?

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that help determine your car insurance rates. Understanding what influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to lower car insurance prices.

The following are a partial list of the pieces used by your company to calculate prices.

  • Your job and insurance rates – Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Occupations such as real estate brokers, architects and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of stressful work requirements and lots of time spent at work. Conversely, occupations such as scientists, engineers and performers receive lower rates.
  • Mature drivers pay less – Youthful drivers in California have a tendency to get distracted easily behind the wheel so car insurance rates are higher. If you’ve ever had to add a youthful driver onto a policy can be very expensive. Older drivers are more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and are safer drivers.
  • Never go without insurance – Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor and your next policy will cost more because you let your coverage lapse. And not only will insurance be more expensive, failure to provide proof of insurance may earn you a steep fine or even jail time.You may have to provide proof of insurance in the form of an SR-22 filing with the California motor vehicle department to get your license reinstated.
  • Big city or small town – Choosing to live in less populated areas can be a good thing when insuring your vehicles. Fewer drivers means reduced accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims. Drivers in populated California areas regularly have much more traffic to deal with and longer commutes to work. Higher commute times can result in more accidents.
  • Your car’s features help determine rates – Owning a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Anti-theft features like GM’s OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can help prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

Car insurance is unique, just like you

When choosing proper insurance coverage, there really is no “best” method to buy coverage. Every insured’s situation is different.

Here are some questions about coverages that might help in determining if your insurance needs might need an agent’s assistance.

  • Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
  • What are the financial responsibility laws in California?
  • What should my uninsured motorist coverage limits be in California?
  • Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
  • Am I covered when driving a rental car?
  • Do I need PIP coverage since I have good health insurance?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions, you may need to chat with an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form. It only takes a few minutes and can help protect your family.

Are car insurance companies telling the truth?

Consumers in California constantly see and hear ads that promise big savings from companies such as Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. All the ads make the same claim that you can save if you switch your policy.

How does each company claim to save you money?

All companies can use profiling for the type of driver they prefer to insure. For instance, a preferred risk could be between 30 and 50, owns a home, and has a short commute. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications will get very good rates and most likely will pay quite a bit less when switching companies.

Consumers who don’t meet the “perfect” profile will be quoted a higher premium which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. Company advertisements say “customers who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that much money. That is how insurance companies can make the claims of big savings.

This emphasizes why you should quote coverage with many companies. It is impossible to predict which car insurance company will have the lowest rates.

For more reading

Additional information can be found on the California Department of Insurance website through this link. Visitors are able to view a list of available companies, find out which companies have the most complaints, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and learn about specific coverages.

The articles below may also help you learn more about car insurance in Long Beach

Keep this in mind

While you’re price shopping online, it’s very important that you do not sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There are too many instances where an insured dropped collision coverage only to find out they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The ultimate goal is to purchase plenty of coverage for the lowest price.

Budget-conscious car insurance is available from both online companies and with local Long Beach insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies do not offer online price quotes and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

In this article, we presented some good ideas how to shop for car insurance online. The key concept to understand is the more you quote, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may even find the best prices are with an unexpected company.