Auto Insurance in Milford – 9 Discounts to Save Money

Saving money on Milford auto insurance can seem to be difficult for consumers not familiar with shopping for insurance online. There are so many companies to choose from that it can easily become more work than you anticipated to find lower rates in Milford.

It’s a good idea to price shop coverage yearly because insurance rates tend to go up over time. Even if you think you had the best deal two years ago you can probably find a better price now. Starting right now, forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because it’s time to teach you one of the quickest ways to properly buy coverages and cut your premium.

Do you qualify for a discount?

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but you can get discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at the time you complete a quote, but lesser-known reductions have to be inquired about before being credited.

  • One Accident Forgiven – Some insurance companies permit an accident without raising rates if your claims history is clear for a particular time prior to the accident.
  • No Claims – Good drivers with no accidents can earn big discounts when compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Anti-theft System – Anti-theft and alarm systems can help prevent theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Fewer Miles Equal More Savings – Keeping the miles down could be rewarded with discounted rates on garaged vehicles.
  • College Student – Kids in college who live away from home and don’t have a car may be able to be covered for less.
  • Government Employees – Being employed by or retired from a federal job may qualify you for a discount with a few auto insurance companies.
  • Organization Discounts – Participating in a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates on your policy.
  • Good Students Pay Less – This discount can earn a discount of 20% or more. This discount can apply up to age 25.
  • Anti-lock Brakes – Vehicles with anti-lock braking systems can avoid accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.

Keep in mind that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free auto insurance policy, you won’t be that lucky. Any qualifying discounts will cut the amount you have to pay.

To see a list of companies with discount auto insurance rates in Milford, click here to view.

Don’t assume everyone needs the same coverage

When choosing adequate coverage for your vehicles, there is no “best” method to buy coverage. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s.

These are some specific questions might help in determining if you would benefit from an agent’s advice.

  • Does my insurance cover damage caused when ticketed for reckless driving?
  • Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
  • Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
  • Are rental cars covered under my policy?
  • Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
  • Do no-fault laws apply in New Hampshire?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

Online quotes with a local Milford insurance agent

Certain consumers prefer to visit with an insurance agent and there is nothing wrong with that. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. And providing support for local businesses is important especially in Milford.

By using this quick form, your information is transmitted to agents in your area who will battle for your coverage. You never need to leave your house because quoted prices will be sent to your email. Now that’s easy! You can find better rates and work with a local agent.

The different types of insurance agents

If you’re trying to find a local agent, there are two types of insurance agents to choose from. Agents can either be captive or independent (non-captive).

Independent Agents

Independent agents are not locked into one company but rather can write business with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency.

When shopping rates, we recommend you contact at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection. Many write coverage with different regional companies who may have lower rates.

Listed below are independent agencies in Milford that may be able to provide competitive price quotes.New Hampshire car insurance quote

  • Stark Agency – 219 Mile Slip Rd – Milford, NH 03055 – (603) 672-2273
  • Mc Briarty Insurance Inc – 54 Nashua St – Milford, NH 03055 – (603) 672-1133
  • Holt Agency – 318 Nashua St – Milford, NH 03055 – (603) 673-1201
  • Eaton and Berube Insurance – 365 Nashua St – Milford, NH 03055 – (603) 673-0500
Captive Insurance Agents

These agents can only place business with one company and examples are Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Allstate and AAA. Captives cannot compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives receive extensive training in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents mostly because of high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.

Shown below are captive insurance agencies in Milford that are able to give comparison quotes.

  • Allstate Insurance – 377 Nashua St – Milford, NH 03055 – (603) 672-6061

For a complete listing of captive insurance agencies in Milford, please click here.

Selecting a car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just the premium amount. Some important questions to ask are:

  • Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
  • Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
  • Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
  • How are they compensated?
  • If you have an accident, will your rates go up?

Upon receiving acceptable answers and a good coverage price, most likely you have located an insurance agency that is a good match to provide auto insurance coverage.

Coverage specifics

Knowing the specifics of your auto insurance policy aids in choosing the best coverages at the best deductibles and correct limits. Auto insurance terms can be confusing and reading a policy is terribly boring.

Collision coverage

This coverage will pay to fix damage to your vehicle caused by collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You will need to pay your deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision coverage pays for claims like hitting a parking meter, driving through your garage door, crashing into a ditch and scraping a guard rail. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider removing coverage from lower value vehicles. Another option is to bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Insurance for medical payments

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for short-term medical expenses like chiropractic care, pain medications and doctor visits. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. They cover you and your occupants and also covers getting struck while a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is not available in all states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)

This pays to fix your vehicle from damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You need to pay your deductible first then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive can pay for things such as a broken windshield, vandalism and damage from flooding. The most you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Liability

This will cover injuries or damage you cause to a person or their property in an accident. It protects you against other people’s claims, and does not provide coverage for damage to your own property or vehicle.

It consists of three limits, bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. You commonly see liability limits of 100/300/100 which stand for a $100,000 limit per person for injuries, a total of $300,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a total limit of $100,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Alternatively, you may have one number which is a combined single limit which combines the three limits into one amount and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.

Liability can pay for claims such as emergency aid, repair costs for stationary objects, medical services and loss of income. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is a decision to put some thought into, but consider buying higher limits if possible. New Hampshire state law requires minimum liability limits of 25,000/50,000/25,000 but it’s recommended drivers buy more liability than the minimum.

New Hampshire car insurance quote

Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance

This gives you protection when the “other guys” either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. It can pay for injuries to you and your family as well as your vehicle’s damage.

Since many New Hampshire drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (25/50/25 in New Hampshire), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is a good idea. Frequently these coverages are identical to your policy’s liability coverage.

More New Hampshire auto insurance information

Additional auto insurance information is available on the New Hampshire Insurance Department website found here. New Hampshire drivers can find out which companies have the most complaints, read industry bulletins, and learn about specific coverages.

The following articles may also be useful.

Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal

The cheapest auto insurance is attainable online as well as from independent agents in Milford, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and these regional insurance providers work with independent agents.

When buying insurance coverage, it’s not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many instances, an accident victim reduced comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your aim should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price.

People leave their current company for any number of reasons including denial of a claim, not issuing a premium refund, delays in paying claims or even lack of trust in their agent. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new insurance company is actually quite simple.