Easy Methods to Cut Costs on Staunton, VA Auto Insurance

Overwhelmed by the sheer number of auto insurance companies in Staunton? Lot’s of other consumers are too. Consumers have so many options available that it can be a ton of work to find better rates.

Consumers need to take a look at other company’s rates periodically because prices are constantly changing. If you had the best deal a year ago you may be paying too much now. There is a lot of bad information regarding auto insurance on the internet, so we’re going to give you the easiest ways to save money.

Compare Auto Insurance Today

Effectively comparing auto insurance prices is a ton of work if you aren’t aware of the fastest way to get free quotes. You can waste a few hours (or days) driving to insurance agencies in Staunton, or you could use the internet to quickly compare rates.

Most major companies belong to an insurance system where insurance shoppers submit their information once, and each participating company provides a quote based on that data. This saves time by eliminating form submissions to each individual auto insurance company.

To find out what other companies charge click here to start a free quote.

The only drawback to using this type of form is you cannot specify which insurance companies to receive prices from. So if you want to select specific insurance companies for rate comparison, we have a listing of companies who write auto insurance in Virginia. Click here for list of insurance companies in Virginia.

It’s up to you which method you use, but double check that you are using identical coverage limits and deductibles with each company. If you compare different deductibles you will not be able to find the best deal in Staunton.

Discounts can save BIG

Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but you may find discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at the time you complete a quote, but less common discounts must be asked about prior to receiving the credit. If they aren’t giving you every credit possible, you’re just leaving money on the table.

• Anti-lock Brake System – Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles prevent accidents and will save you 10% or more.
• Accident Forgiveness – Certain companies permit an accident before raising your premiums if you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
• Student in College – Children who live away from home and do not have a car can receive lower rates.
• 55 and Retired – If you’re over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for a small decrease in premiums.
• Life Insurance Discount – Larger companies have a break if you buy a life insurance policy as well.
• Passive Restraints – Vehicles equipped with air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts of more than 20%.
• Clubs and Organizations – Being a member of a civic or occupational organization could trigger savings on auto insurance.
• Defensive Driver – Taking part in a course in driver safety can save you 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.

It’s important to understand that most discounts do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Just because you may think adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies wouldn’t make money that way. But any discount will bring down the amount you have to pay.

To see a list of insurance companies who offer auto insurance discounts in Virginia, click this link.

What impacts Staunton insurance rates?

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

• Rates may be lower depending on your job – Occupations such as doctors, business owners and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of job stress and lots of time spent at work. Conversely, professions such as pilots, engineers and the unemployed receive lower rates.
• Is your vehicle built for speed? – The performance of the car you drive makes a substantial difference in how high your rates are. Economy passenger vehicles receive the most favorable rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
• Equipment add-ons that lower auto insurance rates – Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can help lower your rates. Theft prevention features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping auto theft.
• Better credit scores mean better rates – Your credit score is a big factor in calculating your auto insurance rates. Drivers with excellent credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records than those with lower ratings. So if your credit history is low, you could pay less to insure your by improving your rating.
• Sex matters – Statistics demonstrate that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, don’t assume that women are BETTER drivers than men. They both are in accidents at a similar rate, but men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also get cited for more serious violations such as reckless driving.

Online quotes with a local Staunton insurance agent

Some consumers just want to get advice from a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Insurance agents can answer important questions and help submit paperwork. One of the great benefits of comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find lower rates but also keep your business local. Supporting small agencies is definitely important in Staunton.

After filling out this simple form, the coverage information is submitted to local insurance agents in Staunton who will return price quotes to get your business. There is no reason to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier!

The different types of insurance agents

If you’re trying to find a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two different agency structures that you can select. Agencies in Staunton are classified as either captive or independent (non-captive). Either one can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the differences because it can impact the type of agent you choose

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the business is moved internally and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to contact several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.Many can place coverage with smaller companies which can be an advantage.

Listed below are Staunton independent agencies who may be able to give you rate quotes.

• Court Square Title Agency – 6 Byers St – Staunton, VA 24401 – (540) 885-7732
• Staley Insurance – 1105 Greenville Ave – Staunton, VA 24401 – (540) 885-8858
• Prosure Insurance – 829 Greenville Ave – Staunton, VA 24401 – (540) 885-5531

Captive Agents

Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company and some examples include Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Captives cannot compare other company’s rates so they have no alternatives for high prices. Captives are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers often buy from captive agents mostly because of the prominence of the brand and strong financial ratings.

Below are captive insurance agencies in Staunton that can give you price quotes.

• Allstate Insurance – 1215 Greenville Ave # B – Staunton, VA 24401 – (540) 886-9397
• State Farm Insurance – 902 Churchville Ave – Staunton, VA 24401 – (540) 885-8839

For a complete listing of Staunton captive insurance agencies, visit this link.

Selecting an insurance agency requires more thought than just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:

• Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
• What insurance companies do they work with?
• If they are an independent agency, which companies do they recommend?
• Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
• If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
• Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
• Will your rates increase after a single accident?

After getting positive responses for all questions you ask and locked in a price quote, most likely you have located an insurance agency that will adequately provide auto insurance.

Don’t assume everyone needs the same coverage

When it comes to buying the best auto insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no “perfect” insurance plan. Everyone’s situation is a little different.

For example, these questions may help you determine if your situation would benefit from professional advice.

• Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?
• What is the minimum liability in Virginia?
• Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
• Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
• Do I benefit by insuring my home with the same company?
• Who is covered when they drive my vehicle?
• Does coverage extend to a rental car in a foreign country?
• Is my teen driver covered when they drive my company car?

If you’re not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form. It only takes a few minutes and can help protect your family.

Much more information about auto insurance in Virginia is located on the Virginia Bureau of Insurance website. Click here for link. Virginia drivers can find a variety of consumer forms, file complaints about a company, read consumer alerts, and discover disciplinary actions.

Other useful links include this online resource for free quotes in Virginia and this list of insurance agents in Staunton, VA.

The fine print in auto insurance ads

Consumers in Virginia get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance from companies such as Progressive, Allstate and GEICO. They all seem to have a common claim about savings if you move your policy.

How does each company claim to save you money? It’s all in the numbers.

All companies have a preferred profile for the type of driver that is profitable for them. An example of a preferred risk might be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no driving citations, and has excellent credit. A driver that hits that “sweet spot” will get very good rates and therefore will pay quite a bit less when switching companies.

Potential insureds who do not match the requirements will be charged higher premiums which leads to the customer not buying. The ad wording is “customers that switch” not “people who quote” save that kind of money. That’s why companies can truthfully make the claims of big savings.

That is why it is so important to get as many comparisons as possible. It’s just too difficult to predict the company that will give you the biggest savings.

Final considerations

Cost effective auto insurance can be sourced from both online companies in addition to many Staunton insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. A few companies do not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

As you prepare to switch companies, make sure you don’t buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice liability limits or collision coverage to discover at claim time they didn’t have enough coverage. Your goal should be to buy enough coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.

People switch companies for any number of reasons including not issuing a premium refund, extreme rates for teen drivers, being labeled a high risk driver or even unfair underwriting practices. No matter why you want to switch, finding a great new company can be pretty painless.