Easy Ways to Cut Costs on Owensboro Auto Insurance

Comparison shopping for Owensboro auto insurance is always hard for consumers not familiar with buying insurance online. People have so many companies to choose from that it can turn into a big hassle to compare prices in Owensboro.

Comprehensive Owensboro Auto Insurance Comparison

The are a couple different ways to compare rate quotes from different in Owensboro, Kentuckyinsurance companies. The simplest method to compare insurance prices consists of obtaining rate quotes online. It is quite easy and can be accomplished using a couple different methods.

The fastest way to compare a lot of rates at once is to use a rate comparison form (click to open form in new window). This method eliminates the need for separate quotes to each individual auto insurance company. One form submission will return price quotes from all major companies. It’s definitely the quickest method.
A slightly less efficient method to obtain and compare quotes online is to manually visit the website for each individual company and fill out their own quote form. For sake of this example, we’ll pretend you want to compare rates from Liberty Mutual, Allstate and Progressive. To find out each rate you need to visit each site and enter your information, and that’s why the first method is more popular.
For a list of links to companies insuring cars in Owensboro, click here.
The least efficient method to get comparison rates is to spend time driving to different Owensboro agent offices. Shopping for auto insurance online can eliminate the need for a local agent unless you want the personal advice that only a license agent can provide. It is possible to get the lowest quotes online but buy from a local insurance agent and we’ll touch on that later.

It doesn’t matter which method you choose, just make darn sure you compare identical coverages and limits with every price quote. If you are comparing different values for each quote it will be impossible to determine the lowest rate in Owensboro. Quoting even small variations in coverages may cause a big price difference. And when comparison shopping, obtaining a wide range of quotes provides better odds of finding better pricing.

Switch companies and save? Really?

Companies like 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm regularly use ads in print and on television. All the ads have a common claim that you can save if you move to them. How do they all say the same thing?

Different companies have a certain “appetite” for the right customer that earns them a profit. For instance, a driver they prefer might be profiled as between the ages of 40 and 55, a clean driving record, and has a high credit rating. A customer who fits that profile will get very good rates and as a result will probably cut their rates substantially.

Consumers who don’t qualify for the “perfect” profile will be charged more money and this can result in business going elsewhere. The ads state “customers who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save money. That is how insurance companies can confidently make the claims of big savings. That is why it is so important to get as many comparisons as possible. Because you never know which company will have the lowest rates.

Rate influencing factors

Consumers need to have an understanding of the factors that play a part in calculating your auto insurance rates. Understanding what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get much lower annual insurance costs.

Shown below are a partial list of the pieces companies use to determine your rates.

Lower miles equals lower premium – Driving more miles every year the higher your rate. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Vehicles not used for work or commuting can get a lower rate compared to those used for work or business. Ask your agent if your auto insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage, because it can save money.
Special features that cut premiums – Driving a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can save you a little every year. Anti-theft features like GM’s OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers all hinder your vehicle from being stolen.
Men are more aggressive – Statistics show women tend to be less risk to insure than men. However, don’t assume that men are worse drivers. Both sexes tend to get into accidents at a similar rate, but the males cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. They also receive more costly citations like DUI and reckless driving.
Better credit scores mean better rates – Having a bad credit history is a big factor in determining your rates. So if your credit rating is not that good, you could save money insuring your by spending a little time repairing your credit. Drivers with good credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records as compared to drivers with lower credit scores.

Don’t miss out on these money-saving discounts

Companies that sell car insurance don’t always advertise every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so we researched both the well known as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance.

Bundle and Save – When you combine your home and auto insurance with one company you could get a discount of 10% to 20% off each policy.
Good Student Discount – Getting good grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.
Discount for New Cars – Insuring a new car is cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
Use Seat Belts – Using a seat belt and requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could cut 10% or more off your medical payments premium.
Anti-lock Brake Discount – Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
College Student – Kids in college who live away from home and don’t have a car may be able to be covered for less.
Lower Rates for Military – Having a deployed family member can result in better rates.
Employee of Federal Government – Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% depending on your company.
Life Insurance Discount – Companies who offer life insurance give lower rates if you buy life insurance.

It’s important to note that most credits do not apply to the entire cost. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So when it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies wouldn’t make money that way.

Which insurance is the “right” coverage?

When it comes to buying the best auto insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn’t really a cookie cutter policy. Everyone’s needs are different. Kentucky insurance quotes

For example, these questions could help you determine if you could use an agent’s help.

What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
Do I benefit by insuring my home with the same company?
Who is covered by my policy?
I don’t drive much so do I pay less?
Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
Is my teen driver covered when they drive my company car?
Am I covered when driving someone else’s vehicle?
Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
Is my vehicle covered for flood damage?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form.

But I want to work with a local agent

Some consumers would prefer to buy from a licensed agent and there is nothing wrong with that. The best thing about getting online price quotes is you can get lower rates and still choose a local agent.

To help locate an agent, after submitting this quick form, your insurance coverage information is transmitted to agents in your area who will battle for your coverage. You won’t need to leave your computer since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy! You can find better rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.

Choosing an insurer should depend on more than just a cheap price. Agents should be asked these questions:

Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
How long has their agency been in business in Owensboro?
Are they full-time agents?
How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?

Owensboro auto insurance agents are either independent or captive

When searching for a local agent, there are two different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agents are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive.

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agencies write business for a single company such as AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so keep that in mind. These agents receive extensive training on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy from captive agents partially due to the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

Listed below is a short list of captive insurance agents in Owensboro who may provide you with rate quotes.

Allstate Insurance – 728 Carlton Dr – Owensboro, KY 42303 – (270) 926-7007
Shelter Insurance – 2215 Frederica St – Owensboro, KY 42301 – (270) 683-6543
Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance – 3036 W Parrish Ave – Owensboro, KY 42301 – (270) 684-2165
State Farm Insurance – 226 Allen St – Owensboro, KY 42303 – (270) 684-7219

Independent Agents

These agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally and that require little work on your part. When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include several independent insurance agents to get the best comparison. They also have the ability to place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can be an advantage.

Below is a list of independent agents in Owensboro that are able to give rate quotes.

Sturgeon Insurance Inc – 2001 Frederica St – Owensboro, KY 42301 – (270) 685-4486
Horn and France Insurance – 2212 Frederica St – Owensboro, KY 42301 – (270) 685-5124
Direct General Ins Agency – 3601 Frederica St # 7 – Owensboro, KY 42301 – (270) 685-0104

To view a full list of Owensboro insurance agents, please view this page.

After receiving positive responses to all your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that can service your policy.

Smart consumers save more

Consumers change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as poor customer service, unfair underwriting practices, questionable increases in premium and even extreme rates for teen drivers. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch switching auto insurance companies is less work than it seems.

Lower-priced auto insurance is possible online and also from your neighborhood Owensboro agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best selection. Some insurance providers may not provide online price quotes and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

You just read many tips how you can shop for auto insurance online. It’s most important to understand that the more quotes you get, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may even find the most savings is with some of the smallest insurance companies.

More detailed Kentucky auto insurance information can be found at the Kentucky Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to read state legal mandates and laws, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, learn about insurance regulations, and report car insurance fraud.