Follow These Insider Ways for Lower Cary, NC Car Insurance

Using the web to shop for Cary car insurance can be difficult if you have never used online quoting. Don’t let that stop you because we’re going to show you how.

How much can you save with discounts?

The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but companies offer discounts to help offset the cost. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically when you quote, but a few need to be inquired about before being credited.

• Lower Rates for Military – Having a family member in the military could be rewarded with lower premiums.
• Club Memberships – Participating in a civic or occupational organization could trigger savings on your policy.
• Defensive Driver – Taking part in a driver safety course could save 5% or more if you qualify.
• One Accident Forgiven – A handful of insurance companies will allow you to have one accident before your rates go up if you are claim-free prior to the accident.
• Braking Control Discount – Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles can reduce accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.

Keep in mind that most discounts do not apply the the whole policy. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. So despite the fact that it appears you would end up receiving a 100% discount, you won’t be that lucky. But all discounts will bring down your premiums.

To choose insurance companies offering car insurance discounts in North Carolina, click here.

How to Buy Cary Car Insurance Online

The are a couple different ways to compare rate quotes from different in Cary, NCinsurance companies. The easiest way by far to compare insurance prices consists of obtaining rate quotes online. This can be accomplished in a couple of different ways.

1. The single most time-saving way to get the best comparison quotes is an all-inclusive rate comparison like this one (opens in new window). This method saves time by eliminating multiple quote forms for each company you want a rate for. One quote request will return price quotes from all major companies.It’s the quickest way to get rates.
2. A slightly less efficient method to get comparison quotes is spending the time to visit the website of each company to complete their respective quote request forms. For sake of this example, we’ll pretend you want to compare rates from GEICO, Esurance and Liberty Mutual. You would have to take the time to go to each site to input your insurance information, and that’s why the first method is more popular. For a handy list of car insurance company links in Cary, click here.
3. The most time-consuming method of getting rate comparisons is driving around to and from local Cary insurance agencies. Shopping for car insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you require the professional advice only provided by licensed Cary agents. However, consumers can comparison shop online and still use a local agent and you’ll learn how to do that later.

It’s up to you how you get prices quotes, just ensure you’re using apples-to-apples coverage information on every quote. If the quotes have mixed coverages it will be next to impossible to make an equal comparison in Cary. Just a small difference in limits can result in a big premium difference. Just remember that quoting more helps locate the best offered rates.

How to Lower your Car Insurance Rates

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to much lower annual insurance costs.

• Your location affects your rates – Choosing to live in less populated areas has it’s advantages when buying car insurance. Fewer people means reduced accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims. Drivers in populated North Carolina areas tend to have congested traffic and much longer commute distances. Longer commute distances translates into higher accident risk.
• Is your vehicle built for speed? – The performance level of the vehicle you are insuring makes a substantial difference in your rates. Small economy passenger models receive the most favorable rates, but the final cost of insurance is determined by many other factors.
• Optional equipment can affect rates – Choosing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can help lower your rates. Theft prevention devices such as vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems can thwart auto theft.
• Men fork out a little more – The statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, don’t assume that men are worse drivers. Women and men are in accidents at about the same rate, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically get more serious tickets such as reckless driving.
• Protect your assets with liability insurance – The liability section of your policy will protect you if ever a jury decides you are liable for damages caused by your negligence. Liability provides legal defense coverage which can cost thousands of dollars. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
• Never allow your policy to lapse – Allowing your coverage to lapse will be a guaranteed way to bump up your car insurance costs. And not only will insurance be more expensive, failure to provide proof of insurance might get you a revoked license or a big fine.
• Do you have a high stress job? – Jobs such as doctors, executives and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of high stress levels and long work hours. Conversely, professions such as scientists, engineers and the unemployed receive lower rates.
• The more you drive the more you pay – The more miles you rack up on your car every year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars that are left in the garage get more affordable rates than those used for commuting. Verify your car insurance policy is rated on how each vehicle is driven.

You are unique and your car insurance should be too

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Everyone’s situation is unique.

Here are some questions about coverages that can aid in determining if you might need professional guidance.

• Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
• How many claims can I have before being cancelled?
• Is my babysitter covered when using my vehicle?
• How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
• Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
• Am I covered by my spouse’s policy after a separation?
• Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
• What is high-risk coverage and where do I buy it?
• Can I still get insurance after a DUI?

If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form.

Aren’t my neighborhood agents an option?

Some consumers would prefer to buy from a licensed agent. One of the best bonuses of comparing rates online is you may find the lowest rates but also keep your business local. And supporting local agencies is especially important in Cary.

After completing this quick form, the quote information is sent to companies in Cary who will give you bids for your coverage. You never need to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go immediately to your email address. Now that’s easy! You’ll get the best rates and work with a local agent.

How to choose the best insurance agent in Cary

When researching a reputable insurance agent or broker, there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Cary agents can either be independent or captive.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency. When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to get quotes from at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection. Many write coverage with lesser-known insurance companies who may have lower rates.

Listed below is a list of independent insurance agents in Cary that may be able to provide rate quotes.

• Adcock Agency Inc – 157 W Chatham St – Cary, NC 27511 – (919) 467-8126
• Daniel T Crocker Insurance – 103 New Edition Ct – Cary, NC 27511 – (919) 460-6145
• Hargis Agency – 247 Grande Heights Dr – Cary, NC 27513 – (919) 481-3071
• James O Perry Jr Agency Inc – 106 Brady Ct – Cary, NC 27511 – (919) 467-5530
• Pelnik Insurance – 511 Keisler Dr – Cary, NC 27511 – (919) 858-9901

Agency Captives

Captive agents can only place business with one company and some examples include Farmers Insurance or State Farm. These agents are not able to provide prices from multiple companies so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are well schooled on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy from captive agents mostly because of loyalty to the company and solid financial strength.

Below are Cary captive agencies who can help you get price quote information.

• State Farm Insurance – 1220 NW Maynard Rd – Cary, NC 27513 – (919) 462-8411
• Allstate Insurance – 744 E Chatham St # G – Cary, NC 27511 – (919) 460-6190

To view a full list of car insurance agents in Cary, click here to link.

Choosing an insurance agent should depend on more than just the premium amount. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

• Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
• How long has their agency been open in Cary?
• Will your rates increase after a single accident?
• Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
• Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
• Do they assist clients in filing claims?
• What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
• How often do they review policy coverages?

After receiving acceptable answers to your questions and a good coverage price, you may have just found an auto insurance agent that will service your policy.

Don’t believe everything you hear

Car insurance providers like State Farm, GEICO and Progressive regularly use ads in print and on television. They all say the same thing that you’ll save big if you move your coverage to them. How do they all make the same claim?

All companies have a preferred profile for the right customer that makes them money. For instance, a profitable customer might be over the age of 40, is a homeowner, and drives newer vehicles. Any new insured who fits that profile will get very good rates and as a result will probably pay quite a bit less when switching companies.

Drivers who fall outside the requirements will be quoted higher prices which leads to the customer not buying. The ad wording is “customers who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that kind of money. That’s the way insurance companies can state the savings.

This emphasizes why you absolutely need to get as many quotes as possible. It is impossible to predict the company that will have the lowest rates.

A little work can save a LOT of money

Consumers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as high prices, policy cancellation, unfair underwriting practices or even being labeled a high risk driver. Whatever your reason, choosing a new company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.

Cheap car insurance is available on the web and also from your neighborhood Cary agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. A few companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

When trying to cut insurance costs, it’s not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are many occasions where drivers have reduced collision coverage only to find out they didn’t have enough coverage. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible at a price you can afford while still protecting your assets.

Much more information about car insurance in North Carolina can be read on the North Carolina Department of Insurance website. Click here for link. Consumers can download brochures, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, and view agent and company licensing information.