Hamilton Auto Insurance For Less Than You’re Paying Now

Price shopping your Hamilton auto insurance is a challenge for beginners to comparison shopping online. People have so many choices that it can turn into a big hassle to locate the lowest price in Hamilton.

Comparison of Auto Insurance in Hamilton

Shopping for lower auto insurance rates can be a lot of work if you don’t know the most efficient way to do it. You could waste a few hours discussing policy coverages with agents in Hamilton, or you can stay home and use online quotes to achieve your goal.

Most major companies enroll in a system that enables customers to complete one form, and every company can provide price quotes based on the submitted data. This eliminates the need for repetitive form submissions for each company. To enter your information into the quoting system, click here to open in new window.

The one downside to getting quotes like this is you can’t choose the providers you will receive quotes from. If you would rather choose individual companies for rate comparison, we have assembled a list of low cost auto insurance companies in Montana. Click here for list of insurance companies in Montana.

It doesn’t matter which method you choose, just ensure you’re using the exact same coverage limits for each comparison quote. If the quotes have different liability limits then you won’t be able to determine which rate is truly the best in Hamilton.

Why your price might be higher

It’s important that you understand some of the elements that come into play when calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with big savings.

• Do you work long hours in a high stress job? – Occupations like lawyers, architects and stock brokers have the highest rates in part from stressful work requirements and lots of time spent at work. On the other hand, occupations like actors, students and the unemployed get better rates.
• Claim-free discounts can add up – If you frequently file small claims, you can look forward to either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Car insurance companies in Montana generally give discounts to insureds who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Auto insurance is meant to be used in the event of larger claims.
• What are your deductibles? – Physical damage insurance, also known as collision and other-than-collision, is used to repair damage to your car. Examples of covered claims would be colliding with a building, vandalism, and rolling your vehicle. Your deductibles are how much you are willing to pay before a claim is paid by your company. The more money you’re willing to pay, the lower your rates will be.
• Theft deterrents lower rates – Purchasing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft features such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping car theft.
• Traffic citations inflate rates – Even a single ticket may increase your cost by twenty percent. Drivers with clean records receive lower rates than people who have multiple driving citations. Drivers who get severe violations such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with the DMV in their state in order to drive a vehicle legally.
• Pay less after the wedding – Having a spouse helps lower the price on your policy. Having a spouse usually means you are more mature and responsible and it’s statistically proven that being married results in fewer claims.
• Battle of the sexes – Statistics demonstrate that women are safer drivers than men. Now that doesn’t mean women are better drivers. Men and women are in accidents in similar percentages, but men tend to have more serious accidents. Men also receive more costly citations like DUI and reckless driving.
• Don’t sacrifice liability coverage – Liability coverage is the protection when a jury decides you are liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides legal defense which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable when compared with rates for comp and collision, so drivers should carry high limits.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Companies offering auto insurance don’t necessarily list all available discounts in an easy-to-find place, so we researched some of the more common and the harder-to-find auto insurance savings. If they aren’t giving you every credit you qualify for, you are throwing money away.

• Discount for New Cars – Adding a new car to your policy can save up to 30% since new cars are generally safer.
• Air Bag Discount – Vehicles with factory air bags can get savings of 20% or more.
• More Vehicles More Savings – Having multiple cars or trucks on the same auto insurance policy may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
• Multi-policy Discount – When you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you will save 10% to 20% off each policy.
• Employee of Federal Government – Simply working for the federal government can earn a discount up to 10% depending on your company.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So when the math indicates it’s possible to get free car insurance, you’re out of luck.

To choose insurers with discount auto insurance rates in Montana, click here.

How much car insurance do I need?

When it comes to buying the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn’t really a “best” method to buy coverage. Each situation is unique.

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

• Can I drive in Mexico and have coverage?
• Is my custom paint covered by insurance?
• Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
• Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
• Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
• Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
• Does my insurance cover damage caused when ticketed for reckless driving?
• Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
• Is pleasure use cheaper than using my vehicle to commute?

If you can’t answer these questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.

Don’t I need to talk to an agent?

A small number of people just want to talk to a local agent and that is a personal choice. Licensed agents can help determine the best coverages and help file insurance claims. The best thing about getting online price quotes is that you can obtain the best rates and still have an agent to talk to.

After filling out this form (opens in new window), your information is submitted to insurance agents in Hamilton who will compete for your business. There is no need to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. How cool is that?!

Selecting a company should depend on more than just the premium amount. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

• What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
• Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
• Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
• Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
• Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Montana?
• Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
• How are they compensated?
• Are they full-time agents?

Is a captive or independent insurance agency right for you?

When finding a good Hamilton insurance agent, you need to know there are two different types of agents to choose from. Agents are either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the differences because it can influence buying decisions.

Captive Agents

Captive agencies are contracted to one company like State Farm or Allstate. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. These agents are usually quite knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers often buy insurance from these agents mainly due to the brand legacy and strong financial ratings.

The following is a short list of captive agents in Hamilton who can help you get comparison quotes.

• Allstate Insurance – 1782 N 1st St # H – Hamilton, MT 59840 – (406) 375-2340
• Farm Bureau Insurance – 803 S 1st St – Hamilton, MT 59840 – (406) 375-9500
• State Farm Insurance – 401 W Main St # A – Hamilton, MT 59840 – (406) 363-2315

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

These agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies.

When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you contact multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection. They often place coverage with different regional companies which may provide better rates.

Shown below is a list of independent insurance agents in Hamilton who can help you get price quotes.

• Mountain Air Insurance Svc – 710 N 1st St # B – Hamilton, MT 59840 – (406) 363-1411
• Grenfell Insurance and Financial – 100 Pinckney St – Hamilton, MT 59840 – (406) 363-0430

For a full directory of Hamilton insurance agents, visit this site.

Upon getting satisfactory answers to these questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that will provide auto insurance coverage.

The best insurance company isn’t always the cheapest

As you prepare to switch companies, never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many cases where someone sacrificed liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

Affordable auto insurance is possible from both online companies and also from your neighborhood Hamilton agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.

Throughout this article, we presented some good ideas how to compare auto insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may be surprised to find that the lowest rates come from a small mutual company.

Additional detailed information can be read at the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance website. Montana drivers can file complaints about a company, get help finding coverage, and view a list of available companies.

The articles below may also help you learn more about auto insurance in Hamilton

• Free Guide to Searching Online for a Hamilton Car Insurance Agent