Insider Strategies for Cheap Newton, MA Auto Insurance

No one looks forward to paying for auto insurance, especially knowing their premiums are through the roof. There are many auto insurance companies to choose from, and though it is a good thing to have multiple companies, lots of choices makes it harder to locate the cheapest rates.

Smart consumers take time to price shop coverage quite often because rates are constantly changing. Just because you found the best rates two years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. So block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because you’re going to get a crash course in the best methods to find better rates and still maintain coverage.

Buying car insurance in Newton is not rocket science. If you have a current auto insurance policy or are just looking to switch companies, you can use this information to cut your premiums while maximizing coverage. Massachusetts drivers just need to know the proper methods to get comparison rates over the internet.

How to Compare Auto Insurance Quotes in Newton, Massachusetts

Reducing your insurance rates can be relatively painless. All you need to do is spend a few minutes comparing price quotes provided by online insurance companies. This is very easy and can be done in several different ways.

  1. The fastest way to find the lowest comparison rates is to use a rate comparison form click here to open form in new window. This form keeps you from doing multiple quote forms for each company. One form submission gets you price quotes from multiple low-cost companies.
  2. Another way to compare rate quotes consists of visiting each company website to complete a price quote. For example, let’s say you want to compare rates from Allstate, 21st Century and American Family. To get rate quotes you would need to go to every website and enter your information, which is why the first method is quicker.

    For a handy list of car insurance company links in Newton, click here.

  3. The most time-consuming way of comparing rate quotes is driving to and from local insurance agencies. The ability to buy insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you require the personal advice of a licensed agent. You can, however, compare online quotes and still use a local agent. We’ll cover that shortly.

However you get your quotes, make darn sure you compare the exact same coverages for every quote you compare. If you compare different deductibles you will not be able to determine the lowest rate in Newton.

These discounts can slash auto insurance rates

Companies that sell car insurance don’t always list every available discount very clearly, so we took the time to find some of the more common and also the lesser-known auto insurance savings. If you’re not getting every credit you deserve, you’re just leaving money on the table.

  • Driver’s Ed – Have your child complete a driver education course if it’s offered in school.
  • Early Signing – Some companies give discounts for buying a policy prior to your current policy expiration. This can save 10% or more.
  • 55 and Retired – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you may qualify for reduced rates.
  • No Accidents – Claim-free drivers pay less compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Multiple Policy Discount – When you have multiple policies with one company you will save approximately 10% to 15%.
  • New Car Discount – Insuring a new car is cheaper because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
  • Braking Control Discount – Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles prevent accidents and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Anti-theft Discount – Vehicles with anti-theft systems can help prevent theft and will save you 10% or more.
  • Defensive Driver – Taking a defensive driving course could possibly earn you a 5% discount depending on where you live.
  • Homeowners Discount – Owning a house in Newton can help you save on auto insurance because maintaining a house requires personal responsibility.

Drivers should understand that most credits do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, you won’t be that lucky.

To choose providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Newton, click here to view.

Car Insurance through a local agent

Some consumers would prefer to talk to a local agent and that is OK! Educated insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. The best thing about comparing rates online is you can get the best rates but also keep your business local.insurance quote Newton Massachusetts

To help locate an agent, after submitting this form (opens in new window), the quote information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents who will compete for your coverage. There is no reason to leave your computer due to the fact that quote results will go immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier!

Choosing an insurer needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Some important questions to ask are:

  • Does the agency support the community they serve?
  • What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
  • Can glass repairs be made at your home?
  • Is assistance available after office hours?
  • Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?

Captive or Independent: There is a difference

When looking for a local agent, you need to know there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Agencies in Newton are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can do a good job, but it’s worth mentioning how they are different because it can influence the type of agent you choose

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive agents are contracted to one company such as American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They usually cannot give you multiple price quotes so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agents are well schooled on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents.

Independent Insurance Agents

Independent agencies are not required to write business for one company so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to find a new agent. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you include multiple independent agents to have the most options to choose from.

Shown below is a short list of independent agents in Newton willing to provide price quotes.

Insurance Marketing Agencies – 265 Washington St – Newton, MA 02458 – (617) 332-2200
Segal Insurance – 424 Langley Rd – Newton, MA 02459 – (617) 527-4400

To view a full list of auto insurance agents in Newton, please view this page.

Once you have received positive responses to your questions and a good coverage price, chances are good that you have found an insurance agent that will properly insure your vehicles.

insurance quote Newton Massachusetts

Why you might pay higher rates in Newton

An important part of buying insurance is that you know the factors that go into determining the rates you pay for auto insurance. Understanding what controls the rates you pay empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get big savings.

  • Where do you drive? – Driving more miles every year the higher your rate. The majority of insurers apply a rate based on how the vehicle is used. Autos left parked in the garage get more affordable rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance coverage properly reflects the proper vehicle usage.
  • Multiple policies with one company can save – The majority of insurers give discounts to insureds who buy several policies from them in the form of a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, you may still want to comparison shop to verify if the discount is saving money. Consumers may find a better deal by splitting coverages up.
  • Men fork out a little more – Statistics demonstrate women are more cautious behind the wheel. Now that doesn’t mean men are worse drivers. Both sexes cause accidents at about the same rate, but men tend to have more serious accidents. Men also have more aggressive citations such as reckless driving.
  • Safe vehicles cost less to insure – Vehicles with good safety scores get lower rates. These vehicles have better occupant injury protection and fewer injuries means lower claim amounts and lower rates for you.

Quote more, save more

When buying insurance coverage, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many instances, someone dropped physical damage coverage only to find out that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate.

Cheaper auto insurance is possible online and also from your neighborhood Newton agents, and you should compare price quotes from both so you have a total pricing picture. A few companies may not provide online quoting and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.

Read more about Massachusetts auto insurance

Even more information is available at the Massachusetts Division of Insurance website. Massachusetts consumers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, find out which companies have the most complaints, and read enforcement actions against agents and companies.

Other informative sites include this page for auto insurance in Massachusetts and this link where you can get more info about Newton coverage.