Learn How to Pay Less and Get More for Waterville, ME Auto Insurance

Are you a victim of an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? Trust us, many consumers are feeling buyer’s remorse and feel like there’s no way out. You have multiple insurance companies to pick from, and even though it’s nice to have a selection, it can be more difficult to adequately compare rates.

It’s smart to check auto insurance prices every six months because prices are variable and change quite frequently. Even if you think you had the lowest rates a few years ago a different company probably has better rates today. So just forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because you’re going to learn the easiest way to lower your annual insurance bill.

Don’t miss these discounts

Auto insurance companies don’t always list every available discount very clearly, so the following is a list of both the well known and the harder-to-find ways to save on auto insurance. If you’re not getting every credit possible, you are throwing money away.

• Memberships – Affiliation with a qualifying organization may earn a discount on your policy.
• Student Driver Training – Have your child take driver’s ed class if it’s offered in school.
• Anti-theft System – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more.
• Save with a New Car – Insuring a new car is cheaper since new cars are generally safer.
• Federal Employees – Simply working for the federal government may qualify you for a discount with a few auto insurance companies.
• Discount for Good Grades – Performing well in school can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts up until you turn 25.

Drivers should understand that most discounts do not apply the the whole policy. Most only reduce individual premiums such as liability, collision or medical payments. Just because it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won’t be that lucky.

Smart Consumers Save More

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that can help you get better auto insurance rates.

• Do you need the policy add-ons? – There are quite a few additional coverages you can purchase on your auto insurance policy. Coverages for vanishing deductibles, better glass coverage and motor club memberships are some examples. They may seem like a good idea initially, but if you don’t need them eliminate them to save money.
• More claims means more premium – If you are a frequent claim filer, you can expect either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Insurance companies in Maine generally give discounts to people who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Your insurance policy is intended for the bigger claims that can’t be paid out-of-pocket.
• Rates may be lower depending on your job – Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Occupations like lawyers, business owners and accountants have higher rates than average in part from stressful work requirements and lengthy work days. On the flip side, occupations like pilots, athletes and performers get better rates.
• Lower rates come with age – Older insureds are viewed as being more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and receive fewer citations. Teenage drivers are statistically proven to be less responsible when behind the wheel and because of this, their auto insurance rates are much higher.
• Special features that cut premiums – Owning a car with an alarm system can get you a discount on your auto insurance. Anti-theft features like GM’s OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can help prevent your vehicle from being stolen.

Your personal situation dictates your coverage

When it comes to choosing coverage, there isn’t really a perfect coverage plan. Each situation is unique and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine whether your personal situation may require specific advice.

• Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
• What is high-risk coverage and where do I buy it?
• What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?
• Should I buy additional glass protection?
• Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
• Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
• When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
• Is my vehicle covered for smoke damage?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you don’t have a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.

Are insurance agents a thing of the past?

Some consumers would rather visit with an insurance agent and that is OK! Professional agents can help determine the best coverages and help submit paperwork. The biggest benefit of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain better rates but still work with a licensed agent.

To find an agent, once you fill out this simple form, the quote information is submitted to companies in Waterville who will battle for your business. There is no reason to leave your computer as quotes are delivered to your email. Now that’s easy!

Deciding on an insurance company requires more thought than just a cheap price. These questions are important to ask:

• Do they make recommendations based only on price?
• Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
• If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
• Does the agency provide any after hours assistance?
• Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
• Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?

Multiple types of car insurance agents in Waterville

When finding an insurance agent, there are a couple of types of insurance agents to choose from. Agents can either be independent or captive. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ because it can impact the type of agent you choose

Agency Captives

These agents are contracted to one company like AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. They are unable to compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captive agents are trained well on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage.

Listed below is a short list of captive insurance agents in Waterville that can give you price quotes.

Allstate Insurance – 102 Silver St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 873-5200
State Farm Insurance – 341 Main St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 872-0999

Independent Agents

These agents are not employed by any specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to get quotes from at least one independent agent for maximum quote selection.

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

Prudential Insurance Co – 143 Silver St # 7 – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 872-2634
GHM Agency – 51 Main St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 873-5101
Varney Agency Inc – 9 Getchell St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 873-0646
Cosgrove Insurance Inc – 230 Main St – Waterville, ME 04901 – (207) 873-0181

For a complete listing of auto insurance agents in Waterville, simply jump to this page.

Upon getting good answers to any questions you have and locked in a price quote, most likely you have located an insurance agent that meets your needs to service your policy.

Buyer beware of auto insurance advertising tricks

Maine consumers get pounded daily by advertisements that promise big savings by GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all seem to have a common claim of big savings if you switch to their company.

How can each company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.

Different companies have a certain “appetite” for the driver that makes them money. For example, a driver they prefer could be between 25 and 40, insures multiple vehicles, and has great credit. A customer getting a price quote who fits that profile gets the lowest rates and therefore will save quite a bit of money when switching.

Potential insureds who are not a match for the requirements will be charged higher prices which usually ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state “people who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save money. That’s why insurance companies can confidently make those claims. That is why it is so important to compare many company’s rates. It’s not possible to predict which company will fit your personal profile best.

Additional detailed information can be found at the Maine Bureau of Insurance website. Visitors are able to learn about insurance regulations, find a variety of consumer forms, view a list of available companies, and download brochures.

What is YOUR best insurance company?

We covered a lot of information how to shop for auto insurance online. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Drivers may discover the most savings is with some of the lesser-known companies. Smaller companies may cover specific market segments cheaper than the large multi-state companies such as Allstate or State Farm.

As you shop your coverage around, make sure you don’t reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many cases where drivers have reduced comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to discover later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The aim is to find the BEST coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.