Learn How to Quote Valdez Auto Insurance Like an Informed Consumer

Have you had enough of trying to scrape together enough money to buy car insurance? You are no different than many other drivers in Alaska. With consumers having so many companies to choose from, it’s difficult to locate the most cost effective provider.

This article will help educate you on how to effectively get price quotes. If you currently have car insurance, you should be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. Alaska drivers only need to know the proper methods to shop online.

Do you qualify for discounts?

The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but companies offer discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Some trigger automatically when you complete an application, but some may not be applied and must be asked for before being credited. If you’re not getting every credit you deserve, you’re just leaving money on the table.

• Payment Discounts – If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you may reduce your total bill.
• Drive Safe and Save – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than drivers with accidents.
• No Accidents – Drivers with accident-free driving histories pay much less when compared to frequent claim filers.
• Paperwork-free – A few companies may give you up to $50 simply for signing online.
• Anti-lock Brake Discount – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and earn discounts up to 10%.
• Multiple Policy Discount – When you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may save approximately 10% to 15%.

Consumers should know that most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies wouldn’t make money that way. But all discounts will bring down your overall premium however.

You are unique and your auto insurance should be too

When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s needs are different and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions may help highlight if you will benefit from professional help.

• Do I need added coverage for expensive stereo equipment?
• Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
• When should my teen driver be added to my policy?
• Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
• Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
• When would I need rental car insurance?
• What vehicles should carry emergency assistance coverage?
• What should my uninsured motorist coverage limits be in Alaska?
• Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
• I don’t drive much so do I pay less?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.

Aren’t my neighborhood agents an option?

Some consumers would rather sit down with an agent and that is just fine! Professional agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is the fact that you can find better rates but still work with a licensed agent. Supporting local insurance agencies is important especially in Valdez.

To help locate an agent, after submitting this simple form, your coverage information is transmitted to participating agents in Valdez who will return price quotes for your coverage. You never need to even leave your home since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. Now that’s easy!

Captive agents vs. Independent agents

When researching a good insurance agency, you must know there are a couple different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Valdez are either independent or captive. Both do a good job, but it’s good to learn the difference between them because it can influence the type of agent you choose

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. To move your coverage to a new company, your agent can switch companies and that require little work on your part.

When shopping rates, we recommend you contact at a minimum one independent agency to have the most options to choose from.

Below are independent agencies in Valdez willing to provide price quote information.

Valdez-Copper Basin Insurance – 202 Harbor Ct – Valdez, AK 99686 – (907) 835-4757

Agency Captives

Captive agents can only place business with one company and examples are Liberty Mutual, Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Captives cannot provide prices from multiple companies so always compare other rates. Captives receive extensive training on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.

Deciding on a car insurance agent should depend on more than just a low price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

• Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
• Can glass repairs be made at your home?
• Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Alaska?
• Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
• Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
• Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
• How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?

After receiving positive feedback to any questions you have and an acceptable price quote, you may have just found an insurance agency that will properly service your auto insurance policy.

Ads can be misleading

Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for car insurance savings from companies such as GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. All the companies have a common claim about savings if you move your policy.

How does each company make the same claim? It’s all in the numbers.

Insurance companies have a preferred profile for the driver that is profitable for them. For example, a driver they prefer could be between the ages of 30 and 50, has no tickets, and drives less than 10,000 miles a year. A customer that hits that “sweet spot” will get very good rates and is almost guaranteed to save quite a bit of money when switching.

Potential insureds who are not a match for this ideal profile must pay higher premiums which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads state “customers that switch” not “everybody who quotes” save that kind of money. That’s why insurance companies can confidently make those claims.

This illustrates why drivers should get a wide range of price quotes. It’s not possible to predict the company that will give you the biggest savings.

More information can be found on the website for the Alaska Division of Insurance through this link. Consumers can file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, find out which companies have the most complaints, and discover disciplinary actions.

One last thing

Low-cost auto insurance can be purchased from both online companies and with local Valdez insurance agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. A few companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and usually these regional insurance providers provide coverage only through local independent agents.

When buying insurance coverage, don’t be tempted to buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, drivers have reduced liability limits or collision coverage to discover at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.