Proven Techniques for Finding Cheap Syracuse, NY Auto Insurance

Nobody I know likes having to buy auto insurance, in particular when they are paying too much.

Drivers have so many insurance companies to buy insurance from, and although it’s a good thing to have multiple companies, it can be more difficult to adequately compare rates.

How to Compare Auto Insurance Costs in Syracuse, New York

Most major insurance companies like Allstate, GEICO and Progressive give coverage price quotes on their websites. The process is fairly straightforward as you just type in the amount of coverage you want as detailed in the form. Once entered, their rating system pulls reports for credit and driving violations and generates a price based on many factors. Online quotes streamlines rate comparisons, but the work required to visit each company’s website and repetitively enter the same data into a form is repetitive and time-consuming. But it’s very important to have as many quotes as possible in order to find better auto insurance pricing.

A quicker way to find better auto insurance pricing uses one form that analyzes rates from a lot of companies. The form is fast, reduces the work, and makes comparison shopping much more enjoyable and efficient. Immediately after you send the form, it gets priced and you can select any or none of the resulting price quotes. If a lower price is quoted, you can click and sign and purchase coverage. It can be completed in less than 10 minutes and may save quite a bit of money.

To quickly find out if lower rates are available, simply click here to open in new window and complete the simple form. If you have your current policy handy, we recommend you input deductibles and limits identical to your current policy. This way, you are getting rate comparison quotes using the exact same coverages.

Advertising myths

Auto insurance providers like Allstate, GEICO and Progressive regularly use television and radio advertisements. They all say the same thing about savings if you move your coverage to them. How does each company make the same claim?

All the different companies are able to cherry pick for the type of driver that earns them a profit. A good example of a profitable customer could be between 30 and 50, insures multiple vehicles, and has excellent credit. Any new insured who matches those parameters gets the lowest rates and most likely will save when switching.

Consumers who are not a match for this ideal profile will be quoted more money which leads to business going elsewhere. The ad wording is “customers that switch” not “everybody who quotes” save that kind of money. That is how companies can truthfully make the claims of big savings. This emphasizes why you absolutely need to compare as many rates as you can. You cannot predict the company that will give you the biggest savings.

Discounts can save BIG

Companies that sell car insurance don’t always publicize every discount in a way that’s easy to find, so we break down both well-publicized and the more hidden discounts you could be receiving.

  • Discounts for Safe Drivers – Insureds without accidents can pay as much as 50% less than drivers with accidents.
  • Multiple Policy Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you could get a discount of approximately 10% to 15%.
  • Anti-lock Brakes – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control prevent accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Use Seat Belts – Requiring all passengers to use a seat belt can save 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
  • Early Signing – Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching to them prior to your current policy expiring. This can save 10% or more.
  • Paperwork-free – Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks just for signing your application over the internet.
  • Accident Free – Drivers who don’t have accidents pay much less when compared to accident-prone drivers.
  • Driver Safety – Completing a course teaching defensive driving skills could save 5% or more if you qualify.

Consumers should know that some credits don’t apply to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to individual premiums such as collision or personal injury protection. Just because you may think adding up those discounts means a free policy, companies don’t profit that way.

To see a list of insurers with the best auto insurance discounts in New York, click here.save money in Syracuse New York

Neighborhood insurance agents

Certain consumers prefer to visit with an insurance agent and that is just fine! The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is you may find lower rates but still work with a licensed agent.

To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this quick form, your information is immediately sent to local insurance agents who will compete for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to drive around since price quotes are sent to the email address you provide. It doesn’t get any easier! You can find better rates and a licensed agent to work with.

Selecting an provider requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

  • How long has their agency been open in Syracuse?
  • If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
  • Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
  • Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
  • Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?

Choose the right insurance agency

When finding a local agent, you need to know there are two different agency structures that you can select. Syracuse agents are categorized either captive or independent.

Captive Insurance Agents

These agents work for only one company like Allstate, AAA, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so they have no alternatives for high prices. They are trained well on the products they sell which helps them compete with independent agents.

The following are Syracuse captive agents willing to provide price quote information.

Allstate Insurance Co – 725 Erie Blvd W # 4 – Syracuse, NY 13204 – (315) 446-4663
State Farm Insurance – 7575 Buckley Rd # 15 – Syracuse, NY 13212 – (315) 451-4000

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent agents are not locked into one company so they have the ability to put coverage with many different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you won’t have to switch agencies.

When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you contact several independent insurance agents for the best price selection.

Below is a list of independent insurance agents in Syracuse who can help you get price quotes.

E W Baker Agency – 1608 W Genesee St – Syracuse, NY 13204 – (315) 343-0150
My Agency – 350 N Salina St – Syracuse, NY 13203 – (315) 422-2203
Progresive Insurance – 301 Plainfield Rd – Syracuse, NY 13212 – (315) 453-4000
Nationwide Insurance – 110 Elwood Davis Rd # 1 – Syracuse, NY 13212 – (315) 451-4660
Barry Scott Agency – 321 N Salina St – Syracuse, NY 13203 – (315) 478-0040

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To view a full list of Syracuse insurance agents, please go to this site.

Upon getting satisfactory answers to any questions you have and an acceptable price quote, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that will adequately provide auto insurance.

When might I need the advice of an agent?

When it comes to buying the best auto insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is unique and your policy should reflect that. These are some specific questions might point out whether or not you will benefit from professional help.

  • Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my vehicle is totaled?
  • What are New York no-fault laws?
  • Am I covered when using my vehicle for business?
  • Does my policy cover me when driving someone else’s vehicle?
  • Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
  • Can I pay claims out-of-pocket if I buy high deductibles?
  • Will my rates increase for filing one claim?
  • How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in New York?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

Even more information is located at the New York Department of Financial Services website. Visitors are able to find out industry alerts, find out which companies have the most complaints, learn about insurance regulations, and get help finding coverage.

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

Better coverage you can count on

Cost effective auto insurance is definitely available both online and with local Syracuse insurance agents, so you should compare both in order to have the best chance of saving money. A few companies do not offer you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it’s not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. In many cases, an insured dropped full coverage only to discover later that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.