Rock Solid Methods for Finding Low-Cost Artesia Car Insurance

No one likes paying for car insurance, in particular when their premiums are through the roof. With consumers having so many options when it comes to car insurance, it is hard for the average consumer to pick the best car insurance company.

It’s smart to compare rates periodically because prices fluctuate regularly. Even if you got the lowest rates six months ago you will most likely find a better rate today. Starting now, block out anything you think you know about car insurance because you’re going to learn the easiest way to properly buy coverages and cut your premium.

Save big with these discounts

Companies don’t always advertise every discount in an easy-to-find place, so we break down both well-publicized and also the lesser-known car insurance savings. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you are paying more than you should be.

• Anti-theft Discount – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
• Clubs and Organizations – Participating in a civic or occupational organization may earn a discount when shopping for car insurance.
• 55 and Retired – Older drivers may receive better car insurance rates.
• Multiple Policy Discount – If you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you may earn at least 10% off all policies.
• Anti-lock Brake Discount – Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles can reduce accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
• College Student – Youth drivers who live away from home without a vehicle on campus can be insured at a reduced rate.
• Accident Free – Claim-free drivers pay much less compared to bad drivers.

As a disclaimer on discounts, most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most cut individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Just because it seems like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, car insurance companies aren’t that generous.

Smart Buyers can Save Money

Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the elements that go into determining the rates you pay for car insurance. Knowing what influences your rates enables informed choices that may reward you with better car insurance rates.

Listed below are a partial list of the pieces car insurance companies consider when setting rates.

• Multiple policies with one company can save – Some insurers provide better rates to customers who consolidate policies with them in the form of a multi-policy discount. If you currently are using one company, it’s in your best interest to compare rates to verify if the discount is saving money. Drivers may still find a better deal by buying car insurance from a different company.
• Optional equipment can affect rates – Owning a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft features such as vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems can help prevent your car from being stolen.
• Higher safety ratings means cheaper insurance – Vehicles with good safety scores can get you lower premiums. These vehicles reduce injuries and any reduction in injury severity translates into savings for insurance companies and more competitive rates for policyholders.
• Always keep insurance in force – Driving without insurance is illegal and you will pay a penalty because you let your coverage lapse. And not only will insurance be more expensive, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance may earn you a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.You may then be required to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the New Mexico DMV.
• More people means more accidents – Being located in a rural area can be a good thing when insuring your vehicles. Urban drivers regularly have much more traffic and longer commute times. Fewer people translates into fewer accidents.
• An active claims history can cost you – Auto insurance companies in New Mexico provide cheaper rates to insureds who are claim-free. If you file claims often, you can look forward to either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Auto insurance is intended to be relied upon for the large, substantial claims.
• Sex matters – Statistics demonstrate women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, don’t assume that men are worse drivers. Both sexes tend to get into accidents in similar percentages, but men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also have more aggressive citations like reckless driving and DUI.
• Your job and insurance rates – Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Occupations like judges, architects and stock brokers tend to pay the highest rates in part from job stress and lengthy work days. On the other hand, jobs such as scientists, students and homemakers have the lowest average rates.

Car insurance is unique, just like you

When choosing the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there isn’t really a single plan that fits everyone. Each situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that For example, these questions can aid in determining whether your personal situation might need professional guidance.

• Is business equipment covered while in my vehicle?
• Do no-fault laws apply in New Mexico?
• What discounts do I qualify for?
• How much liability coverage do I need in New Mexico?
• Do I benefit by insuring my home with the same company?
• What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?
• Does my policy cover me when driving someone else’s vehicle?

If you can’t answer these questions but you know they apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and can provide invaluable advice.

Compare online but buy from a local Artesia agent

Certain consumers would rather talk to a local agent. Professional agents can help determine the best coverages and help you file claims. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is you can get lower rates and still choose a local agent.

For easy comparison, once you complete this simple form, the coverage information is submitted to companies in Artesia who will compete for your insurance coverage. You won’t need to drive around since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier!

Choosing an insurance company requires more thought than just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:

• How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
• Does the agency support the community they serve?
• Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
• If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
• What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
• Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
• Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
• Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?

The type of insurance agency you choose is important

When looking for a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Agencies in Artesia are categorized either independent or captive. While both can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning the differences since it can impact the selection process.

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company and some examples include State Farm or Allstate. These agents are not able to shop your coverage around so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Captive agents receive extensive training on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, we recommend you include price quotes from several independent insurance agents to get the best comparison.

The following are Artesia independent agents willing to provide rate quotes.

Ronnie Jackson Agency – 518 W Main St – Artesia, NM 88210 – (505) 746-2753
George Gandy Insurance Svc – 510 W Texas Ave # A – Artesia, NM 88210 – (505) 748-2000
Don Moore Insurance – 604 W Main St – Artesia, NM 88210 – (505) 748-1293

To view a complete directory of Artesia insurance agents, simply jump to this page.

Once you have answers to your satisfaction to any questions you have and a good coverage price, you may have just found an insurance agency that meets your needs to service your policy.

Even more information is located at the New Mexico Insurance Division website. New Mexico drivers can find disaster information, discover disciplinary actions, learn about insurance regulations, and report car insurance fraud.

Compare but don’t skimp

We’ve covered a lot of tips how to get a better price on car insurance. The key thing to remember is the more providers you compare, the better your comparison will be. Consumers could even find that the best prices are with a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising. They can often provide lower rates in certain areas compared to the large companies like Allstate or State Farm.

When buying insurance coverage, you should never reduce needed coverages to save money. There are many occasions where consumers will sacrifice physical damage coverage and discovered at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price.