Wasting Money on Auto Insurance in Star Idaho? Here’s How to Save!

Finding better rates for Star auto insurance is nearly impossible for people who are new to buying insurance online. Drivers have so many choices that it can turn into a real hassle to compare prices in Star.

Fast and Easy Star Auto Insurance Quotes

There are a variety of methods to shop for auto insurance, but some are less labor-intensive and much quicker. You can spend countless hours talking about coverages with insurance companies in Star, or you can stay home and use the internet to accomplish the same thing much quicker.

Most car insurance companies participate in an industry program that enables customers to complete one form, and at least one company then gives them pricing based on the submitted data. This saves time by eliminating repetitive form submissions to each company.

To access this free quoting program, click here to open in new window.

The one downside to using this type of system is you can’t choose which insurance companies you want to price. If you prefer to choose from a list of companies to compare, we have a listing of companies who write auto insurance in Idaho. Click here for list of insurance companies in Idaho.

However you get your quotes, make sure you use identical deductibles and coverage limits on every quote you get. If you compare different liability limits it’s impossible to determine the best price in Star. Having just a slight variation in coverage limits can mean a large discrepancy in price. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that comparing a large number of companies will increase your chances of finding the best offered rates.

Smart Consumers Save More

It’s important that you understand the rating factors that go into determining the price you pay for auto insurance. Knowing what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that could result in better auto insurance rates.

Listed below are a partial list of the pieces that factor into premiums.

  • Lower rates with optional equipment – Owning a car with a theft deterrent system can help lower your rates. Theft prevention devices such as GM’s OnStar, tamper alarm systems and vehicle immobilizers can help prevent auto theft.
  • Poor credit can mean higher rates – Your credit score is a large factor in calculating your auto insurance rates. Therefore, if your credit score is lower than you’d like, you could be paying less to insure your by improving your credit score. Drivers with excellent credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records as compared to drivers with poor credit.
  • Poor driving leads to higher costs – A bad driving record impacts your car insurance rates tremendously. Careful drivers have lower premiums than bad drivers. Even one moving violation can boost insurance rates forty percent or more. If you have serious violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) to the state department of motor vehicles in order to continue driving.
  • Where do you drive? – Driving more miles every year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. Almost all companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Vehicles left parked in the garage receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. Make sure your auto insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
  • Liability insurance protects assets – The liability section of your policy is the protection in the event that you are found liable for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. Liability provides you with a defense in court which can cost thousands of dollars. Liability is cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
  • Battle of the sexes – The statistics show women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Men and women are in accidents at a similar rate, but the males have costlier accidents. They also get cited for more serious violations such as reckless driving. Teenage male drivers are most likely to cause an accident and thus pay the highest rates.

How much can you save with discounts?

Companies that sell car insurance don’t list all their discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so we researched both the well known and the more hidden discounts you could be receiving.

  • Own a Home – Being a homeowner can save you money due to the fact that maintaining a home demonstrates responsibility.
  • Military Discounts – Having a family member in the military could be rewarded with lower premiums.
  • Seat Belt Usage – Drivers who require all occupants to wear their seat belts can save up to 15% off the personal injury premium cost.
  • Accident Forgiveness – Some insurance companies permit an accident before raising your premiums if you are claim-free for a set time period.
  • Claim Free – Good drivers with no accidents pay much less when compared with bad drivers.
  • Multiple Vehicles – Buying coverage for multiple vehicles on the same auto insurance policy could earn a price break for each car.
  • Discounts for Safe Drivers – Insureds without accidents can pay as much as 50% less than drivers with accident claims.
  • Senior Citizens – If you’re over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for better auto insurance rates.
  • Federal Government Employee – Simply working for the federal government could cut as much as 10% off with select insurance companies.
  • Discount for Good Grades – Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you until age 25.

A little note about advertised discounts, many deductions do not apply to all coverage premiums. Some only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. Just because you may think having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies wouldn’t make money that way.

What about my local Star agents?

Some consumers prefer to buy from a local agent. One of the best bonuses of price shopping on the web is you may find the best rates and still choose a local agent.

After completing this short form, your information gets sent to agents in your area who will compete for your insurance coverage. There is no need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy! It’s the lowest rates and work with a local agent.

Deciding on a company should depend on more than just the premium amount. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:

  • Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
  • If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
  • What insurance company do they write the most business with?
  • Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
  • Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
  • Does the agency support the community they serve?
  • Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?

Multiple types of insurance agents in Star

When looking for a good insurance agency, there are two different types of agents from which to choose. Star agents are classified as either captive or independent.

Captive Insurance Agents

These agents work for only one company and examples are AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance and Allstate. These agents are unable to provide prices from multiple companies so they have no alternatives for high prices. They are well schooled on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some consumers prefer to choose to use a captive agent primarily because of the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

Shown below are Star captive insurance agencies who may provide you with comparison quotes.

  • Allstate Insurance – 11152 W State St – Star, ID 83669 – (208) 286-9142
  • Farmers Insurance Group – 10706 W State St – Star, ID 83669 – (208) 286-0775
Independent Agents

Independent agencies do not work for one specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies depending on which coverage is best. If your agent finds better pricing, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency.

When comparison shopping, it’s a good idea to contact multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection. They often place coverage with different regional companies which may provide better rates.

After receiving good answers to all your questions and an affordable coverage quote, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that will properly service your auto insurance policy.

Keep this in mind

As you shop your coverage around, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In too many instances, someone dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. Your focus should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.

Discount auto insurance is possible on the web and with local Star insurance agents, so compare prices from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. A few companies do not offer online quoting and many times these small, regional companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

People switch companies for a number of reasons such as delays in responding to claim requests, policy cancellation, policy non-renewal and being labeled a high risk driver. Whatever your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is easier than you think.

Informative consumer insurance sites

Additional detailed information is located at the Idaho Department of Insurance website. Idaho drivers can view agent and company licensing information, report car insurance fraud, and read consumer alerts.

The following information may also be useful.