West Haven, CT Auto Insurance Buying Tips You Aren’t Supposed to Know

Feel like you’re a prisoner to overpriced auto insurance? Trust us when we tell you many consumers are feeling buyer’s remorse and feel like there’s no way out.

Popular companies such as State Farm, Progressive and GEICO persitently shower you with fancy advertisements and it is difficult to ignore the flying pigs and cute green geckos and find the best price available.

You need to get comparison quotes before your policy renews since rates are rarely the same from one policy term to another. Even if you think you had the best deal two years ago you will most likely find a better rate today. There is a lot of bad information regarding auto insurance online but we’re going to give you some guaranteed methods to slash your auto insurance rates.

Save money by taking advantage of these discounts

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but discounts can save money and there are some available that many people don’t even know exist. Some discounts apply automatically when you get a quote, but less common discounts must be specifically requested before you get the savings.

• Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Factory air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.
• Drive Safe and Save – Safe drivers can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than drivers with accidents.
• Multi-policy Discount – If you have multiple policies with one insurance company you could get a discount of at least 10% off all policies.
• Paperless Signup – Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for buying a policy and signing up on their website.
• Employee of Federal Government – Simply working for the federal government can earn a discount up to 10% depending on your company.

Consumers should know that some of the credits will not apply to the entire policy premium. Some only reduce individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So when the math indicates it’s possible to get free car insurance, it just doesn’t work that way. But all discounts will reduce the amount you have to pay.

Your coverage should be tailored to you

When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no “best” method to buy coverage. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s so your insurance needs to address that. These are some specific questions may help you determine whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.

• When would I need rental car insurance?
• Are split liability limits better than a combined single limit?
• What are the best liability limits?
• How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in Connecticut?
• Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
• Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
• Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
• Does my policy cover me when driving someone else’s vehicle?
• Should I rate my vehicle as pleasure use or commute?

If you can’t answer these questions, you may need to chat with 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.

But I prefer to buy car insurance from an agent

Certain consumers prefer to talk to a local agent and that is just fine! The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain better rates but also keep your business local. And providing support for local agencies is definitely important in West Haven.

After completing this short form, your insurance data is immediately sent to participating agents in West Haven who will battle for your coverage. You won’t need to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. How’s that for easy! You can find the lowest rates AND a local agent.

Best car insurance agent in West Haven

When finding a local agent, you must know there are a couple different agency structures that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in West Haven are categorized either independent (non-captive) or captive.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

These agents are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage amongst many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part. When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you include price quotes from several independent insurance agents for maximum quote selection.

The following is a short list of independent agencies in West Haven that can give you price quotes.

Insurance Problem Solvers – 393 Meloy Rd – West Haven, CT 06516 – (203) 933-5800
Founders Insurance Group Inc – 764 Campbell Ave # G – West Haven, CT 06516 – (203) 937-1788
Parillo Agency – 103 Elm St – West Haven, CT 06516 – (203) 932-5909
Daniels Agency Inc – 212 Main St – West Haven, CT 06516 – (203) 934-2628

Agency Captives

Captive agencies can only write with one company and some examples include AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. They usually cannot compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. They are trained well on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.

The following are captive agents in West Haven who can help you get comparison quotes.

State Farm Insurance – 505 Campbell Ave – West Haven, CT 06516 – (203) 932-0591

To view a complete directory of auto insurance agents in West Haven, please click here.

Deciding on an insurance agency should depend on more than just the price. Agents should be asked these questions:

• How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
• How long has their agency been in business in West Haven?
• Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
• Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
• Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
• Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
• Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
• Can glass repairs be made at your home?

After receiving reasonable responses to these questions and a low price estimate, you’ve probably found a car insurance agent that is a good match to service your policy.

More consumer information in Connecticut

More information can be read on the website for the Connecticut Insurance Department located here. Visitors are able to find disaster information, download brochures, report car insurance fraud, and read industry bulletins.

Best coverage at the best price

Lower-priced auto insurance can be sourced online and with local West Haven insurance agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies do not offer online price quotes and many times these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agents.

We just presented quite a bit of information on how to get a better price on auto insurance. The most important thing to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Consumers could even find that the most savings is with the least-expected company. These smaller insurers often have lower prices on specific markets compared to the large companies like State Farm or Progressive.