In the state of North Carolina, there are over 7,389,467 licensed drivers.
With so many drivers in the state, every one of them needs car insurance to protect their vehicle.
In places like Charlotte, drivers might get overwhelmed by the many insurance companies available. However, there are ways for you to find the best car insurance in Charlotte, NC.
Read on to get started.
1. Don’t Look for the Cheapest Insurance Company
Instead of looking for the cheapest car insurance, look for the insurance company that best fits your needs.
Many insurance companies tend to advertise themselves as “the cheapest car insurance rates in Charlotte.” However, this is just a marketing stunt and you should not let this fool you when looking for the best car insurance quote in your area.
It’s impossible for one insurance company to be the cheapest when the cost of insurance depends on the specific needs of each driver.
The only way to get the best quote possible is by comparing many different insurance companies.
2. Look Beyond National Insurance Companies
You might be aware of the big insurance company names because they’re constantly advertised on TV. However, if you want to obtain the best quote in Charlotte, you need to look beyond the national companies.
Pay attention to regional and local names such as Amistad Insurance Services and you will see they can also offer competitive rates.
Because they have fewer customers than national companies, they pay more attention to the needs of their customers.
3. Stay on Top of Your Credit Score
Except for California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii, all car insurance companies will want to dive into your credit history.
If you have a history of not paying your bills on time, it will reflect in your car insurance quote. To see where you stand, get a free copy of your credit report.
Once you see what your credit score is, you can make an effort to improve it.
4. Talk to Them About Discounts
You cannot get the best quote in Charlotte unless you talk to them about discounts. Make sure you find out which discounts are available for their customers and see which ones you might qualify for.
Some insurance companies offer you an extra discount if you bundle all of your cars, homeowners insurance, life, or renters insurance.
You might also qualify for a discount if you have a clean driving record or you have never been in an accident. Other common discounts include:
- Paying your premium in full
- Paperless statements
- Anti-theft features in your vehicle
- Being part of an affiliate group
Make sure you compare the list of discounts once you start comparing quotes.
5. Think About Insurance Before You Buy the Car
Before you buy a car, you usually look into things such as mileage, safety features, and horsepower. However, you never look and see how much the insurance on the car will be.
If you want to get a lower car insurance bill, you should look into typical insurance rates before you buy the car. The cost of car insurance could end up influencing your decision on what type of car you should buy.
6. Learn More About Additional Services and Exclusions
If you notice your insurance quote is a little too high, it’s important you look at the fine print of the policy. Some policies add extra features that can make your premiums higher than they should be.
For example, some policies might include services such as car rentals, towing services, jump start, lockout assistance, or even gasoline delivery.
All of those services can elevate your premiums, so it’s important for you to review which ones you don’t need.
7. Compare Policy Details With Each Quote
When you’re in the process of comparing insurance quotes in Charlotte, you might notice some are significantly higher than others.
This doesn’t mean one company is a lot cheaper than the other. It could simply mean you’re getting quoted for different coverage.
For example, if company A quotes you for $100 a month and company B for $250 a month, take a closer look at the details. Company A could have a lower monthly payment if the deductible is $1000.
Meanwhile, company B charges a higher monthly payment because the deductible is $500.
Make sure you break down the policy coverage before you decide if a quote is the cheapest.
8. Evaluate the Reputation of the Company
As you know, while shopping for products and services, it’s not all about getting the cheapest price. Shopping for car insurance is about getting the best value for your buck.
Don’t think you’re getting great value because you’re getting a low price.
If you’re having doubts, you should evaluate the reputation of the insurance company. When some companies have extremely low premiums, they sometimes come with a history of not paying claims.
9. Usage-Based or Pay-per-Mile
If you’re a driver has a clean driving record and doesn’t have drive many miles within Charlotte, you might benefit from pay-per-mile insurance.
Some insurance providers only charge drivers based on the miles they drive. Other insurance providers offer discounts whenever drivers log their trips.
When you sign up for an usage-based plan, you can get a discount if you stay under the speed limit, you don’t drive many miles, or you drive during certain times.
10. Increase Your Deductible
Another way you can improve your chances of getting the best car insurance quote in Charlotte is by increasing your deductible.
If you’re a safe driver with a clean driving record and haven’t been in an accident, you could increase your deductibles and lower your premiums.
This way you can still get great coverage on your insurance policy and get lower premiums. Of course, the downside is if you’re in an accident, you will have to pay a higher deductible.
Best Car Insurance in Charlotte, NC: The Bottom Line
Now that you know how to get the best car insurance quote in Charlotte, it’s time you make the move. Start by looking at regional insurance companies, read the policies carefully, and increase your deductible.
Are you ready to get car insurance in Charlotte, NC? Contact us today for a quote.