Auto insurance is one of those things in life that we cannot do without. Not only is auto insurance a legal requirement across the United States and beyond, but it is also essential for keeping you financially and medically covered if things should go wrong.
That being said, finding the right auto insurance is easier said than done. Not only are auto insurance rates consistently rising at levels that are above inflation, but the market is saturated with sub-par dealers that will overcharge and underdeliver.
That is why it is crucial that you know exactly how to compare auto insurance in a way that gets you the best deal possible. With that in mind, read on to find out everything you need to know about comparing car insurance.
1. Why Compare Auto Insurance Rates?
There are a number of reasons to compare car insurance costs. Naturally, this is the best way to find the most affordable insurance package, as comparisons allow you to see what different companies are offering for the same product. There are a number of additional benefits of going online and comparing different auto insurance rates.
Total Accuracy
One of the best things about using online auto insurance comparison sites is that you are able to get a very accurate estimate of how much you will actually pay. As long as you provide as much information as possible and are honest about your circumstances, the quote you receive should very accurately reflect what you will pay for insurance. This is a great way to avoid any nasty surprises further down the line.
Contact with Smaller Providers
Much of the US auto insurance market is dominated by a handful of large providers that essentially charge whatever they feel like. By visiting comparison sites, you can make contact with the myriad smaller auto insurance providers that may offer the kinds of deals and discounts that Fortune 500 companies would never even consider doing.
Convenience
Comparing auto insurance rates online has never been easier. All you need to do is enter your personal information and what you are looking for, click a link, and you will be presented with hundreds of insurance rates from providers across the country. No longer do you have to spend time calling up insurance agents hoping to get a good deal. All of the information you need is at your fingertips.
Leverage
If you are angling for a discount from an insurance provider, comparison sites offer the best leverage for this. All insurance providers want your custom. It is very difficult for them to charge an unfair price if you show them comparison site results that show their competitors are all charging less for the exact same service.
2. Ask Your Existing Provider for a Discount
If you are going to compare auto insurance rates to try and find a more affordable or suitable package, make sure to tell your existing provider. You will be surprised how often they respond by offering to slash the price of your current insurance or throw in a few freebies to try and keep you onside.
It is almost guaranteed that, if you tell your auto insurance provider that you are considering switching to someone else, they will make you an offer to try and convince you to stay. Don’t forget to tell them the kinds of prices you have seen on comparison sites.
3. Use an Online Marketplace
If you have never tried to compare auto insurance rates before, it is important to use a reputable online marketplace for doing so. There are many, many auto insurance comparison sites out there, so make sure you stick to the most well-known ones such as Insurify, NerdWallet, and CompareTheMarket.
This will offer you the greatest level of exposure to the insurance market so that you can definitely find the very best deal on the market. All of these sites are totally free to use, so comparing car insurance will cost you nothing.
4. Gather Quotes from Multiple Providers
Once you have begun your auto insurance comparison journey, make sure to save your results. You will likely end up trawling through dozens or even hundreds of providers.
Make sure you do not forget which ones stand out by bookmarking certain providers or by just making a written note of a provider that you find particularly attractive. Make a note of the pros and cons of any insurance provider you are considering. This will help make sure you make the right choice.
5. Understand Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Prices
There is a wide range of factors that affect how much you will pay for auto insurance. It is important that you are fully aware of these before you begin your search, as you might be able to make adjustments that will save you money. To name just a few, auto insurance is affected by:
- Your Age: Very young drivers and very old drivers tend to be charged significantly more for auto insurance.
- Your Credit Score: The worse your credit score is, the more you can expect to pay auto insurance.
- Vehicle Type: A souped-up sports car will, for example, command higher insurance premiums than a saloon car.
- Vehicle Age: The older your car is and the more miles it has under its belt, the more you can expect to pay for insurance.
- Vehicle Use: If you use your vehicle for work-related purposes, you will probably have to pay more for insurance.
These are just a few of the factors that strongly affect auto insurance rates.
6. Compare Auto Insurance Rates for Local and Regional Providers
Finally, it is worth emphasizing the role that geography can play in auto insurance prices. Let’s say you live in North Carolina and are looking for an auto insurance provider.
Rather than looking solely at national or statewide providers, you should make sure to look for providers that specifically serve your county or city metro region. Locally-based dealers will offer a different, often better experience and price than larger providers that serve customers across the country.
Get the Right North Carolina Auto Insurance for You
Now that you know how to compare auto insurance rates, it is time to get the best possible deal. If you are on the lookout for auto insurance in North Carolina, look no further. Simply request a quote from us today and we will provide you with the best possible insurance rates.