Do you make a habit of shopping around for auto insurance? Shopping and negotiating go hand-in-hand, but you can get the job done with only one phone call. Independent insurance agents search a network of insurers to find the best deal on your behalf, eliminating the need to price hunt on your own time. Even so, you’ll still need to ask questions to ensure that you get the right amount of coverage for a good price.
You may not be outwardly offered discounts, even if you’re eligible. So it’s up to you to ask. Discuss the following questions with your agent to ensure you save as much as possible on your auto insurance.
- How much of a discount can I receive if you insure both my house and car?
- Do you offer renewal discounts? What discount can you offer to reward my loyalty as a long-term member?
- Will pre-paying an entire year trigger a discount?
- What rate adjustments do you offer for car safety features, such as side airbags and rearview monitoring?
- Do you provide low-mileage rate adjustments?
- Does your company offer discounts if the driver completes a defensive driving course?
- Does your company offer discounts based upon my employer?
- What kind of competitive rate adjustments do you offer for low-risk occupations?
- Is roadside assistance included? What other add-on benefits are built into the rate? (If you have AAA, you may not need roadside assistance, so taking it off should result in a lower premium. In addition, some credit cards offer roadside assistance. Check yours and verify the actual costs and deductibles.
In addition, ask your agent to review premiums based upon higher deductibles. By signing up for higher deductibles, many auto insurance providers may reduce the premiums. For example, selecting a $500 deductible rather than a $250 deductible can result in a premium savings of 15 to 30 percent for collision and comprehensive coverage. A $1,000 deductible may result in savings up to 40 percent. However, ensure that you have adequate funds to cover a higher deductible if you need to file a claim.
Moreover, AAA, large employers, AARP, unions and other organizations sometimes negotiate bulk deals on car insurance for their members or employees. Double check their websites and search for insurance services or perks.
We’ll answer all your questions. Call Turrentine Insurance Agency at (281) 476-0557 for more information on Pasadena auto insurance.