How to Find a Cheap Car Insurance Rate

Risk
The best way to ensure you qualify for a cheap auto insurance rate is to present the most attractive risk to the insurance company. By avoiding high-end or modified cars and maintaining a good driving record, you'll able to get the best rate because you're not considered a high-risk driver. Take this step further by doing some research in respect to the safety and reliability of the vehicle you intend to insure. Those that rank highly in respect to safety and cost to repair will be seen as a better risk.



Manufacturer
To encourage the business of new customers, many vehicle manufacturers offer deals with the purchase of a new car. Occasionally, these offers include free car insurance coverage for a specified period, often 12 months. When purchasing a new car, check whether the dealership is in a position to offer a cheap auto insurance rate through a linked insurance company. Alternatively, they may be able to direct you to an insurance company they have a relationship with, where a discounted insurance rate can be obtained.
Comparison
By obtaining quotes from a range of different auto insurance companies, you will be in a position to compare them all to determine which offers the cheapest car insurance rate. Price comparison websites can be used to obtain several quotes at once. Ensure that the information provided to each insurer is the same to make a true comparison.
Broker
An auto insurance broker can be used to do all of the legwork it takes to find cheap auto insurance rates. After you provide them with all the relevant information, they will contact a variety of insurance companies to find bargain car insurance. Understanding your needs will enable them to concentrate on the insurers with the most relevant expertise in thoes particular areas. Opting for insurers that specialize in the type of coverage you need is the best way of finding the cheapest rate.
Make Use of Discounts
You have a lot of discounts available to you. In many cases, these are offered only when you qualify for the eligibility criteria. People with a spotless driving record for a few years can get "safe driver" discounts. A 10 to 15 percent discount can be obtained if any defensive driving training or instructional classes have been taken up by the driver. You can qualify for a better car insurance rate in cases that the vehicle has certain safety features, like restraint systems or air bags.
Use the Same Company for Numerous Policies
When you remain loyal to the insurance company, better rates are offered to you as compared to having your policies from different companies. Insuring your home, cars and other property using the same insurance company will bring your rates down on each policy.
Choose the Right Deductibles and Coverage Levels
The calculation of car insurance rates depends on a lot of varied factors, and you can greatly benefit by realizing your exact needs. While buying too much coverage is not wise, purchasing too little insurance is definitely a mistake. The level of coverage depends on the individual, as the situation for every driver is different. A $250 deductible could lead to more expensive car insurance premiums, as compared to a $500 deductible. In case you are not sure about the insurance coverage, consult an insurance professional, as this helps prevent unnecessary expenditure.

What Companies Offer the Best Cheap Auto Insuance Rates?

Generally, the car insurance companies that can afford to offer the lowest rates are huge corporations that operate over a large area. These companies have more total clients than smaller, local companies, so they can afford to make a little less money on each client.
Geico
This well established car insurance company offers very competitive rates to people anywhere in the United States. It is trusted and well reputed throughout the US as a responsible organization, and its services are very user-friendly and easy to use.
Allstate
Allstate is another well established car insurance company that is widely considered trustworthy and responsible. It specializes in cheap deals on the minimum legal requirement for car insurance.
Esurance
Esurance is run exclusively on the Internet, and it is also a great choice for you if you want cheap and reliable car insurance. This company is best known for its cheap deals for young drivers.

The Dangers of the Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates

The cheapest auto insurance rates can lead you into problems down the road. You may not be able to afford more car insurance, and that is why you are taking the cheapest rate you can find, which is understandable. However, if you drive a car a lot, the more coverage you can get, the better. Having the most coverage you can get can only help you in the case of an accident.

Basic Coverage
There is nothing wrong with buying basic insurance coverage. This coverage is often limited to liability. There are additional add-ons, like uninsured motorist, personal injury protection, collision and others. The more you can get the better, as each of these different insurance options have a purpose. For example, 1 in every 5 drivers is driving without insurance. If you get into an accident with someone without insurance, you will be forced to foot the repairs to your car and medical bills. Some states even require some form of this coverage. The one thing you definitely need is liability insurance. Every state requires some amount of insurance, but it is suggested that you have $100,000 dollars worth per person involved, so having approximately $300,000 in coverage is the average amount. That is a lot of coverage and will cost more than the cheap auto insurance you found.

Accidents
Accidents do happen. If you are involved in one, having cheap car insurance rates may only make it worse. The company likely won't want to help you much, and will make it tough for you to recover what you think you should recover. It is better to safe than sorry, and if there is one thing you do not want to skimp out on, it is auto insurance.

Umbrella Policy
Umbrella policies are great options when it comes to liability insurance. Since that is the most important thing you need, an umbrella policy is a great, cheap addition to your original policy. Umbrella policies cover anywhere between 1 and 5 million dollars worth of liability. The best part is the annual rates. Umbrella policies typically run between $200 and $400. That is a small price to pay when compared to the amount of coverage you get. For example, if you are deemed to be at fault in a large accident, you can have a possible lawsuit with several drivers involved suing you for their damages, distress, pain and suffering, etc. Having an umbrella policy can help pay out the potential hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars that they may win the event of a judgment.