No one in their right mind rejoices having to buy auto insurance, especially when they know the cost is way too high. Consumers have multiple insurers to pick from, and though it is a good thing to be able to choose, so many choices can make it hard to get the best deal.
Choosing the best insurance company for you in San Antonio is not rocket science. If you currently have car insurance, you should be able to reduce your rates substantially using these methods. Nevertheless, Texas drivers must comprehend how insurance companies price insurance differently and use this information to your advantage.
Pay discount rates these ten rate-reducing discounts
Some insurance providers don’t necessarily list their entire list of discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so the list below gives a summary of some of the best known and the harder-to-find credits available to you.
- Save with a New Car – Putting auto insurance coverage on a new car can get you a discount because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
- Good Students Pay Less – Performing well in school may save you up to 25%. You can use this discount normally well after school through age 25.
- Theft Deterent – Vehicles equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen with less frequency and can earn a small discount on your policy.
- Anti-lock Brakes – Cars and trucks with anti-lock braking systems have fewer accidents so you can save 10 percent or more.
- Senior Discount – If you’re over the age of 55, you are able to get a small decrease in premiums for Suburban insurance.
- Safety Course Discount – Taking part in a course that instructs on driving safety could save 5% or more depending on where you live.
- Homeowners Savings – Simply owning a home can help you save on auto insurance because maintaining a house shows financial diligence.
- Sign Online – A few larger online companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks just for signing your application over the internet.
- Drivers Ed for Students – Teen drivers should participate in a local driver’s education class if it’s offered in school.
- Pay Upfront and Save – By making one initial payment instead of making monthly payments you can actually save on your bill.
A little disclaimer on discounts, most credits do not apply to the entire cost. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. Despite the appearance that adding up those discounts means a free policy, insurance companies wouldn’t stay in business.
A few of the larger companies and some of their more popular discounts can be read below.
- The Hartford discounts include defensive driver, driver training, anti-theft, vehicle fuel type, and bundle.
- American Family may include discounts for defensive driver, multi-vehicle, air bags, Steer into Savings, early bird, accident-free, and bundled insurance.
- Progressive offers discounts for multi-vehicle, multi-policy, online signing, homeowner, continuous coverage, and online quote discount.
- Travelers has discounts for multi-car, IntelliDrive, student away at school, hybrid/electric vehicle, continuous insurance, driver training, and payment discounts.
- Farmers Insurance may offer discounts for good student, electronic funds transfer, homeowner, mature driver, early shopping, and alternative fuel.
- USAA may have discounts that include multi-policy, safe driver, family discount, defensive driver, annual mileage, and loyalty savings.
- Liberty Mutual includes discounts for preferred payment discount, teen driver discount, multi-car, hybrid vehicle, multi-policy, newly retired, and good student.
Before purchasing a policy, check with all companies you are considering the best way to save money. All car insurance discounts may not apply to policyholders in San Antonio. If you would like to see a list of companies that offer multiple discounts in Texas, click here.
Auto insurance coverage information
Understanding the coverages of your auto insurance policy can be of help when determining which coverages you need and the correct deductibles and limits. The coverage terms in a policy can be difficult to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Below you’ll find the normal coverages found on the average auto insurance policy.
Collision coverage
This coverage will pay to fix damage to your Suburban 1500 from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision insurance covers claims such as driving through your garage door, hitting a parking meter, sustaining damage from a pot hole and colliding with another moving vehicle. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. It’s also possible to raise the deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.
Medical payments and PIP coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage reimburse you for expenses for doctor visits, X-ray expenses and pain medications. They are often used to fill the gap from your health insurance program or if you do not have health coverage. Coverage applies to both the driver and occupants as well as being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP coverage is not universally available and may carry a deductible
Comprehensive auto coverage
This pays for damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You need to pay your deductible first then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive can pay for things such as theft, falling objects and rock chips in glass. The most you’ll receive from a claim is the actual cash value, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value consider dropping full coverage.
Liability insurance
Liability insurance provides protection from damage or injury you incur to a person or their property by causing an accident. This coverage protects you against other people’s claims, and doesn’t cover your injuries or vehicle damage.
Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. You commonly see liability limits of 100/300/100 that means you have $100,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, $300,000 for the entire accident, and $100,000 of coverage for damaged propery.
Liability insurance covers things such as medical expenses, court costs and medical services. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is up to you, but consider buying as large an amount as possible. Texas state law requires minimum liability limits of 30,000/60,000/25,000 but it’s recommended drivers buy more liability than the minimum.
UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage
Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle when the “other guys” do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered claims include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and damage to your Chevy Suburban 1500.
Since a lot of drivers have only the minimum liability required by law (30/60/25 in Texas), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is important protection for you and your family.
More consumer information in Texas
More tips and info about auto insurance is available at the Texas Department of Insurance website. Visitors are able to find out which companies have the most complaints, read enforcement actions against agents and companies, download brochures, and learn about specific coverages.
The following information may also be useful.
- San Antonio, TX Auto Insurance Savings the Insurance Agents Dont Want You to Know About
- Tricks for Effectively Comparing San Antonio, TX Auto Insurance Rates
- Uncover the Secrets to Saving Money on San Antonio Texas Car Insurance
Do the work, save more money
Cheaper auto insurance is available online in addition to local insurance agencies, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some insurance providers do not offer the ability to get a quote online and many times these small, regional companies only sell coverage through independent agencies.
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where an accident victim reduced liability coverage limits only to regret they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The goal is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at a price you can afford and still be able to protect your assets.