How to Shop for a Better Car Insurance Rate at Renewal
Months have gone by, and before you know it you get an envelope in the mail reminding you that your car insurance policy is almost up for renewal. You are now presented with a choice: renew your policy with your current provider because it’s easy, or find coverage elsewhere for a better rate.
If you need some reasons for why you should shop around for a new car insurance rate when renewal time comes around, here’s an easy to remember list:
- You can save money.
- You can save money.
- You can save money.
Need more reasons to shop around for new car insurance rates? Fair enough
- Sometimes your rate will increase upon renewal. You don’t want to pay more than you already were, right? (Save some money!)
- Switching your policy at renewal avoids being charged mid-term cancellation penalties or partial premiums. (More money saving!)
- It’s less of a hassle than switching mid-term because you don’t have to worry about cancelling a policy and paying partial premiums. Just pay the new company and don’t renew the old one.
How, exactly, do you shop around and make sure you get a better car insurance rate? You might be surprised at how easy it is.
Compare car insurance renewal quotes online
There are sites (like this one) that let you quickly and easily find the best auto insurance offers for you. All you need to do is fill out a simple online form and away you go. When you get your quotes you’ll be able to see a few different options and compare the rates you get with the rate your current company is offering you upon renewal.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower premium
This might sound crazy, but you can get a lot of things in life simply by asking for them – if you ask the right way. Lower car insurance is one of those things. Negotiating a lower car insurance rate is more easily done through brokers, but you may also be able to get a lower rate if you simply call the company and get the right person on the phone with you.
Start by asking if there’s anything you can do for a discount, like paying for the year up front, or if you’re eligible for discounts for having certain safety features on your vehicle, or even if there is a special discount through your place of employment. If you are considering getting another insurance policy with the company, make sure to ask about discounts for bundling. You could even tell them that another company is offering you a lower quote and see how they react.
Remember that the lowest car insurance rate isn’t everythimg. While it is great to save hundreds of dollars every year on your car insurance, it’s also important that your insurer actually has a good reputation for fulfilling claims. The cheapest auto insurance may not be the best auto insurance. Do your research on a company before you sign up with them or find a reputable broker who can help you through the steps.