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Step 1
Brokers Don't Make You Broker, They Save You $$$!!!Use a broker that shops for you in order to maximize your chances of getting the best deal. There are plenty of brokers out there that have access to shopping and comparing perhaps dozens of insurers for you. The key is getting a broker whom you trust and will actually find a deal that matches your budget. Ask a friend whom they use. Referrals are usually more reliable than random picks from the Yellow Pages or the Internet. Deal with a trusted party who is local if possible.
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Step 2
Competition = SavingsEnlist the aid of competition: Try out the tried and true: (www.insweb.com), (www.progressive.com), (www.insurance.com), or (www.onlineautoinsurance.com), (www.geico.com), (www.farmers.com), (www.allstate.com), for a comparison of rates and services. Put your broker on notice that you are utilizing the services of two or more other brokers who are also shopping for you and that you will execute the deal that has the most benefit for you. The free market, a.k.a. capitalism, always employs competition and rewards best service and price over that which is mediocre.
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Step 3
Always Compare Identical Insurance Products!Always compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. There is no value in comparing two policies that have similar monthly payments but have completely different deductibles or benefits otherwise. Be smart. Make sure you understand what you are getting.
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Step 4
You Never Know When You'll Need A Tow!See if there are any additional benefits to your policy such as towing or auto service when trying to purchase car insurance online. If you don’t already subscribe to such a service, calculate if it would make sense to incorporate such a service into your policy.
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Step 5
Combine Insurance Coverages and Save $$$Take into account that there might be additional benefits if you lump certain types of insurance coverage and products together. Ask your agent if it would benefit you if you combined your hazard insurance policy and your auto insurance policies and/or other insurance such as life insurance. There is usually a discount for doing so when you purchase car insurance online or at your agent's office. Also ask about any other discounts available such as student discounts, full-payment discounts, alarm-system discounts, etc.
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Step 6
Consider Increasing Your Deductible!!Be sure you understand if it would further benefit you to increase your deductible(s) to get a lower premium. If you aren’t likely to get into an accident, your potential savings could be worth the risk to opt for a higher deductible when trying to purchase car insurance online.
