The easiest way to find cheaper quotes for auto insurance rates in Columbus is to do an annual price comparison from insurers in Ohio. This can be done by following these steps.
- It will benefit you to learn about auto insurance and the factors you can control to keep rates in check. Many rating criteria that result in higher rates such as at-fault accidents and a substandard credit score can be rectified by making minor changes to your lifestyle. Read the full article for tips to help reduce prices and find missing discounts.
- Quote rates from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Direct and exclusive agents can only give prices from a single company like GEICO or Allstate, while independent agents can quote rates for a wide range of insurance providers. Begin your rate comparison
- Compare the new quotes to your current policy premium to see if a cheaper price is available in Columbus. If you find a lower rate and buy the policy, make sure coverage does not lapse between policies.
One tip to remember is to make sure you enter the same level of coverage on each quote and to quote with as many companies as possible. This guarantees a fair rate comparison and the most accurate and complete price analysis.
Statistics show that nearly 70% of drivers have bought auto insurance from the same company for four years or more, and virtually 40% of consumers have never quoted rates to find lower-cost coverage. Ohio consumers could save themselves as much as 55% a year by just shopping around, but they don’t invest the time required to go online and compare rates.
If you have coverage now, you will be able to find better prices using the ideas covered in this article. Finding affordable car insurance coverage in Columbus can initially seem challenging. But Ohio drivers do need to know the methods companies use to charge you for coverage because it can help you find the best coverage.
Car insurance policy discounts for Chevy TrailBlazer insurance in Columbus
Some providers don’t list the entire discount list in a way that’s easy to find, so we took the time to find a few of the more well known and also the lesser-known discounts you could be receiving when you buy Columbus car insurance online.
- Discounts for Cautious Drivers – Insureds who avoid accidents could pay up to 40% less than less cautious drivers.
- Safety Restraint Discount – Forcing all vehicle occupants to fasten their seat belts may be able to save a few bucks off PIP or medical payments premium.
- Policy Bundle Discount – When you combine your auto and home insurance and insure them both with the same insurance company they may give you a discount of up to 20% and get you inexpensive Chevrolet TrailBlazer insurance in Columbus.
- Federal Employees – Being employed by or retired from a federal job could qualify for a slight premium decrease but check with your company.
- Smart Student Discounts – Getting good grades could provide a savings of up to 20% or more. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.
- Active Service Discounts – Having a deployed family member may lower your premium rates slightly.
- Full Payment Discount – By paying your policy upfront instead of paying each month you can avoid the installment charge.
- Discount for New Cars – Insuring a new TrailBlazer can cost up to 25% less because newer models keep occupants safer.
- Driver Education Discount – It’s a good idea to have your young drivers take driver’s ed class if it’s offered in school.
One thing to note about discounts is that most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So when it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, it doesn’t quite work that way. But any discount will definitely lower your policy cost.
Larger car insurance companies and a summarized list of policyholder discounts are:
- Progressive has discounts for online quote discount, online signing, multi-policy, homeowner, multi-vehicle, good student, and continuous coverage.
- MetLife has savings for accident-free, defensive driver, good driver, multi-policy, claim-free, and good student.
- Mercury Insurance may offer discounts for location of vehicle, annual mileage, age of vehicle, ease of repair, and low natural disaster claims.
- Nationwide includes discounts for defensive driving, business or organization, family plan, Farm Bureau membership, and easy pay.
- GEICO offers discounts including multi-vehicle, anti-theft, air bags, good student, daytime running lights, emergency military deployment, and defensive driver.
- AAA offers premium reductions for pay-in-full, multi-policy, good student, multi-car, and education and occupation.
When getting a coverage quote, ask every company the best way to save money. Depending on the company, some discounts may not apply in Columbus. To see a list of insurers with discount car insurance rates in Columbus, follow this link.
First Step: Get free Chevy TrailBlazer insurance quotes
There are several ways to obtain and compare prices from many auto insurance companies in Ohio. The quickest method to find affordable insurance rates is to use the internet to compare rates.
Doing online price quotes comparisons is so easy that it makes it obsolete to call or drive to different Columbus agent offices. Buying insurance online makes this process obsolete unless you have a need for the professional assistance of an agent trained in personal lines coverage. If you prefer, some companies allow you to obtain prices from the web and still use a local agent.
Keep in mind that comparing a wide range of rates provides better odds of finding the best offered rates. Not every company provides Columbus TrailBlazer insurance quotes over the internet, so it’s important to also get price estimates from them as well.
The companies shown below are our best choices to provide free quotes in Columbus, OH. If multiple companies are shown, it’s a good idea that you visit two to three different companies in order to get a fair rate comparison.
Tailor your insurance coverage to you
Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing insurance from an agent or online for your vehicles, there really is not a one size fits all plan. Your situation is unique.
For instance, these questions can aid in determining if your insurance needs may require specific advice.
- Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
- Am I covered by my spouse’s policy after a separation?
- Should I bundle my homeowners policy with my auto?
- Is my Chevy TrailBlazer covered for smoke damage?
- What should my uninsured motorist coverage limits be in Ohio?
- Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?
- Do I need PIP coverage since I have good health insurance?
If you’re not sure about those questions then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form.
Compare rates but buy from a neighborhood Columbus auto insurance agent
A small number of people would rather go talk to an agent and we recommend doing that A nice benefit of comparing rate quotes online is the fact that drivers can get lower rates and still buy from a local agent. Buying from and supporting local insurance agencies is especially important in Columbus.
By using this simple form, your insurance coverage information is emailed to agents in your area who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to drive around since rate quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. You’ll get the best rates and an insurance agent to talk to. If you want to get a comparison quote from one company in particular, you would need to jump over to their website to submit a rate quote request.
The type of auto insurance agent you choose is important
If you’re trying to find a reliable agent, it helps to know the two types of agencies and how they can service your needs differently. Insurance agencies in Columbus can either be exclusive agents or independent agents.
Independent Car Insurance Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies can quote rates with many companies so they can write business through many different car insurance companies and find the cheapest car insurance rates. If premiums increase, the business is moved internally and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When comparing car insurance rates, you absolutely need to get quotes from a couple of independent agencies so that you can do a thorough price comparison.
Shown below is a partial list of independent insurance agents in Columbus who may provide comparison quotes.
Geswein Insurance Agency LLC
5214 Bethel Center Mall – Columbus, OH 43220 – (614) 538-2944 – View Map
Danduran and Associates Insurance Agency, Inc.
1827 O Brien Rd – Columbus, OH 43228 – (614) 777-8200 – View Map
W.E. Davis Insurance Agency
29 Frederick St – Columbus, OH 43206 – (614) 443-0533 – View Map
Exclusive Agents
Agents that elect to be exclusive generally can only insure with one company like American Family, State Farm, and Allstate. These agents are not able to compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Exclusive agents are well trained on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell on service rather than price.
The following are exclusive insurance agencies in Columbus that are able to give price quote information.
Scott Dawson – State Farm Insurance Agent
5871 Cleveland Ave – Columbus, OH 43231 – (614) 891-2886 – View Map
Andrea Taylor – State Farm Insurance Agent
5540 N Hamilton Rd – Columbus, OH 43230 – (614) 855-9421 – View Map
Howard Tyler – State Farm Insurance Agent
1395 E Dublin Granville Rd #201 – Columbus, OH 43229 – (614) 431-8192 – View Map
Choosing an insurance agent should include more criteria than just a cheap quote. The questions below may impact your decision as well.
- If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
- Do they prorate repair cost based on vehicle mileage?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- Which family members are covered?
- Are there any extra charges for paying monthly?
- If you raise deductibles, how much can you save?
Auto insurance coverages explained
Having a good grasp of auto insurance helps when choosing the best coverages at the best deductibles and correct limits. The terms used in a policy can be impossible to understand and coverage can change by endorsement.
Comprehensive coverages
This coverage pays for damage from a wide range of events other than collision. A deductible will apply and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for claims such as theft, hail damage, hitting a deer, rock chips in glass and damage from a tornado or hurricane. The maximum payout you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other motorists when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. This coverage pays for medical payments for you and your occupants and damage to your Chevy TrailBlazer.
Due to the fact that many Ohio drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (which is 25/50/25), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is very important. Usually your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are set the same as your liability limits.
Auto liability
Liability insurance protects you from damages or injuries you inflict on people or other property in an accident. This insurance protects YOU from claims by other people, and does not provide coverage for your own vehicle damage or injuries.
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 values of 25/50/25 which stand for a limit of $25,000 per injured person, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and a limit of $25,000 paid for damaged property. Alternatively, you may have one limit called combined single limit (CSL) which combines the three limits into one amount and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability insurance covers claims like legal defense fees, repair bills for other people’s vehicles and medical services. How much liability should you purchase? That is your choice, but you should buy higher limits if possible. Ohio requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/25 but you should think about purchasing more liability than the minimum.
The chart below demonstrates why the minimum limit may not be adequate.
Auto collision coverage
Collision insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage from colliding with an object or car. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision insurance covers things like colliding with a tree, hitting a mailbox, sustaining damage from a pot hole and rolling your car. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so you might think about dropping it from older vehicles. You can also increase the deductible on your TrailBlazer in order to get cheaper collision rates.
Coverage for medical payments
Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance kick in for bills for things like pain medications, funeral costs, hospital visits and chiropractic care. They are often used to fill the gap from your health insurance plan or if you are not covered by health insurance. It covers you and your occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP is not an option in every state and may carry a deductible
One last thing to lower rates
Drivers who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, being labeled a high risk driver, delays in responding to claim requests or high prices. Whatever your reason, finding a great new company is not as difficult as it may seem.
Cheaper Chevy TrailBlazer insurance in Columbus is possible online in addition to many Columbus insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance providers do not offer the ability to get quotes online and these smaller providers prefer to sell through independent insurance agencies.
You just learned many tips how you can reduce Chevy TrailBlazer insurance prices online in Columbus. The most important thing to understand is the more companies you get rates for, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers could even find that the biggest savings come from the least-expected company.
More information is located at these links:
- Keeping Children Safe in Crashes Video (iihs.org)
- What Insurance is Cheapest for a Ford Escape in Columbus? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Columbus Car Insurance for a GMC Acadia? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Columbus Auto Insurance for Drivers with Accidents? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Car Insurance Quotes for Drivers Requiring a SR22 in Columbus? (FAQ)
- How Much are Columbus Auto Insurance Quotes for a Toyota Highlander? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Car Insurance Rates for a Dodge Ram in Columbus? (FAQ)
- Information for Teen Drivers (GEICO)
- Older Driver Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)