Truthfully, the best way to get budget car insurance rates is to start comparing rates regularly from providers who can sell car insurance in Columbus. You can shop around by following these guidelines.
Step 1: Get a basic knowledge of how auto insurance works and the things you can change to keep rates low. Many things that result in higher rates such as speeding tickets, careless driving and a less-than-favorable credit rating can be controlled by paying attention to minor details.
Step 2: Compare prices from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can provide rates from one company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while independent agencies can quote prices for a wide range of companies.
Step 3: Compare the new rate quotes to the price on your current policy and see if there is a cheaper rate in Columbus. If you can save money and make a switch, make sure there is no lapse between the expiration of your current policy and the new one.
Step 4: Provide proper notification to your current company of your intent to cancel your current auto insurance policy and submit the signed application along with the required initial payment to your new agent or company. When you receive it, put the new proof of insurance certificate somewhere easily accessible.
The most important part of this process is to make sure you enter identical coverage information on every quote and and to get price estimates from as many companies as you can. This helps ensure a level playing field and a thorough selection of prices.
It’s an obvious assumption that car insurance companies don’t want you to look for cheaper rates. Drivers who compare other prices are likely to switch to a new company because there is a high probability of getting low-cost coverage. A recent auto insurance study discovered that people who regularly compared price quotes saved approximately $3,450 over four years compared to other drivers who never shopped for cheaper rates.
If finding discount rates on insurance in Columbus is your target objective, learning how to find companies and compare coverage rates can make it easier to find better rates.
If you are paying for car insurance now, you will most likely be able to shop for the lowest rates using this information. Locating the best insurance company for you in Columbus is actually not that difficult if you follow our advice. Nevertheless, Ohio car owners can benefit by having an understanding of the way insurance companies determine what you pay and take advantage of how the system works.
How much is Volkswagen Golf SportWagen insurance in Columbus?
The are a couple different ways to get quotes from many different Ohio insurance companies. The easiest way to do a complete rate comparison is to get quotes online.
Doing online quotes comparisons is so easy that it replaces the need to physically go to insurance agencies in your area. Quoting and buying Volkswagen Golf SportWagen insurance online can eliminate the need for a local agent unless you have a need for the professional guidance of a local agency. Drivers can compare the best prices online but purchase the actual policy in an agency.
Just keep in mind that getting more free quotes increases the chance that you will find the best offered rates. Some insurance companies are not set up to provide online price quotes, so you should also compare rates from those companies as well.
The companies shown below offer price quotes in Ohio. If multiple companies are listed, we suggest you get rate quotes from several of them to find the lowest car insurance rates.
Car insurance is an important decision
Despite the high insurance cost for a Volkswagen Golf SportWagen in Columbus, buying car insurance is required in Ohio but it also protects you in many ways.
- The majority of states have mandatory insurance requirements which means the state requires a specific level of liability insurance if you don’t want to risk a ticket. In Ohio these limits are 25/50/25 which means you must have $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage.
- If your vehicle has a lienholder, almost all lenders will make it a condition of the loan that you have comprehensive coverage to ensure they get paid if you total the vehicle. If the policy lapses, the bank or lender will purchase a policy for your Volkswagen at an extremely high rate and require you to fork over the higher price.
- Insurance protects not only your Volkswagen but also your financial assets. It also can pay for medical transport and hospital expenses for both you and anyone you injure as the result of an accident. One of the most valuable coverages, liability insurance, also covers legal expenses if anyone sues you for causing an accident. If damage is caused by hail or an accident, your policy will cover the repair costs.
The benefits of having car insurance are without a doubt worth the cost, particularly if you ever have a claim. Today the average American driver is overpaying more than $750 every year so smart consumers compare quotes every year to be sure current rates are still competitive.
How to Lower Your Insurance Prices
Part of the auto insurance buying process is learning some of the things that help determine your auto insurance rates. If you have some idea of what determines premiums, this helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with big savings.
- Auto insurance lapses lead to higher auto insurance rates – Having a gap between insurance policy dates is a sure-fire way to increase your auto insurance rates. And not only will your rates increase, failure to provide proof of insurance could earn you a steep fine or even jail time. You will then be forced to submit proof of financial responsibility or a SR-22 with the Ohio department of motor vehicles.
- Insurance costs are higher for high performance vehicles – The performance of the car or truck you are buying insurance for makes a substantial difference in your auto insurance rates. Lower performance four cylinder passenger models generally have the cheapest insurance rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
- Liability coverage – The liability section of your policy is the protection when you are determined to be liable for causing personal injury or damage in an accident. Your liability coverage provides legal defense starting from day one. Liability insurance is quite affordable when compared with rates for comp and collision, so drivers should buy more than the minimum limits required by law.
- Inexpensive frequent policy claims are not good – If you file claims often, don’t be surprised to see higher rates. Auto insurance companies in Ohio give lower rates to insureds who are claim-free. Auto insurance is meant to be used in the event of claims that pose a financial burden.
- Can a thief steal your car? – Purchasing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can help bring down rates. Anti-theft devices like vehicle immobilizer systems, OnStar, and tracking devices like LoJack all hinder auto theft and help lower rates.
- Your address can influence rates – Choosing to live in less populated areas of the country has it’s advantages when insuring your vehicles. Residents of big cities have to deal with more traffic problems and longer commutes to work. Fewer people translates into fewer accident claims.
- Only buy extra coverages you need – Policies have add-on coverages that sound like a good idea at the time if you aren’t diligent. Things like rental car coverage, high-cost glass coverage, and membership fees are examples of these. You may think they are a good idea initially, but your money might be better spent on other coverage so get rid of them and save.
When do I need an agent’s advice?
Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing your policy for your personal vehicles, there is no “perfect” insurance plan. You are unique so this has to be addressed.
These are some specific questions could help you determine whether your personal situation would benefit from an agent’s advice.
- Can I get a multi-policy discount?
- Can I drive in Mexico and have coverage?
- Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
- Do I need added coverage for expensive stereo equipment?
- Is water damage covered by my policy?
- Am I covered if I hit someone who is not insured?
- Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
- Is there a penalty for late payment?
- What discounts do I qualify for?
- Is there coverage for injuries to my pets?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies.
More quotes mean more car insurance savings
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, it’s a bad idea to reduce needed coverages to save money. In too many instances, someone dropped liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that the savings was not a smart move. Your focus should be to buy enough coverage at a price you can afford, but do not sacrifice coverage to save money.
Some insurance companies may not offer online price quotes and most of the time these regional insurance providers sell through independent insurance agents. Cheaper car insurance in Columbus can be purchased on the web and also from your neighborhood Columbus agents, and you need to price shop both to have the best selection.
Much more information about car insurance in Ohio can be found at these links:
- Child Safety FAQ (iihs.org)
- How Much is Columbus Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers? (FAQ)
- Teen Driving Statistics (iihs.org)
- Understanding Your Insurance Deductible (Insurance Information Institute)