Locating the cheapest insurance for an Oldsmobile Achieva can turn out to be an all-consuming task, but you can use our auto insurance buying tips to save time. There is a better way to compare auto insurance rates so you’re going to learn the quickest way to price shop coverage for your Oldsmobile and obtain the cheapest rates from local insurance agents and online providers.
It is always a good idea to do rate comparisons at least once a year since insurance rates are constantly changing. Despite the fact that you may have had the best rates for Achieva coverage a couple years back the chances are good that you can find a lower rate today. There is a lot of bad information regarding auto insurance on the internet, so by reading this article, you’re going to learn some tested techniques to reduce your auto insurance bill.
Choosing the best insurance company for you is not that difficult. If you are insured now or need a new policy, you can follow these tips to find better prices and possibly find even better coverage. Vehicle owners only need an understanding of how to compare rates online.
You probably qualify for some discounts
Auto insurance companies do not advertise every available discount very well, so we researched both well-publicized and the more hidden discounts you could be receiving. If you don’t get every credit possible, you’re paying more than you need to.
- Auto/Home Discount – When you combine your home and auto insurance with one insurance company you may save 10% to 20% off each policy.
- Pay Now and Pay Less – By paying your policy upfront instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.
- Discounts for Safe Drivers – Safe drivers may receive a discount up to 45% less for Achieva coverage than drivers with accidents.
- Passive Restraint Discount – Vehicles with factory air bags or automatic seat belts can qualify for discounts of up to 25% or more.
- Memberships – Being a member of certain professional organizations is a good way to get lower rates on your policy for Achieva coverage.
- Paperless Signup – Certain companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks just for signing your application over the internet.
Keep in mind that most discount credits are not given to the overall cost of the policy. Most only cut individual premiums such as comp or med pay. Just because you may think it’s possible to get free car insurance, you won’t be that lucky.
To see a list of insurers with the best auto insurance discounts, follow this link.
Oldsmobile Achieva rates are in the details
An important part of buying insurance is that you know the factors that play a part in calculating auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates helps enable you to make changes that can help you get big savings.
- More people means more accidents – Residing in small towns and rural areas is a positive aspect when it comes to auto insurance. Drivers who live in large cities tend to have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Lower population translates into fewer accidents.
- Multi-policy discounts can save money – Most insurers give discounts to insureds who carry more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it’s still a good idea to comparison shop to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.
- How your age affects price – Young drivers tend to be more careless when behind the wheel so auto insurance rates are higher. Older insureds are viewed as being more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents and are safer drivers.
- Liability coverage protects you – Liability insurance provides coverage if ever a jury decides you are liable for personal injury or accident damage. It provides legal defense which can be incredibly expensive. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to physical damage coverage, so buy as much as you can afford.
- How credit affects auto insurance rates – Credit rating is a large factor in determining your rates. Consumers who have good credit tend to be less risk to insure than drivers with lower ratings. If your credit can use some improvement, you could save money insuring your Oldsmobile Achieva by improving your credit score.
When might I need the advice of an agent?
When it comes to buying the best auto insurance coverage, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Everyone’s needs are different.
For instance, these questions might point out whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.
- When would I need additional glass coverage?
- Do no-fault laws apply in my state?
- Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
- Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
- Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
- Do I qualify for additional discounts?
- What should my uninsured motorist coverage limits be in my state?
- I don’t drive much so do I pay less?
- Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and may give you better protection.
Neighborhood insurance agents
Certain consumers just want to talk to a local agent. Professional agents can answer important questions and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to.
Upon completion of this quick form, your insurance coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to drive around as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier!
Picking an provider requires more thought than just the price. Here are some questions to ask:
- How long has their agency been in business?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
Auto insurance agents are either independent or captive
When looking for a good insurance agent, there are a couple of types of agencies to choose from. Insurance agencies are either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth mentioning the difference between them since it can impact the selection process.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents can only write with one company like State Farm or Allstate. These agents are unable to shop your coverage around so always compare other rates. Captive agents are well schooled on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage. Some consumers prefer to buy from captive agents mostly because of high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Independent Agents
Independent agents are not employed by any specific company but instead can place your coverage with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency.
When shopping rates, it’s recommended you include several independent insurance agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.Most can insure with different regional companies which can be an advantage.
To view a complete directory of insurance agencies, click here.
After getting acceptable answers to all your questions and locked in a price quote, most likely you have located an insurance agency that meets your needs to properly insure your vehicles.
Do drivers who switch really save $495 a year?
Consumers constantly see and hear ads for the lowest price auto insurance from companies such as State Farm and Allstate. They all say the same thing of big savings after switching your policy.
But how can every company make the same claim?
Different companies can use profiling for the type of customer that makes them money. A good example of a driver they prefer might be a mature driver, owns a home, and chooses high deductibles. A customer getting a price quote who matches those parameters will get the preferred rates and most likely will pay quite a bit less when switching companies.
Potential customers who are not a match for the requirements will be charged a more expensive rate and this can result in business not being written. The ads state “customers that switch” not “people who quote” save that kind of money. This is how insurance companies can advertise the savings. That is why you need to compare many company’s rates. You cannot predict the company that will give you the biggest savings.
Smart consumers save more
As you prepare to switch companies, you should never sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later that it was a big error on their part. Your focus should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.
We covered some good ideas how you can reduce Oldsmobile Achieva insurance prices online. The most important thing to understand is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your comparison will be. You may be surprised to find that the lowest premiums are with a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising.
Drivers change insurance companies for many reasons like high rates after DUI convictions, denial of a claim, high prices or even extreme rates for teen drivers. Whatever your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
