Statistics show that over 70% of consumers renewed their policy with the same company for four years or more, and almost half have never compared quotes from other companies. Portland insurance shoppers could save an average of 60% each year by just comparing quotes, but they just don’t understand the amount of savings they would get if they swap their current policy for a cheaper one.
It takes a little time, but the best way to get budget auto insurance rates is to start doing an annual price comparison from companies in Portland. Rates can be compared by following these guidelines.
- Step 1: Learn about auto insurance and the things you can control to prevent rate increases. Many rating factors that result in higher prices like accidents, traffic tickets, and a less-than-favorable credit rating can be rectified by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility.
- Step 2: Compare prices from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Direct and exclusive agents can give quotes from one company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while independent agencies can provide price quotes from multiple sources. Compare rates now
- Step 3: Compare the quotes to your existing policy and see if there is a cheaper rate. If you find a lower rate quote and buy the policy, make sure coverage is continuous and does not lapse.
- Step 4: Notify your current company to cancel your current policy and submit the required down payment along with the signed application for the new policy. Once the paperwork is finalized, safely store the proof of insurance paperwork with the vehicle registration.
One thing to point out is that you use identical coverages on every price quote and and to get prices from as many different companies as possible. Doing this enables an accurate price comparison and a thorough price selection.
Lincoln LS Insurance Rate Factors
Many different elements are used in the calculation when pricing auto insurance. A few of the factors are predictable like your driving record, but some are less obvious like where you live or how safe your car is.
Performance makes a difference – The type of car you own makes a huge difference in your rates. Low performance passenger vehicles generally receive the lowest base rates, but your final cost has many other factors.
Discounts for married drivers – Being married can get you a discount on your policy. Marriage translates into being more mature and it’s proven that married drivers tend to have fewer serious accidents.
Fewer miles means better premiums – Driving more miles in a year’s time the more you will pay for car insurance. Most companies charge to insure your cars determined by how the vehicle is used. Cars not used for work or commuting cost less to insure than vehicles that have high annual mileage. Having an incorrect usage rating on your LS can cost quite a bit. Ask your agent if your policy is rated on the correct driver usage.
Never allow your car insurance policy to lapse – Driving without insurance can get you a ticket and you may have a hard time finding new coverage because you let your coverage cancel without a new policy in place. And not only will your rates increase, failure to provide proof of insurance can result in fines and jail time.
Excellent credit means lower rates – Having a good credit score is a big factor in determining what you pay for car insurance. Consumers who have high credit scores tend to be more responsible and file fewer claims than drivers with worse credit. If your credit score could use some work, you could potentially save money when insuring your Lincoln LS by taking the time to improve your credit score.
Is your vehicle theft-ready? – Choosing to buy a car with an alarm system can save you a little every year. Systems that thwart thieves like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system all help stop vehicle theft.
Raise deductibles and save – Physical damage protection, also known as collision and other-than-collision, insures against damage to your Lincoln. Examples of covered claims would be a windshield shattered by a rock, flood damage, and burglary. Comp and collision deductibles state the amount of money you are required to spend out-of-pocket before your car insurance pays a claim. The more expense the insured has to pay upfront, the lower your rates will be.
File insurance claims and pay more – Car insurance companies in Oregon generally give discounts to people who file claims infrequently. If you are the type of insured that files lots of claims you can look forward to higher rates. Insurance coverage is intended to be relied upon for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
Do you qualify for discounts?
Companies that sell car insurance don’t always advertise all discounts in an easy-to-find place, so the next list breaks down some of the best known and the harder-to-find discounts you could be receiving when you buy Portland auto insurance online. If you don’t get every credit possible, you are paying more than you should be.
- Paperless Signup – A few auto insurance companies give back up to $50 shop Portland auto insurance over the internet.
- Government Employee Discount – Active or retired federal employment could qualify for a slight premium decrease with select insurance companies.
- Accident Free – Claim-free drivers pay less in comparison with drivers who are more careless.
- Switch and Save Discount – A few insurance companies allow discounts for signing up early. The savings is around 10%.
- Anti-lock Brakes – Cars that have anti-lock braking systems prevent accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
One last thing about discounts, some credits don’t apply to the whole policy. Some only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, company stockholders wouldn’t be very happy. But all discounts will help reduce your policy premiums.
Companies that possibly offer these discounts include:
When getting free Portland auto insurance quotes, it’s a good idea to each company or agent how many discounts you can get. A few discounts may not apply to policies in Portland. To locate companies that offer many of these discounts in Oregon, click here.
Which auto insurance company is best in Portland?
Ending up with the right company is difficult considering how many choices there are in Oregon. The company information in the next section can help you pick which companies to look at when comparing rates.
Top 10 Portland Car Insurance Companies Overall
- USAA
- American Family
- State Farm
- The Hartford
- AAA Insurance
- GEICO
- The General
- Titan Insurance
- Progressive
- Mercury Insurance
Top 10 Portland Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Value
- USAA
- American Family
- The Hartford
- Titan Insurance
- The General
- AAA Insurance
- State Farm
- Mercury Insurance
- Nationwide
- Safeco
Cheaper coverage is out there
As you quote Portland auto insurance, you should never skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many cases where an accident victim reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to find out that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your objective should be to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate and still be able to protect your assets.
People who switch companies do it for many reasons like unfair underwriting practices, high rates after DUI convictions, denial of a claim or policy cancellation. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, choosing a new company is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
Budget-conscious Lincoln LS insurance is available online and with local Portland insurance agents, so you should compare both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who do not offer online price quotes and most of the time these small insurance companies only sell coverage through independent insurance agencies.
Additional detailed information is located by following these links:
- Teen Driver Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
- What Car Insurance is Cheapest for a Nissan Versa in Portland? (FAQ)
- How Much is Auto Insurance for 18 Year Olds in Portland? (FAQ)
- What Car Insurance is Cheapest for a Chevrolet Silverado in Portland? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Safe Drivers in Portland? (FAQ)
- What Auto Insurance is Cheapest for a GMC Sierra in Portland? (FAQ)
- What Does No-Fault Insurance Cover? (Allstate)
- Hybrid vehicles cost insurers more (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)