AAA Helps Consumers Find Best Insurance Rates
Phoenix, Ariz. April, 1, 2010. At a time when Arizonans are watching every penny, it’s imperative that consumers take advantage of the best insurance rates they can get – an effort that could not only enhance financial security, but also keep more money in their pockets at a time when they need it the most.
Families get busy, and may consider checking their insurance rates a hassle. However, those who take the time to review their policy will find that the little time required of them in the process is well spent, since asking their insurance agent a couple of key questions can help them save money.
The search should compare coverage levels offered with each rate, as state minimums do not always cover the true expense of a vehicle and medical costs associated with a collision. In addition, when seeking home insurance, always tally up belongings and report any new purchases to be sure everything is covered.
The best result for consumers is a policy at a great rate that also covers true expenses in the event it is used.
To help consumers find the best insurance rates, AAA Arizona has compiled the following list of tips for consumers:
- Ask for discounts! Many
consumers may already qualify for discounts they
have not thought to ask for, such as discounts for
safe driving habits, customer loyalty or for holding
an organizational membership or affiliation. AAA
Arizona offers teenSmart, a comprehensive driver
training program for teens and their parents that
can earn families a significant discount on their
insurance. In addition, the online Mature Driver
Safety Course by I DRIVE SAFELY can earn seniors
savings off their insurance rates.
- Install security systems. A home or auto security system can help lower policies, from installing alarms that alert the police if disconnected at home, to etching your VIN number on vehicle windows.
- Combine policies. Combining
policies can result in immediate discounts. Grouping
multiple vehicle policies or an auto policy with
home and life can help consumers achieve savings.
By combining policies, consumers can save 6 percent
on auto policies, and as much as 30 percent on home
insurance.
- Increase your deductible. An often unused way to decrease monthly payments is to increase your deductible, which is the amount of money a consumer must pay when filing a claim.
- Check your credit.
Often, mistakes on a credit report or poor credit
result in higher insurance rates. Consumers have
the right to request a free credit report, and those
who improve their credit rating should contact their
agent and inquire if they might be eligible for a
better rate.
- Before you buy. Insurance rates can vary widely depending on the make and model of a vehicle, which means consumers looking to save should incorporate their insurance agent into their car buying process. It’s also important to check with your home insurance before making a purchase that may not be covered or may change premiums, including a pool, trampoline or even pets.
- Review your property values. If
the estimated cost to rebuild your home in our current
market has lowered, your insurance could as well.
Contact your insurance agent for more information
on your home’s replacement value, which will
be different than its appraised value.
For a free no-obligation quote from AAA, consumers can stop into their closest AAA branch office, call 800-INSURANCE, or visit AAA.com/insurance.
AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.
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