It’s an obvious conclusion that car insurance companies don’t want you to look at other companies. Insureds who get price quotes annually are highly likely to move their business because of the good chance of getting low-cost coverage. A survey found that people who compared rate quotes regularly saved about $72 a month compared to drivers who never compared prices.
If finding the lowest rates on insurance is your intention, then knowing how to get free comparison quotes and analyze coverages can make it easier to shop your coverage around.
Really, the only way to save on car insurance rates in Charlotte is to begin comparing prices regularly from insurers in North Carolina.
- Try to understand auto insurance and the steps you can take to keep rates down. Many policy risk factors that cause rate increases like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and your credit history can be eliminated by making minor changes in your lifestyle.
- Compare prices from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct and exclusive agents can only quote rates from a single company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while independent agencies can provide price quotes from multiple insurance companies.
- Compare the new rate quotes to your existing policy to see if a cheaper price is available in Charlotte. If you find a better price, make sure coverage does not lapse between policies.
The most important part of shopping around is to try to use the same amount of coverage on every quote and and to compare every company you can. This helps ensure an accurate price comparison and the best rate selection.
Lowering your auto insurance rates is an easy way to save money. All you need to do is spend a few minutes comparing price quotes online from several insurance companies.
The following companies offer comparison quotes in North Carolina. To get cheap car insurance in Charlotte, we recommend you visit two to three different companies to find the cheapest auto insurance rates.
Car insurance discounts are available to cut your rates
Companies offering auto insurance do not list every discount very clearly, so the following list contains both well-publicized and the harder-to-find credits that may apply to you.
- Braking Control Discount – Vehicles with ABS and/or traction control are safer to drive and the ABS can save up to 10%.
- Active Military Service – Being deployed with a military unit may lower your car insurance rates slightly.
- Passive Restraint Discount – Factory air bags can qualify for discounts of 20% or more.
- Seat Belts Save – Drivers who always wear seat belts and also require passengers to buckle their seat belts can save up to 10 percent (depending on the company) on the premium charged for medical payments and/or PIP.
- Employee of Federal Government – Being employed by or retired from a federal job could qualify for a slight premium decrease with certain companies.
- Organization Discounts – Having an affiliation with qualifying clubs or civic groups could qualify you for a break when shopping for car insurance.
- E-sign Discounts – Some car insurance companies give back up to $50 just for signing your application online.
- Switch and Save Discount – A few car insurance companies give discounts for switching to them prior to the expiration date on your current Q45 insurance policy. The savings is around 10%.
You can save money using discounts, but some credits don’t apply to the whole policy. Some only reduce individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies wouldn’t make money that way.
For a list of insurers that provide some of the discounts listed above in Charlotte, click here.
Local insurance agents
Certain consumers just prefer to buy from a local agent and that is just fine! Professional insurance agents are trained risk managers and help submit paperwork. One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance prices online is that you can obtain lower rates and also buy local.
Once you complete this short form, your information is instantly submitted to insurance agents in Charlotte who can give free rate quotes for your insurance coverage. There is no need to find an agent on your own as quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. If you wish to get a rate quote from a specific company, feel free to visit that company’s website and fill out their quote form.
Choosing the best insurance company needs to be determined by more than just a cheap quote. Any good agent in Charlotte should know the answers to these questions.
- Where are claims handled?
- Do you need full coverage on every vehicle?
- Do they offer accident forgiveness?
- Do they have 24-hour customer assistance?
- Will you get a loaner vehicle if you car is being repaired?
If you want to buy auto insurance from a reliable insurance agent, it’s helpful to know the types of agencies and how they work. Auto insurance policy providers can be classified as either exclusive agents or independent agents. Either one can write auto insurance policies, but it is important to understand the subtle differences because it may have an impact on buying decisions.
Exclusive Agencies
Agents that elect to be exclusive can only quote rates from one company and some examples include Farmers Insurance and State Farm. Exclusive agencies are unable to compare rates from other companies so they have to upsell other benefits. These agents are usually quite knowledgeable on sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. Drivers often buy from the same agent for years primarily because of the brand and solid financial strength.
Below is a short list of exclusive insurance agents in Charlotte who can help you get price quotes.
- Denis Wilson – State Farm Insurance Agent
1850 E 3rd St #360 – Charlotte, NC 28204 – (704) 376-4088 – View Map - Howard Johnson Jr – State Farm Insurance Agent
5342 Docia Crossing Rd a – Charlotte, NC 28269 – (704) 947-7233 – View Map - Roger Craig – State Farm Insurance Agent
1427 Emerywood Dr – Charlotte, NC 28210 – (704) 553-2327 – View Map
Independent Insurance Agents
Agents that elect to be independent can quote rates with many companies so they can write business amongst many companies and find the cheapest rate. If you are not satisfied with one company, the agent simply finds a different carrier without you having to go to a different agency. If you are comparing rate quotes, you need to get some free quotes from a couple of independent agencies for the best price selection. They often place coverage with mutual insurance companies which may provide better rates.
The following is a short list of independent agents in Charlotte that are able to give price quotes.
- RJR Insurance
7810 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy # 300 – Charlotte, NC 28277 – (704) 543-2700 – View Map - The Jordan Insurance Agency,LLC
13860 Ballantyne Corporate Pl #120 – Charlotte, NC 28277 – (704) 926-7565 – View Map - O H Walker Insurance Agency Inc
2210 Crownpoint Executive Dr – Charlotte, NC 28227 – (704) 814-4343 – View Map
When do I need an agent’s advice?
Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Your financial needs are unique.
Here are some questions about coverages that can aid in determining whether or not you might need professional guidance.
- Will damage be repaired with OEM parts?
- Can I cancel at any time?
- Can my babysitter drive my car?
- What vehicles should carry emergency assistance coverage?
- Is a fancy paint job covered?
- Is my camper covered by my car insurance policy?
- Am I insured when driving a different vehicle?
- Where can I find high-risk insurance?
- Is borrowed equipment or tools covered if stolen or damaged?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form. It only takes a few minutes and you can get the answers you need.
Coverages available on your policy
Knowing the specifics of your auto insurance policy aids in choosing the best coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. Policy terminology can be confusing and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording.
Coverage for medical expenses
Med pay and PIP coverage pay for expenses such as X-ray expenses, hospital visits, EMT expenses and chiropractic care. The coverages can be used in conjunction with a health insurance plan or if you lack health insurance entirely. Medical payments and PIP cover you and your occupants as well as if you are hit as a while walking down the street. PIP coverage is not an option in every state and may carry a deductible
Comprehensive auto insurance
Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive can pay for claims like hitting a deer, vandalism, a broken windshield and a tree branch falling on your vehicle. The most a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the ACV or actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Liability coverages
This will cover damage that occurs to people or other property that is your fault. It protects YOU from claims by other people. Liability doesn’t cover damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.
Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You commonly see policy limits of 30/60/25 that translate to a $30,000 limit per person for injuries, a limit of $60,000 in injury protection per accident, and a limit of $25,000 paid for damaged property.
Liability insurance covers claims such as emergency aid, structural damage and medical expenses. How much coverage you buy is a decision to put some thought into, but you should buy as much as you can afford. North Carolina state minimum liability requirements are 30/60/25 but it’s recommended drivers buy better liability coverage.
The next chart shows why the minimum limit may not be enough coverage.
Collision insurance
This coverage pays for damage to your Q45 from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision coverage protects against claims like hitting a mailbox, damaging your car on a curb and colliding with a tree. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Another option is to increase the deductible on your Q45 to get cheaper collision coverage.
Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers
This coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when the “other guys” either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered losses include injuries to you and your family and also any damage incurred to your Infiniti Q45.
Because many people carry very low liability coverage limits (30/60/25), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is a good idea.
More effort can pay off
Low-cost Infiniti Q45 insurance in Charlotte is attainable online and from local agencies, and you need to price shop both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers may not have rates over the internet and these small insurance companies sell through independent insurance agents.
As you shop your coverage around, it’s very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage at an affordable rate and still be able to protect your assets.
Throughout this article, we presented a lot of tips how to reduce Infiniti Q45 insurance rates online in Charlotte. The key concept to understand is the more providers you compare, the better your comparison will be. Drivers may even discover the lowest rates come from a lesser-known regional company.
More detailed auto insurance information can be read by following these links:
- Think You’re a Safe Driver? (State Farm)
- What Auto Insurance is Cheapest for a Learners Permit in Charlotte? (FAQ)
- What Car Insurance is Cheapest for Hybrid Vehicles in Charlotte? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Charlotte Car Insurance Quotes for Felons? (FAQ)
- No-Fault Auto Insurance Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
- A Tree Fell on Your Car: Now What? (Allstate)