Where can I get the cheapest car insurance quotes in Arizona? I tried the internet, entered my ZIP code and then heard nothing. I thought I’d quickly have a long list of quotes. What’s going on?

Thanks

Sandra,

Chandler, Arizona

Hi Sandra,

It sounds as though you may have entered your details in a website that collects your details and then passes them on to insurers for a fee (they have to earn a living somehow). This process doesn’t always happen instantly so that could explain your delay. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly get contacted by numerous insurers and agents a few days later.

The best way to get the cheapest car insurance quotes in Arizona is to use both the internet and listen out for local TV and radio advertisements. When you use the internet you should be aware of the different types of websites you will find: brokers, insurers, and others. Let’s look at each one.

Normally brokers provide a more personalized service. They take your details and then find a selection of quotes from different insurers. They do have to make a living so they do charge a commission (not always transparent to the customer). However, quite often the discounts they get and the customer service they provide make this option worthwhile.

If you go direct to the insurer you may get a cheaper quote but you may have to contact five or more of them before you find the best quote. Also you will have to go through your details with each insurer. This can take some time.

The other type of website you may find is where they take your details and then pass then on to either insurers (direct) or brokers. They make their money from effectively selling your details onto the insurer or broker. This could be the type of website you used, hence your delay in hearing anything. In today’s economic climate, if you contact an insurer or broker they should be contacting you immediately before they lose the sale.

Is there a sure-fire way to get cheaper auto insurance rates? I’d like to minimize my premiums and spend more on my folks and family here in Arizona. Every cent should count.

Billy

Scottsdale, AZ

Hey there, Billy. You want a sure-fire way to get cheaper auto insurance rates? Well, you can try walking. Just kidding. No, seriously, you should try walking. I’ll explain in a while, but there’s really a number of ways to skin the auto insurance cat.

Lowering your auto insurance premiums will depend on whether you are just starting out with a new car or you are renewing your auto insurance with the same company you currently have. If you are starting out with a new car, there is no substitute for shopping around. You can definitely hunt for lower auto insurance rates online. Let’s say you’re adding up another car, you can use that as a bargaining chip with your current auto insurance provider. Safe driving is another way to get lower rates. If you can check your records with the Department of Motor Vehicles, you can spot your driving offenses. If your record is clean, you can use that with your auto insurance company to get a discount. Of course, if your offenses are less, the more the auto insurance company can bet on you. Now, in case you are renewing already, use that to your advantage. Your auto insurance company should recognize that and reward you with a loyalty discount.

I did say walking, remember? Well, you can get a discount from the auto insurance company by agreeing to a limit on the miles you do on your car. Either you keep it low by taking public transportation more often or you can try walking more. Get it?

My younger cousin will be getting her first car and she’s asking me to help her find ways on how to get cheap teen auto insurance in Arizona. I’ve long passed the stage of being a teen driver so I forgot the things that could help her save on her insurance premiums. Can you help?

Lily

Deer Valley, AZ

It is not unusual to see high teen auto insurance rates in Arizona or anywhere in the country. Teen drivers are often involved in accidents. In fact, they are involved in accidents three times more than drivers that are 20 years old and above.

But, once your cousin reaches the age of 25, then she may see a change on her auto insurance rates. I know your cousin wouldn’t have a control over that. So aside from her age, there are other ways that your cousin could control to get cheap teen auto insurance.

For one, she could get a discount if she attended a driver’s education program. A discount for that could be around 10 % to 20%.

Moreover, a good student discount is possible if your cousin is able to get good grades like a B average or better. The discount for that could be 20%.

Also, it would be better if your cousin will make it a habit to drive less since this will significantly lower her annual driving miles. This does not only reduce her auto insurance rates but will also reduce her chance of getting into an accidents or be ticketed.

Finally, you could also help your cousin to shop for her auto insurance needs through the Internet. But I’m guessing that your cousin will be added under her parents’ insurance policy. That would be good for now since she could save more by doing that rather than buying her own insurance policy.