Many people avoid shopping for car insurance because they believe switching is difficult. This misconception costs drivers hundreds of dollars annually.
The process takes far less time than most assume. Shopping for new quotes and either switching or negotiating with your current provider can be done in about one hour online. According to Insurify, customers who shop around save up to $1,100 annually on average.
To shop efficiently, pull up your renewal offer first so you can compare policy details side-by-side. Review your coverage to confirm it still fits your needs. On a recent switch, one customer lowered deductibles while still paying less than the renewal offer. Calculate the dollar value of any current discounts, especially bundling discounts, since switching providers may require unbundling home and auto insurance.
Before switching, call your current insurance provider. This notifies them you may not renew and gives them a chance to submit a new offer that competes with quotes you've received. One customer received a higher counter-offer but has negotiated cheaper renewals through this step in the past.
The entire process happens online. Taking a few minutes to compare quotes when your renewal rate increases usually reveals savings worth pursuing.