At Looker Wolfe & Gephart Insurance, we’re proud to be Central Pennsylvania’s trusted authority on insurance. We aim to help you find auto insurance that offers the best value, balancing competitive pricing with the protection you need. Shopping for auto insurance can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, you can secure a policy that fits your budget and safeguards your future. Here are our top tips for getting competitively priced auto insurance quotes:
1. Understand Your Insurance Score
Your insurance score, sometimes called a credit-based insurance score, plays a big role in determining your premium. This score is based on your credit information and other factors, which insurers use to assess risk. Actuarial studies show that how you manage your finances can predict your likelihood of filing claims. A strong insurance score can lead to lower premiums, as it signals you’re a lower-risk driver. Keep your credit in good shape, and you’ll likely see better rates when we shop for your policy.
2. Keep Your Driving Record Clean
Your driving history is a key factor in securing the best auto insurance rates. Be upfront about any violations from the past five years, as we’ll need to run a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) for every driver. A clean driving record can unlock some of the most competitive pricing tiers, so safe driving pays off—literally!
3. Be Mindful of Your Claims History
Claims history matters more than you might think. Actuarial data shows frequent claims—even for minor things like roadside assistance, towing, or glass repairs—can signal a higher likelihood of future claims. This can lead to premium increases of hundreds of dollars when we run your claims history report. If possible, avoid filing small claims to keep your rates lower over time. Think of it as an investment in future savings. Also, be very careful if you are considering two at-fault claims within a 3 year period. If you have a minor fender bender that you can handle without insurance, you could avoid a situation of being non-renewed and shopping around with a poor claims history.
4. Work with an Independent Agent for the Best Fit
Despite the billions spent on ads by direct-writing insurance companies, there’s no one-size-fits-all “best” insurer. As your independent agent in Central PA, we shop multiple carriers to find the policy that gives you the most bang for your buck. Our expertise and access to a wide range of insurers mean we can tailor a solution to your unique needs, saving you time and money. If you were shopping for a new vehicle, would you only look at one dealer or shop around?
5. Revisit Your Coverage Levels
When was the last time you reviewed your coverage? If your financial situation has changed—say, you’ve built more assets or increased your income—it might be time to boost your liability protection. For low-risk drivers, doubling your coverage can sometimes cost just a small premium increase. Adding a personal umbrella policy is another smart way to protect your assets. Let’s sit down every few years to ensure your coverage still meets your needs.
6. Shop Smart, but Stay Loyal
While it’s tempting to shop for new insurance every six months, frequent switching can actually hurt your prospective rates with new companies. Insurers view loyalty as a positive factor—someone who’s been with the same company for 15 years is often offered better rates than someone who’s jumped between five insurers in three years. Do your research, but once you find a great fit, stick with it. Major life changes, like adding a teen driver or buying a home, are good times to revisit your options with us to ensure you’re still getting the best deal.
7. Disclose All Household Drivers
Transparency is critical when listing household drivers. Failing to disclose a driver can lead to a coverage denial, leaving you personally responsible for any accident-related costs. Most insurers require us to list and rate all drivers or formally exclude them. A few companies may not require listing household drivers with their own vehicles and insurance, but we’ll guide you through the specifics to ensure your policy is airtight.
8. Bundle Policies for Big Savings
Combining policies is one of the easiest ways to save. Bundling your auto insurance with your home, renters, or condo policy can unlock multi-policy discounts of 10% to 25%, often saving you hundreds of dollars. Married couples should consider combining auto coverage for multi-car discounts and added benefits like stacked uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Let us help you bundle for maximum value.
9. Don’t Skimp on Protection
It’s easy to view insurance as an expense you rarely “use,” but cutting corners on coverage can be a costly mistake. If you cause an accident and lack sufficient liability coverage, your personal assets or future wages could be at risk. Skip a few dinners out and invest in a policy that transfers the risk you want to avoid. We’ll make sure your coverage provides peace of mind without breaking the bank.
10. Telematics / Usage-based insurance
Are you a safe driver? Prove it and earn discounts! Many companies offer the option of downloading an app on your phone that looks at your actual driving behavior. Things like how hard you accelerate, how hard you brake, the time of day you drive, and if you are distracted by your phone are pieces of data that get collected to help give you a more customized rate. Most of our customers who have opted in to these programs have saved additional money by doing so, although there is a slight risk that your premium may go up if you have poor driving behavior. When you opt into the program, you get real-time feedback on how you are doing, which is very helpful.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
At Looker Wolfe & Gephart, we love empowering our clients to make informed decisions about their insurance. We may not always be the cheapest, but we promise to find you the best value for your hard-earned dollars! As your local insurance experts, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you to a policy that fits your life.
Ready to get a competitively priced auto insurance quote? Contact us today, and let’s find the perfect coverage for you!