Finding the Best Car Insurance in Gary, Indiana

Getting car insurance is a necessity for all drivers in Gary, Indiana, but finding the right policy at the best price can be a challenge. With high numbers of daily commuters and traffic in Gary, having adequate car insurance coverage is important. This article will provide an overview of car insurance in Gary and give you tips to find the best policy for your needs and budget.

Car Insurance Requirements in Indiana

Indiana is an “at-fault” state when it comes to car accidents. This means the driver who causes the accident is held liable. Indiana has the following minimum auto insurance requirements:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $25,000 property damage liability
• $50,000/$100,000 uninsured motorist coverage

Having only the minimum coverage may not be enough to fully protect you in the event of an accident. Many experts recommend getting more than the state minimums.

Getting Quotes from Multiple Insurers

To find the best rate on car insurance in Gary, get quotes from several insurers. Rates can vary widely between insurance companies, so it pays to shop around.

When comparing quotes, make sure you are getting quotes for identical coverage amounts. This is the best way to do an apples-to-apples comparison between insurers.

Some major insurers that provide coverage in Gary include:

• State Farm
• Allstate
• GEICO
• Progressive
• Access Insurance

In addition to the major national brands, also consider getting quotes from local Gary insurance agencies. They may offer very competitive rates since they have knowledge of the local market.

Usage-Based Insurance

Many car insurance companies now offer usage-based insurance, also known as pay-per-mile insurance. With this type of insurance, your rate is based on your actual driving mileage during the policy term.

This style of insurance can benefit low-mileage drivers, as you only pay for the miles you drive. Gary residents who don’t drive for a daily commute may find usage-based insurance provides significant savings compared to traditional plans.

Review Discounts Offered

Car insurance companies offer various discounts to help drivers save money. Be sure to ask about any discounts you may qualify for when getting a car insurance quote.

Common auto insurance discounts include:

• Good driver discount
• Low mileage discount
• Defensive driver discount
• Good student discount
• Multi-policy discount
• Anti-theft device discount

The more discounts you can combine, the more you may be able to save on your premiums.

Increase Your Deductible

Increasing your deductible – the amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in if you file a claim – can lower your car insurance premiums.

For example, increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15% to 30%. Going to a $2,500 deductible can save you 40% or more on those coverages.

If you can afford to pay more out-of-pocket in the event of a claim, picking a higher deductible is an effective way to reduce your insurance rates.

Maintain a Good Credit Score

Your credit-based insurance score is a significant factor that impacts your auto insurance rates in Indiana. Insurance companies have found a correlation between credit scores and the likelihood of filing claims.

Drivers with poor credit tend to get charged higher insurance rates. Maintaining a good credit score and monitoring your credit reports for errors can help you save on car insurance.

Ask About Discounts for Seniors

Drivers over 50 or 55 can often get discounted car insurance rates. Some companies offer reduced rates for mature drivers based on their years of experience behind the wheel.

For example, State Farm offers their “50 Plus” discount for drivers 50 or older who take a defensive driving course. Always inquire about possible senior discounts from car insurance companies.

Compare Rates Regularly

Don’t just automatically renew your car insurance policy year after year. Rates and discounts can change over time. You should shop around and compare quotes at least once per year, or whenever your policy is up for renewal.

Getting fresh quotes lets you find insurers offering the best current rates. You may be able to switch and save hundreds per year by comparing rates.

Work on Your Credit Rating

Having a poor credit score can increase your car insurance costs significantly. Work on improving your credit – paying bills on time, reducing debts, avoiding applying for new credit – to potentially lower your rates.

Review your credit reports from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com. Dispute any errors that may be hurting your score. Monitoring your credit and maintaining good credit habits can save you money on Gary car insurance.

Ask About Low-Mileage Discounts

If you drive less than the average motorist, find out if your insurance company offers discounts for low-mileage drivers. This discount can apply if you work from home or are retired and don’t drive regularly.

State Farm offers a low mileage discount for driving under 7,500 miles annually. Ask your insurer if they have a program for infrequent drivers. The less you drive, the more you can potentially save.

Seek Out Car Insurance Savings for Students

Younger drivers under 25 tend to pay higher auto insurance rates due to their lack of experience behind the wheel. But students with good grades can often get a discounted rate on car insurance.

Most companies offer the “good student discount” to full-time students under 25 who maintain a B average or higher. Bring your transcript or report card when getting insurance quotes. Maintaining good grades will pay off with savings on your premiums.

Compare Car Insurance Rates in Nearby Cities

Insurance rates can vary between cities, even ones located near each other. Get quotes from insurers that operate regionally as well as national companies.

For example, check rates offered by insurers based in Chicago which is close to Gary. You may find better car insurance rates from a company focusing on Chicagoland rather than just Indiana.

Choose a Higher Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible of $500, $1,000 or $2,500 will lower the cost of your collision and comprehensive coverage. Going to a $1,000 deductible from $500 could save you 15% or more on those coverages.

Only do this if you have sufficient savings to afford the higher deductible amount in the event you need to file a claim after an accident.

Ask Your Agent About Possible Discounts

Your local insurance agent has detailed knowledge of discounts offered by the companies they represent. When getting quotes, ask the agent what discounts you may qualify for as a Gary driver.

There may be some discounts you’re eligible for that you would never know to ask about unless the agent informs you. Maximize your savings by learning about all possible ways to reduce your car insurance costs.

Compare Rates Between National and Local Insurers

Make sure to get quotes from both large national insurance companies as well as smaller regional and local insurers. Local agencies that operate only in Gary may offer very competitive rates.

A Gary-based insurer that doesn’t spend money on national advertising may be able to offer savings that nationwide companies can’t match. Getting quotes from local agents may reveal some excellent rates.

Consider Usage-Based Car Insurance

Many insurers now offer telematics programs and usage-based insurance where your rates are determined by actual driving behavior rather than estimates. These programs use a device installed in your vehicle to measure mileage, speed, acceleration, cornering, braking and time of driving.

Drivers who exhibit safe habits like low mileage, no late night driving and no hard braking can earn significant discounts. Using a telematics program is a great way for careful drivers to save money on Gary car insurance.

Ask About Defensive Driver Discounts

Taking a defensive driver class teaches accident avoidance skills and can earn you a discount with many auto insurance companies. These classes are often offered by AAA and AARP.

Bring your certificate of completion when getting insurance quotes. The defensive driver discount can save you 5% or more on your premiums.

Maintain Continuous Coverage

Having a gap in auto insurance coverage can increase your rates when starting a new policy. Insurance companies view drivers without continuous coverage as higher risk.

Avoid gaps in coverage, even if you don’t have a car temporarily. You can get a non-owner’s policy which provides liability coverage for driving other people’s vehicles. This maintains continuous coverage on your record.

Compare Rates with Smaller Insurers

In addition to big name national companies, get quotes from smaller regional and local insurers operating in Gary. Companies that focus on Northwest Indiana may offer very competitive rates tailored to the local market.

Local agents are also great resources to ask about discounts, coverage options and ways to save on Gary car insurance. A smaller company can provide personalized service and potentially better prices.

Review Policy Options with an Agent

There are many components that factor into the cost of your auto insurance beyond just state minimums. Sit down with an agent to review the coverages available and how they impact your premiums.