Car Insurance in Kansas: How Can I Save?

May 21, 2010|By Michael Schwanke | KWCH Eyewitness News

WICHITA, Kan. — Switch to our company and save hundreds.

That message is repeated over and over as car insurance companies compete for your business.

What can you believe? How do you know if you're really saving money?

FactFinder 12 wanted to know and found that when it comes to all those commercials, you shouldn't always believe what you hear.

"One should always be a bit skeptical," says Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger.

"We've seen the commercials. They're entertaining, but the only thing I remember is the name of the company," says Praeger.

Insurance Rate Comparison by Age

If anyone knows the importance of saving on car insurance, it's the Claassen family

"We have four teen drivers right now," says Katherine Claassen.

If you think you pay a lot for car insurance, it could be worse.

"Well it's about $2,600 dollars a year for all of us," says Doug Claassen.

The Claassen family is made up of 18-year-old triplets Brittany, Courtney and Cody and 15-year-old Cole. Car insurance is just one of many expenses for the family.

Shopping for Insurance: Where Do I Start?

"The prom was painful because they all four went, and buying the cars and now they all go to college. Yea...it's painful!" says Katherine.

The Claassens made a common mistake

"We'd been with the same agent since we'd been married...probably 20 years," says Katherine.

How Are My Insurance Rates Determined?

Commissioner Praeger says she hears that all the time.

"I think it's real easy to put off. We tell people to do a check up on their insurance needs every year," says Praeger who encourages people to shop around.

She says you can go to the Internet but that should only be a starting point.

"You have to be very careful with websites."