1996 Suzuki Esteem Car Insurance Quotes – 9 Tips for Best Rates

Being forced to pay for overpriced car insurance premiums can take a big chunk out of your savings account and put a big crunch on your finances. Comparing rate quotes is free, only takes a few minutes, and is a good way to tighten up your finances.

Insurance companies such as Allstate, Liberty Mutual and State Farm persitently shower you with ads and it is challenging if not impossible to see through the deception and effectively compare rates to find the best deal.

Lower rates by qualifying for these nine discounts

Some providers don’t always list all available discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so here is a list both the well known as well as some of the hidden credits available to bring down your rates.

  • Paperless Signup – Many auto insurance companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application on their website.
  • Low Miles Discount – Low mileage vehicles can qualify you for substantially lower prices.
  • New Car Discount – Putting coverage on a new car may earn a small discount due to better safety requirements for newer models.
  • Student in College – Youth drivers living away from home attending college and don’t have a car can receive lower rates.
  • Theft Prevention Discount – Vehicles optioned with advanced anti-theft systems have a lower chance of being stolen and that can save you a little bit as well.
  • Discounts for Government Workers – Federal government employees may qualify for a discount when you quote insurance for Esteem insurance with some auto insurance companies.
  • Full Payment Discount – By paying your policy upfront instead of making monthly payments you may have a lower total premium amount.
  • Professional Organizations – Affiliation with qualifying employment or professional organizations could trigger savings on your next renewal.
  • Telematics Discount – Drivers who elect to allow their insurance company to spy on when and where they use their vehicle by using a telematic data system like Drivewise from Allstate or In-Drive from State Farm may get a rate reduction if they show good driving skills.

It’s important to note that some of the credits will not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut specific coverage prices like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So when the math indicates you could get a free auto insurance policy, nobody gets a free ride. Any amount of discount will definitely reduce the cost of coverage.

The best auto insurance companies and a summarized list of policyholder discounts are detailed below.

  • American Family offers discounts for mySafetyValet, accident-free, defensive driver, early bird, air bags, and bundled insurance.
  • Nationwide offers discounts including Farm Bureau membership, family plan, accident-free, multi-policy, business or organization, and good student.
  • MetLife offers premium reductions for good driver, defensive driver, good student, claim-free, accident-free, and multi-policy.
  • 21st Century has discounts for 55 and older, automatic seat belts, early bird, homeowners, teen driver, and good student.
  • Farmers Insurance may offer discounts for pay in full, good student, switch companies, youthful driver, bundle discounts, and alternative fuel.
  • Allstate includes discounts for auto/life discount, teenSMART discount, new car, resident student, senior citizen, eSmart discount, and multi-policy.

When quoting, ask all companies you are considering which discounts you may be entitled to. Some of the earlier mentioned discounts may not be available in every state. For a list of providers that offer discounts, click here.

Car insurance is unique, just like you

When choosing adequate coverage, there isn’t really a “best” method to buy coverage. Each situation is unique and your policy should reflect that. For instance, these questions can help discover if your insurance needs might need an agent’s assistance.

  • Do I really need UM/UIM coverage?
  • Is rental equipment covered for theft or damage?
  • Does coverage extend to Mexico or Canada?
  • Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
  • Do I need more liability coverage?
  • Am I covered by my employer’s commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
  • What is high-risk coverage and where do I buy it?

If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

Information about specific coverages

Learning about specific coverages of your policy can help you determine appropriate coverage and proper limits and deductibles. Auto insurance terms can be ambiguous and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. Listed below are typical coverages offered by auto insurance companies.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when other motorists are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. It can pay for medical payments for you and your occupants as well as damage to your Suzuki Esteem.

Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages should not be overlooked. Normally the UM/UIM limits are similar to your liability insurance amounts.

Comprehensive auto coverage

Comprehensive insurance pays for damage from a wide range of events other than collision. A deductible will apply then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage protects against claims like fire damage, falling objects, a broken windshield and rock chips in glass. The maximum payout your auto insurance company will pay is the ACV or actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Liability

Liability coverage will cover injuries or damage you cause to other’s property or people. It protects you from claims by other people. Liability doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.

Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. Your policy might show limits of 50/100/50 that translate to a $50,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $100,000, and a limit of $50,000 paid for damaged property. Another option is one limit called combined single limit (CSL) that pays claims from the same limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.

Liability can pay for claims such as structural damage, legal defense fees and pain and suffering. How much liability should you purchase? That is your choice, but consider buying as much as you can afford.

Collision coverage

Collision coverage pays for damage to your Esteem caused by collision with a stationary object or other vehicle. A deductible applies then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.

Collision coverage protects against claims like damaging your car on a curb, hitting a parking meter, colliding with another moving vehicle, rolling your car and colliding with a tree. This coverage can be expensive, so consider removing coverage from vehicles that are older. You can also bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Medical payments and PIP coverage

Med pay and PIP coverage pay for bills like chiropractic care, X-ray expenses, prosthetic devices and hospital visits. They are used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you do not have health coverage. They cover all vehicle occupants and will also cover getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP is not universally available but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage

Don’t throw your cash in the trash

We’ve covered quite a bit of information on how to get a better price on 1996 Suzuki Esteem insurance. The most important thing to understand is the more quotes you get, the better likelihood of getting low cost insurance. You may be surprised to find that the best price on auto insurance is with a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising. They may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates as compared to the big name companies such as Allstate and Progressive.

Low-cost 1996 Suzuki Esteem insurance is definitely available on the web as well as from independent agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best selection. Some insurance providers do not offer online quoting and many times these small, regional companies prefer to sell through independent insurance agencies.

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Comments About 1996 Suzuki Esteem Insurance

  1. Edelmira Eaton

    Mine is so expensive. Checking in from Los Angeles, CA. Quoted with The General, AIG Insurance, Sentry, and a couple others for my Esteem and saved around $70 a year. I don’t have comp or collision coverage.

  2. Chastity Wilson

    I live on the west side of Bismarck, ND, and Progressive rates were best. I get multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts. I recommend comparing lots of rates. It’s only liability tho.

  3. Eufemia Steele

    Nice info. From northwest of Aurora, Colorado. I quoted with Nationwide, Encompass, 21st Century, and AIG Insurance for my Suzuki and am saving around $60 a year. I have a couple other vehicles on the policy.

  4. Shanae Mccarthy

    I got quite a few price quotes for a 1996 Suzuki Esteem in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ended up at darn near $70 every six months with American Family. Left Eastwood to switch. I recommend comparing lots of rates.

  5. Drew Durham

    From a town just southwest of Great Falls, MT. Quoted rates from GEICO, Auto-Owners, and some I forget for my Suzuki and saved $65 a year. Did it all online.

  6. Kory Rogers

    Not sure what I should be paying. Lifelong resident of Des Moines, IA. I quoted with Progressive, American Family, Esurance, and The General for my Esteem and cut my rates about $60 a year. Left Erie to switch. I get a discount for insuring multiple vehicles. Next renewal I’ll just do liability.

  7. Narcisa Farley

    I’m in Rapid City, SD, and GEICO rates were affordable. Insured with The General before. I get multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts.

  8. Maryellen Carlson

    Nice post. From east side of Portland, OR. Got quotes from Progressive, Erie, and Hartford for my Esteem and I’m now saving $23 a month. Teenage drivers are expensive! It’s too old for full coverage.

  9. Bennie Silva

    I got decent rates for a 1996 Suzuki Esteem in New York City, New York. Ended up at darn near $100 every six months with Amica. :P I think I’ll get rid of full coverage next time.