No sane person loves paying for car insurance, especially when it costs too dang much. Due to the increasing number of companies to choose from, it is very difficult to locate the lowest price company.
Finding more affordable insurance quotes can be surprisingly simple. The only thing you need to do is take the time comparing free auto insurance quotes from some recommended companies. Rate comparisons can be done in just a few minutes using one of these methods.
The fastest way to find the lowest comparison rates is an all-inclusive rate comparison click to view form in new window. This style of form eliminates the need for separate quote forms for every company. A single, simple form gets you price quotes from several companies.
A less efficient way to find more affordable insurance is spending the time to visit the website of each company and fill out a new quote form. For instance, we’ll assume you want to see prices from Progressive, Geico and State Farm. To get rate quotes you would need to navigate to each company’s site and repeatedly type in your coverage information, which explains why we recommend starting with the first method.
To view a list of companies in your area, click here.
The least efficient method of comparing rate quotes is actually driving to insurance agents’ offices. Doing it all online has made agencies unnecessary unless you have a complicated situation and need the peace of mind of an agent trained in personal lines coverage. Although you can price shop online but have a local agent actually write the policy.
You can use whichever method you prefer to find lower rates, just be sure to compare the same coverages and limits on every quote you get. If the quotes have higher or lower deductibles then you won’t be able to make an equal comparison.
Some insurance providers do not list all disounts very clearly, so the list below gives a summary of both well-publicized as well as the least known credits that you can use to lower your rates.
It’s important to note that most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. Despite the fact that it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, insurance companies wouldn’t stay in business.
Large insurance coverage companies and a summarized list of policyholder discounts are included below.
Before buying, ask every prospective company to give you their best rates. Some of the discounts discussed earlier may not apply in your area.
Lots of factors are used when premium rates are determined. A few of the factors are predictable such as your driving history, but others are more transparent such as your marital status or how financially stable you are.Smart consumers have a good feel for some of the elements that go into determining your car insurance rates. If you have some idea of what positively or negatively impacts your premiums, this enables informed choices that can earn you lower premium levels.
Listed below are some of the factors companies use to determine your rates.
When it comes to choosing the best insurance coverage, there really is not a “best” method to buy coverage. Every situation is different and your policy should reflect that. Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine if you would benefit from professional advice.
If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It’s fast, free and can help protect your family.
Consumers can’t escape the ads that claim the lowest rates from companies such as Allstate and Progressive. They all seem to make the point about savings if you switch your policy.
How does every company charge lower premium rates? It’s all in the words they use.
Many companies offer their best rates for the driver they prefer to insure. For example, a driver they prefer might have to be a married male, has never had a claim, and drives newer vehicles. Anybody that fits those parameters will get low rates and will also save some money.
People who are not a match for those standards will get a higher premium which leads to business going elsewhere. If you listen closely, the ads state “customers who switch” not “everyone who quotes” save that much. That is how insurance companies can make those claims. Different companies use different criteria so you need to get price quotes at each policy renewal. It’s not possible to predict the company that will have the best rates.
Knowing the specifics of your policy helps when choosing the right coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. The coverage terms in a policy can be confusing and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. Listed below are typical coverage types offered by car insurance companies.
Liability car insurance
This can cover damage that occurs to people or other property that is your fault. This coverage protects you against other people’s claims. It does not cover damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.
Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. Your policy might show limits of 25/50/25 that translate to a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, $50,000 for the entire accident, and $25,000 of coverage for damaged propery.
Liability coverage protects against claims such as medical services, pain and suffering, emergency aid, funeral expenses and medical expenses. How much liability should you purchase? That is your choice, but buy as large an amount as possible.
Medical expense insurance
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP provide coverage for short-term medical expenses such as rehabilitation expenses, doctor visits, dental work and chiropractic care. They are often used to fill the gap from your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. It covers you and your occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is only offered in select states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Comprehensive (Other than Collision)
This coverage will pay to fix damage from a wide range of events other than collision. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive coverage protects against claims like falling objects, damage from flooding, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, vandalism and hitting a bird. The most your car insurance company will pay is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider dropping full coverage.
Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage gives you protection from other motorists when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Covered losses include injuries to you and your family as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, their limits can quickly be used up. So UM/UIM coverage is a good idea.
Collision coverage protection
This coverage will pay to fix damage to your MX-5 Miata caused by collision with an object or car. You will need to pay your deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.
Collision coverage pays for claims such as sustaining damage from a pot hole, scraping a guard rail, backing into a parked car, colliding with another moving vehicle and crashing into a building. This coverage can be expensive, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are older. Drivers also have the option to increase the deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.
When buying insurance coverage, it’s not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are many occasions where someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits and discovered at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to purchase a proper amount of coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
Cost effective 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata insurance is attainable from both online companies as well as from insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some companies do not offer online quoting and many times these small, regional companies sell through local independent agents.
For more information, take a look at the following helpful articles:
Charlott Wolfe
From Charleston, SC. Quoted quotes from Amica, Farmers, and Nationwide for my MX-5 Miata and saved just over $60 a year. It’s too old for full coverage.
Winona Wagner
I live just to the north of Rapid City, SD. Quoted prices from GMAC, Amica, Mercury, and a couple others for my 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata and I’m now saving $22 a month. I have a couple other vehicles on the policy. Book value doesn’t justify full coverage anymore.
Kenneth Mcdaniel
Proud to be from Nashville, TN. I got free prices from Hanover, AIG Insurance, Safeco, and a couple others for my 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata and saved around $70 a year. I’m thinking about dropping full coverage though.
Leeanne Pearson
Not sure what I should be paying. Found cheapest coverage with AAA for my Mazda and cut my rates about $100 a year. Thankfully I’m not a high risk driver. Might find lower rates online.
Nannette Olsen
Cheap car insurance? What’s that? Proud to be from Little Rock, AR. Got free quotes online for a 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Ended up at about $120 savings annually. Went with GEICO. I have kids on my policy, too. It’s only liability tho.
Dario Harmon
Here’s my quote info. I’m from Los Angeles, California. Compared quite a few companies. Saved darn near $20 a month. Progressive was the most affordable for me. Left MetLife to switch. I have a couple other vehicles on the policy. Did it all online. It’s only liability tho.
Mildred Norris
Checking in from Grand Forks, ND. Quoted a bunch of companies. Saved darn near $30 a month. State Farm was the cheapest for me. I just quoted rates online. I’m thinking about dropping full coverage though.
Rose Alford
Went with Erie for my 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata and am saving around $80 a year.
Nelda Leon
Will Progressive raise rates if I file a claim?
Damian Scott
Lifelong resident of Nashua, New Hampshire. Received prices from Amica, Mercury, and Travelers for my 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata and saved around $80 a year. Left Nationwide to switch. Liability only on my MX-5 Miata.
Houston Knapp
Enjoyed the article. I’m from San Antonio, Texas. I got free quotes from Amica, Farmers, and MetLife for my 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata and I’m now saving $10 a month. Was with Liberty Mutual. Switched homeowners coverage too. When should I drop full coverage?