2002 Mazda Protege Car Insurance Quotes – 8 Tips to Save

I can’t think of anyone who likes having to buy auto insurance, particularly when they could find better prices if they shop around.

There is such a variety of auto insurance companies to purchase coverage from, and though it is a good thing to be able to choose, lots of choices makes it harder to adequately compare rates.

It’s important to get comparison quotes as often as possible because prices tend to go up over time. Even if you got the best rates on Protege coverage a few years ago you can probably find a better premium rate now. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because I’m going to let you in on the secrets to the best methods to lower your rates without sacrificing coverage.

Compare auto insurance rates

Comparing auto insurance rates can be challenging if you aren’t aware of the best way to get rate quotes. You can spend countless hours talking to local insurance agents in your area, or you can utilize the internet to maximize your effort.

Many of the larger companies enroll in a system where prospective buyers enter their coverage request one time, and each participating company returns a competitive quote based on that information. This prevents consumers from doing form submissions for each company.

To compare rates using this form now click here (opens in new window).

The only drawback to comparing rates this way is buyers cannot specifically choose which carriers to receive prices from. So if you prefer to pick specific providers to compare prices, we put together a list of companies who write auto insurance in your area. Click here to view list.

The approach you take is up to you, just ensure you are comparing exactly the same information for each comparison quote. If you compare different data you can’t possibly determine the lowest rate for your Mazda Protege. Just slight variations in insurance coverages or limits may cause a big price difference. And when price shopping your coverage, comparing more quotes increases your odds of finding lower pricing.

Discounts can really help lower rates

Companies that sell car insurance do not advertise all disounts in an easy-to-find place, so the list below details a few of the more common in addition to some of the lesser obvious discounts that you can inquire about if you buy car insurance online.

• New Vehicle Savings – Buying a new car instead of a used car can cost up to 25% less because newer models are generally safer.
• No Claims – Drivers with accident-free driving histories have much lower rates in comparison with bad drivers.
• Service Members Pay Less – Being on active deployment in the military can result in better rates.
• Student Discounts – A discount for being a good student can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last up to age 25.
• Distant College Student Discount – Kids who live away from home at college and do not have access to a covered vehicle could get you a discount.
• Discount for Life Insurance – Insurance companies who offer life insurance give a break if you buy some life insurance in addition to your auto policy.
• Safety Course Discount – Taking time to complete a course teaching driver safety skills may get you a small discount and also improve your driving technique.
• Use Seat Belts – Drivers who require all occupants to buckle their seat belts could save 15% on the premium charged for medical payments and/or PIP.

As is typical with insurance, some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. Despite the fact that it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, insurance coverage companies aren’t that generous.

A few popular companies and a summarized list of policyholder discounts are included below.

• Farm Bureau policyholders can earn discounts including multi-vehicle, driver training, multi-policy, youthful driver, and renewal discount.
• MetLife may offer discounts for good driver, multi-policy, defensive driver, good student, and claim-free.
• Progressive offers discounts including multi-vehicle, homeowner, online signing, online quote discount, and continuous coverage.
• AAA may include discounts for good driver, multi-car, education and occupation, pay-in-full, good student, anti-theft, and multi-policy.
• American Family has discounts for Steer into Savings, defensive driver, TimeAway discount, early bird, accident-free, and bundled insurance.
• Geico includes discounts for federal employee, air bags, daytime running lights, seat belt use, driver training, military active duty, and anti-lock brakes.
• State Farm offers premium reductions for passive restraint, multiple policy, Drive Safe & Save, student away at school, anti-theft, defensive driving training, and safe vehicle.

Before buying, ask every prospective company which credits you are entitled to. Some credits may not apply in your area. To view insurers that provide some of the discounts listed above, click here to view.

Will just any policy work for me?

When buying proper insurance coverage, there really is no single plan that fits everyone. Everyone’s situation is a little different so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that can aid in determining if your situation may require specific advice.

• When should I remove comp and collision on my 2002 Mazda Protege?
• Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
• Does my personal policy cover me when driving out-of-state?
• Is my babysitter covered when using my vehicle?
• Is there coverage for injuries to my pets?
• How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
• Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but a few of them apply, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

Car insurance coverage basics

Learning about specific coverages of your policy helps when choosing appropriate coverage and proper limits and deductibles. The terms used in a policy can be impossible to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring. Shown next are the normal coverages offered by car insurance companies.

Liability coverages

This coverage provides protection from damage or injury you incur to other’s property or people in an accident. It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. Your policy might show limits of 100/300/100 which stand for a limit of $100,000 per injured person, $300,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $100,000.

Liability insurance covers claims like loss of income, repair costs for stationary objects and repair bills for other people’s vehicles. How much liability should you purchase? That is your choice, but buy as much as you can afford.

Coverage for collisions

Collision insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.

Collision can pay for things such as hitting a parking meter, rolling your car, crashing into a ditch and driving through your garage door. This coverage can be expensive, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.

Comprehensive car insurance

Comprehensive insurance coverage pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay.

Comprehensive can pay for things such as rock chips in glass, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, hitting a bird, damage from a tornado or hurricane and damage from flooding. The maximum payout a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle when other motorists are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. Covered losses include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as damage to your 2002 Mazda Protege.

Since many drivers carry very low liability coverage limits, their limits can quickly be used up. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is very important.

Coverage for medical expenses

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP kick in for short-term medical expenses for funeral costs, rehabilitation expenses, EMT expenses and ambulance fees. The coverages can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance program or if you are not covered by health insurance. Coverage applies to both the driver and occupants and will also cover 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

What is YOUR best insurance company?

Some car insurance companies may not offer rate quotes online and most of the time these small insurance companies provide coverage only through local independent agencies. Lower-priced car insurance is available from both online companies in addition to many insurance agents, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best price selection to choose from.

When you buy car insurance online, you should never buy poor coverage just to save money. In too many instances, someone dropped uninsured motorist or liability limits and learned later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your aim should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the lowest possible cost and still be able to protect your assets.

Additional resources

• Information for Teen Drivers (Geico)
• Understanding Rental Car Insurance (Insurance Information Insitute)
• Understanding your Policy (NAIC.org)
• Older Driver Statistics (Insurance Information Insitute)