It’s easy to assume that insurance companies don’t want you to compare rates. People who compare rates at least once a year are inclined to switch to a new company because there is a great chance of finding a lower-priced company. A study showed that drivers who regularly shopped around saved approximately $3,400 over four years compared to other drivers who never shopped around.
If finding the lowest rates on auto insurance in Tucson is why you’re reading this, then having some insight into how to shop and compare auto insurance can help you succeed in saving money.
Really, the only way to get low-cost car insurance rates is to do an annual price comparison from companies who provide auto insurance in Tucson. Prices can be compared by following these guidelines.
First, learn about the different coverages in a policy and the measures you can control to prevent high rates. Many risk factors that result in higher rates like traffic citations and an imperfect credit score can be eliminated by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes. Read the full article for instructions to prevent high rates and find additional discounts.
Second, obtain price quotes from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can give quotes from a single company like Progressive or State Farm, while independent agents can provide price quotes for a wide range of insurance providers.
Third, compare the new rate quotes to your current policy and see if there is a cheaper rate in Tucson. If you find better rates, make sure there is no lapse between the expiration of your current policy and the new one.
Fourth, provide written notification to your current company of your intent to cancel your current policy and submit a down payment along with a completed application to your new insurance company. As soon as you receive it, store the proof of insurance certificate with your vehicle’s registration.
One bit of advice is that you’ll want to compare the same coverage limits and deductibles on every price quote and and to get rate quotes from as many different insurance providers as possible. Doing this ensures a fair rate comparison and a complete price analysis.
If you’re already insured or are looking for a new policy, you can use these tips to reduce premiums while maximizing coverage. Pricing cheaper car insurance coverage in Tucson is not as confusing as people think. Drivers just have to know how to shop for car insurance online from multiple companies.
Finding a lower price on Saturn Ion insurance is a great way to save money. Just invest a little time comparing free Tucson auto insurance quotes from some recommended companies.
The providers in the list below provide comparison quotes in Arizona. If your goal is to find cheap car insurance in Arizona, we recommend you compare several of them to get a more complete price comparison.
Reduce your car insurance rates with discounts
Companies that sell car insurance don’t list every available discount in a way that’s easy to find, so the list below details some of the more common as well as some of the hidden credits available to you.
- Full Payment Discount – If paying your policy premium upfront rather than spreading payments over time you could save 5% or more.
- Discounts for Safe Drivers – Safe drivers may receive a discount up to 45% than their less cautious counterparts.
- One Accident Forgiven – This one isn’t a discount, but some insurance companies will turn a blind eye to one accident before hitting you with a surcharge with the catch being you have to be claim-free for a specific time period.
- Drivers Education – Teen drivers should enroll in driver’s education in school or through a local driver safety program.
- Resident Student – Children who live away from home to go to college without a vehicle on campus may be insured at a cheaper rate.
- Smart Student Discounts – Maintaining excellent grades can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
- Discount for Multiple Policies – When you have multiple policies with one insurance company you may save up to 20% off your total Ion insurance premium.
- Federal Government Employee – Employees or retirees of the government could cut as much as 10% off depending on your company.
- Anti-theft Discount – Cars and trucks equipped with tracking devices and advanced anti-theft systems are less likely to be stolen and earn discounts up to 10% off your Tucson auto insurance quote.
We need to note that most of the big mark downs will not be given to the whole policy. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it appears having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, you won’t be that lucky.
Car insurance companies that may offer these discounts include:
Before you buy a policy, ask all companies you are considering which discounts you qualify for. Depending on the company, some discounts might not be offered on policies in Tucson.
Insurance agents can help
Many drivers prefer to buy from a local agent and often times that is recommended Good insurance agents can help you build your policy and help submit paperwork. One of the benefits of comparing rates online is that you can find lower rates and still have a local agent.
After completing this quick form, your insurance coverage information is submitted to local insurance agents that can give you free Tucson auto insurance quotes to get your business. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to search for an agent since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. If for some reason you want to compare prices for a specific company, don’t hesitate to search and find their rate quote page and give them your coverage information.
Finding the right provider should include more criteria than just the bottom line cost. Any agent in Tucson should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in Arizona?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
- Is insurance their full-time profession?
- Do they have 24-hour customer assistance?
- Are aftermarket or OEM parts used to repair vehicles?
If you want to buy insurance from a local Tucson insurance agent, you should know the types of insurance agents to choose from. Agencies in Tucson can be described as either independent or exclusive depending on the company they work for. Both types can handle insurance, but it’s a good idea to understand the difference in the companies they write for since it can impact your agent selection.
Exclusive Insurance Agencies
These type of agents can usually just insure with one company such as Allstate, State Farm and Farm Bureau. Exclusive agents are unable to provide rate quotes from other companies so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Exclusive agents are highly trained on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Consumers frequently buy from the same agent for years mainly due to the prominent brand name rather than low price.
Listed below is a short list of exclusive agencies in Tucson that can give you comparison quotes.
- Noreen Lawlor – State Farm Insurance Agent
8925 E Golf Links Rd – Tucson, AZ 85730 – (520) 722-7488 – View Map - Michael Riley – State Farm Insurance Agent
2050 E Speedway Blvd – Tucson, AZ 85719 – (520) 323-9467 – View Map - Rick McGee – State Farm Insurance Agent
7630 N la Cholla Blvd – Tucson, AZ 85741 – (520) 529-4676 – View Map
Independent Insurance Agents
Agents in the independent channel do not work for one specific company and that enables them to quote your coverage with multiple insurance companies depending on which coverage is best. If they find a cheaper price, they simply move the coverage in-house and you don’t have to do anything.
If you are comparing rate quotes, we recommend you compare prices from a few independent agents for the best price selection. Most can insure with companies you’ve never heard of that many times have cheaper rates.
The following are Tucson independent insurance agents who can help you get price quotes.
- RightSure Insurance Group
5151 E Broadway Blvd #120 – Tucson, AZ 85711 – (520) 901-7010 – View Map - Leavitt Group – Koty-Leavitt Insurance Agency
6992 E Broadway Blvd – Tucson, AZ 85710 – (520) 571-1900 – View Map - AZ Insurance Center
8880 E Speedway Blvd #101 – Tucson, AZ 85710 – (520) 722-0665 – View Map
Which policy gives me the best coverage?
When selecting proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a “best” method to buy coverage. Each situation is unique and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply.
Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if you would benefit from professional advice.
- Am I covered when driving someone else’s vehicle?
- Can my babysitter drive my car?
- When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
- Why am I be forced to buy a membership to get insurance from some companies?
- How many claims can I have before being canceled?
- Is there coverage for injuries to my pets?
- Are my custom wheels covered?
- Which companies are cheaper for teen drivers?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It’s fast, free and can help protect your family.
Eight factors that impact insurance costs
Many things are part of the equation when you quote your car insurance policy. Some are pretty understandable like your driving record, but others are not quite as obvious like where you live or how safe your car is.
The following are some of the most common factors used by your company to calculate your premiums.
When should you file insurance claims? – If you are a frequent claim filer, you should expect either a policy non-renewal or much higher rates. Companies in Arizona award lower rates to insureds who file claims infrequently. Your car insurance is intended to be relied upon for the bigger claims that can’t be paid out-of-pocket.
Are you male or female? – The statistics show that females take fewer risks when driving. However, don’t assume that women are BETTER drivers than men. Females and males have at-fault accidents at about the same rate, but the men tend to have more serious accidents. Not only that, but men also receive more costly citations like driving under the influence (DUI).
Decrease rates by maintaining coverage – Driving your car without having proper coverage is a big no-no and you may have a hard time finding new coverage because you let your coverage cancel without a new policy in place. In addition to paying higher rates, not being able to provide proof of insurance may result in a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license. You may then be required to provide proof of insurance in the form of an SR-22 filing with the Arizona motor vehicle department to get your license reinstated.
Lower coverage deductibles cost more – Insurance for physical damage, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, helps pay for damage to your vehicle. Some examples of covered claims could be running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, and burglary. The deductibles represent how much money the insured will be required to pay if the claim is covered. The more of the claim you’re willing to pay, the less your car insurance will be.
Is your vehicle theft-ready? – Driving a car that has an advanced theft prevention system can earn a premium discount. Advanced theft deterrents such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system all help prevent auto theft and help lower rates.
Improve your credit score and save – Your credit history is a large factor in your rate calculation. Drivers who have high credit ratings tend to file fewer claims than drivers with poor credit. So if your credit is not that good, you could potentially save money when insuring your Saturn Ion by spending a little time repairing your credit.
Prices can change based on your address – Living in areas with lower population is a positive aspect if you are looking for the lowest rates. Residents of big cities regularly have more traffic problems and higher rates of accident claims. Less people means a lower chance of having an accident as well as less vandalism and auto theft.
Being married brings a discount – Getting married can actually save you money when buying car insurance. It usually means you are more stable financially and insurance companies like that married drivers tend to have fewer serious accidents.
Why you need to buy insurance
Despite the potentially high cost of Saturn Ion insurance, insurance is most likely required but also gives you several important benefits.
- Just about all states have mandatory insurance requirements which means you are required to buy specific minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage in order to drive the car legally. In Arizona these limits are 15/30/10 which means you must have $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 of property damage coverage.
- If you have a loan on your Saturn Ion, more than likely the lender will make it mandatory that you have insurance to protect their interest in the vehicle. If you let the policy lapse, the bank or lender will purchase a policy for your Saturn at a much higher premium rate and require you to reimburse them for the much more expensive policy.
- Insurance protects not only your Saturn Ion but also your assets. It will also reimburse you for medical expenses that are the result of an accident. Liability coverage also covers all legal expenses up to the policy limit if you cause an accident and are sued. If you receive damage to your vehicle caused by a storm or accident, collision and comprehensive coverages will pay to repair the damage minus the deductible amount.
The benefits of buying insurance definitely exceed the cost, specifically if you ever have a liability claim. As of last year, the average driver in Arizona is overpaying more than $865 each year so it’s recommended you shop around every year to save money.
One last thing about your coverage
You just learned some good ideas how to get a better price on Saturn Ion insurance in Tucson. The key thing to remember is the more companies you get prices for, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers could even find that the lowest premium rates come from the smaller companies. Regional companies often have lower prices on specific markets than their larger competitors like GEICO and State Farm.
Discount Saturn Ion insurance in Tucson is available online as well as from independent agents in Tucson, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates. A few companies may not offer price quotes online and most of the time these smaller providers work with independent agents.
When getting Tucson auto insurance quotes online, it’s a bad idea to buy less coverage just to save a little money. In many instances, someone sacrificed liability coverage limits only to regret they didn’t have enough coverage. The aim is to purchase plenty of coverage for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.
To learn more, link through to the articles below:
- Understanding Rental Car Insurance (Insurance Information Institute)
- What Auto Insurance is Cheapest with Multiple Speeding Tickets in Tucson? (FAQ)
- Credit and Insurance Scores (Insurance Information Institute)
- Credit Impacts Car Insurance Rates (State Farm)
- Top Signs Your Brakes are Giving Out (State Farm)
- Things to Know Before you Cancel Insurance (Allstate)