It’s shocking but nearly 70% of consumers have purchased from the same company for at least four years, and just under half have never compared car insurance rates at all. With the average car insurance premium being $1,387, Fresno drivers could save an average of almost $470 each year just by shopping around, but they just don’t want to compare rate quotes online.
The best way we recommend to find lower priced auto insurance rates is to annually compare prices from companies who sell insurance in Fresno. Rates can be compared by following these guidelines.
Step 1: Get an understanding of car insurance and the factors you can control to prevent high rates. Many things that result in higher rates like distracted driving and poor credit history can be controlled by being financially responsible and driving safely. Continue reading for information to get cheaper rates and get bigger discounts.
Step 2: Request rate estimates from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Exclusive agents and direct companies can provide rates from one company like Progressive or Farmers Insurance, while agents who are independent can quote rates from multiple sources.
Step 3: Compare the new rates to the premium of your current policy to see if a cheaper price is available in Fresno. If you find a better price and make a switch, make sure there is no lapse between the expiration of your current policy and the new one.
Step 4: Provide proper notification to your current company of your decision to cancel your current policy. Submit a completed policy application and payment to the new company. As soon as you can, put the proof of insurance paperwork above your visor, in the console, or in the glove compartment.
A good tip to remember is to compare similar coverage information on every quote request and and to get rate quotes from as many companies as you can. This provides an accurate price comparison and many rates to choose from.
If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to buy cheaper auto insurance using these tips. We hope to introduce you to how to effectively get price quotes. Nevertheless, California car owners need to have an understanding of how big insurance companies determine how much to charge and take advantage of how the system works.
Just remember that making a lot of price comparisons helps you find the best price. Some smaller insurers do not give online price quotes, so it’s important to compare rates on coverage from those companies, too.
The providers in the list below can provide price quotes in California. If you want the best car insurance in Fresno, CA, we recommend you compare several of them to get the best price comparison.
Cheaper rates by taking advantage of discounts
Insurance is not an enjoyable expense, but you might find some hidden discounts that could help you make your next renewal payment. Some discounts apply automatically when you complete an application, but some must be requested specifically before you get the savings. If you’re not getting every credit you qualify for, you could be paying more than you need to.
- Seat Belts Save – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to use a seat belt can save 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
- Low Mileage Discounts – Fewer annual miles on your Chevy could earn discounted prices on garaged vehicles.
- ABS Braking Discount – Cars and trucks equipped with ABS or steering control can stop better under adverse conditions so companies give up to a 10% discount.
- Sign Online – Some of the larger companies give back up to $50 get Fresno car insurance on your computer.
- Air Bag Discount – Vehicles equipped with air bags or motorized seat belts may qualify for discounts of 20% or more.
A little note about advertised discounts, most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, it doesn’t quite work that way.
The diagram below shows the comparison of Chevy HHR car insurance costs with and without policy discounts. The premiums are based on a female driver, no accidents, no driving violations, California state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $500 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with safe-driver, homeowner, marriage, claim-free, multi-policy, and multi-car discounts applied.
Large insurance companies and their possible discounts can be found below.
- Progressive includes discounts for continuous coverage, online quote discount, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, online signing, good student, and homeowner.
- MetLife may include discounts for defensive driver, good student, claim-free, good driver, and accident-free.
- Mercury Insurance offers premium reductions for anti-theft, good student, professional/association, accident-free, multi-policy, and good driver.
- Nationwide offers discounts including defensive driving, anti-theft, family plan, business or organization, and good student.
- GEICO policyholders can earn discounts including good student, defensive driver, multi-policy, seat belt use, federal employee, and air bags.
- AAA may offer discounts for AAA membership discount, multi-policy, education and occupation, good student, good driver, pay-in-full, and multi-car.
If you are trying to find cheaper Fresno car insurance quotes, ask all the companies how many discounts you can get. Savings might not be offered on policies in Fresno. For a list of insurance companies with discount rates in California, click here to view.
Chevy HHR insurance rates and statistics
The rate information shown next highlights a range of insurance rates for Chevy HHR models. Having a better idea how insurance rates are formulated is important for making decisions when shopping around.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HHR LS | $238 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,200 | $100 |
HHR LT | $238 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,200 | $100 |
HHR SS | $266 | $490 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,356 | $113 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Data rating is based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, multi-policy, homeowner, safe-driver, and claim-free. Prices do not factor in specific location which can impact premium rates significantly.
Rate comparison for different deductibles
When comparing auto insurance rates, the most common question is how low should you set your deductibles. The premium rates below summarize the rate differences when you select higher and lower comp and collision deductibles. The first rate table uses a $100 physical damage coverage deductible and the second pricing table uses a $500 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HHR LS | $430 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,741 | $145 |
HHR LT | $430 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,741 | $145 |
HHR SS | $478 | $932 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $2,035 | $170 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
HHR LS | $314 | $464 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,378 | $115 |
HHR LT | $314 | $464 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,378 | $115 |
HHR SS | $348 | $630 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,578 | $132 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, safe-driver, homeowner, claim-free, and multi-vehicle. Table data does not factor in specific Fresno garaging location which can change rates considerably.
Based on this data, using a $100 deductible costs approximately $32 more each month or $384 every year than requesting the higher $500 deductible. Because you would pay $400 more out-of-pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to go at least 13 months between claim filings, you would come out ahead if you choose the higher deductible.
How to decide to raise your deductibles
Average monthly premium for $100 deductibles: | $153 |
Average monthly premium for $500 deductibles (subtract): | – $121 |
Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $32 |
Difference between deductibles ($500 – $100): | $400 |
Divide difference by monthly savings: | $400 / $32 |
Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 13 months |
Impact of careless driving on Fresno auto insurance rates
The information below demonstrates how citations and accidents can influence Chevy HHR insurance costs for different age categories. The costs are based on a single male driver, comp and collision included, $100 deductibles, and no discounts are applied.
Compare prices but buy from a local neighborhood Fresno car insurance agent
Many people just prefer to sit down with an agent and often times that is recommended A nice benefit of comparing auto insurance online is the fact that drivers can get the lowest rates and still buy from a local agent.
By using this quick form, your insurance coverage information is submitted to participating agents in Fresno who can give free rate quotes for your business. It makes it easy because there is no need to contact any insurance agencies because prices are sent immediately to your email address. It’s the lowest rates and a licensed agent to work with. If you want to compare rates from a specific company, feel free to jump over to their website and complete a quote there.
Picking a provider shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price quote. These questions are important to ask:
- What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
- Can you contact them at any time?
- If they are an independent agency in Fresno, which companies do they recommend?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- Are they giving you every discount you deserve?
Insurance agent types
If you want a local agent, it helps to know the two different agency structures and how they can quote your rates. Agents are considered either independent (non-exclusive) or exclusive.
Exclusive Auto Insurance Agencies
Exclusive insurance agents work for only one company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Exclusive agencies are unable to shop your coverage around so you might not find the best rates. Exclusive insurance agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales and that enables them to sell even at higher rates. Some consumers prefer to use the same exclusive agent partially due to the prominent brand name and solid financial strength.
The following is a short list of exclusive agencies in Fresno who may provide you with comparison quotes.
- Tim Franz – State Farm Insurance Agent
5534 E Kings Canyon Rd – Fresno, CA 93727 – (559) 251-3777 – View Map - Allstate Insurance: Geena Cha
2511 E Lamona Ave – Fresno, CA 93703 – (559) 494-0766 – View Map - Allstate Insurance: Roger Noguera
3032 W Bullard Ave – Fresno, CA 93711 – (559) 435-2246 – View Map
Independent Auto Insurance Agencies
Agents of this type are normally appointed by many insurers so they can quote policies with a variety of different insurance companies and get the cheapest rates. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier which requires no work on your part.
When comparing auto insurance rates, you will want to get insurance quotes from several independent agencies so that you can do a thorough price comparison. Most also write with smaller regional carriers which may provide better rates.
Listed below are independent agents in Fresno that can give you comparison quotes.
- Mc Carty Insurance Inc: Mc Carty Chad R
1625 Shaw Ave # 111 – Fresno, CA 93710 – (559) 324-1421 – View Map - New Horizon Insurance Services- Fresno
7543 N Ingram Ave #105 – Fresno, CA 93711 – (559) 244-6644 – View Map - Avakian Insurance Services, Inc.
1274 W Hedges Ave – Fresno, CA 93728 – (559) 268-7386 – View Map
Tailor your car insurance coverage to you
Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing coverage for your vehicles, there really is no one size fits all plan. Every situation is different.
Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.
- What is the difference between personal and commercial auto insurance policies?
- How much liability do I need to cover my assets?
- Am I covered if I back into my garage door?
- Does car insurance cover theft of personal property?
- Does insurance cover tools stolen from my truck?
- What happens if I owe more than my Chevy HHR is worth?
If you’re not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. If you don’t have a local agent, complete this form.
Informed Consumers Can Slash Their Insurance Premiums
A large part of saving on insurance is knowing some of the things that aid in calculating your policy premiums. When you understand what impacts premium levels, this empowers consumers to make smart changes that may result in cheaper rates.
- Prevent policy lapses – Driving with no insurance is against the law and as a result your rates will increase for letting your insurance lapse. Not only will you pay more, the inability to provide proof of insurance will get you a steep fine or even jail time.
- Liability is peace of mind – The liability section of your policy will afford coverage if ever you are responsible for personal injury or accident damage. Your policy’s liability insurance provides legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. It is affordable coverage compared to other policy coverages, so drivers should carry high limits.
- Deter car thieves – Choosing a vehicle that has an advanced theft prevention system can save you some money. Advanced theft deterrents such as OnStar found on GM vehicles, advanced tracking like LoJack, and vehicle immobilization systems can help prevent your vehicle from being stolen.
- Rental and towing coverage may not be needed – Insurance companies have many extra add-on coverages that sound like a good idea at the time when buying insurance. Insurance for vanishing deductibles, towing, and motor club memberships are probably not needed. The coverages may be enticing when you first buy your policy, but if you have no use for them eliminate the coverages to reduce your premium.
- Low deductibles mean high premiums – The deductibles represent how much money you are required to spend out-of-pocket if the claim is covered. Protection for physical damage, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, protects your car from damage. Examples of covered claims are a windshield broken by a bird, hail damage, and having a roll-over accident. The more of the claim you pay before a claim is paid (deductible), the bigger discount you will receive.
- Get married and pay less – Being married helps lower the price on your insurance policy. Having a significant other translates into being more mature than a single person and it’s proven that married drivers get in fewer accidents.
Auto insurance just makes sense
Even though it can be expensive, insurance is mandatory in California but it also protects more than you think.
- Just about all states have mandatory liability insurance requirements which means state laws require a specific level of liability coverage if you drive a vehicle. In California these limits are 15/30/5 which means you must have $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 of property damage coverage.
- If you have a loan on your HHR, it’s most likely the lender will have a requirement that you have insurance to protect their interest in the vehicle. If the policy lapses, the lender will be forced to insure your Chevy at an extremely high rate and require you to pay the higher price.
- Insurance protects both your car and your personal assets. It also can pay for medical expenses for you, any passengers, and anyone injured in an accident. One of the most valuable coverages, liability insurance, will also pay attorney fees if someone files suit against you as the result of an accident. If mother nature or an accident damages your car, collision and comprehensive coverages will pay all costs to repair after the deductible has been paid.
The benefits of buying auto insurance more than offset the price you pay, especially for larger claims. The average driver in California is wasting up to $830 a year so it’s important to compare rates each time the policy renews to ensure rates are competitive.
Smart shoppers get results
Cost effective Chevy HHR insurance can be purchased both online in addition to local insurance agencies, so get free Fresno car insurance quotes from both of them to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who may not provide internet price quotes and usually these small insurance companies only sell coverage through independent agents.
When searching for low cost Fresno car insurance quotes, it’s very important that you do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are a lot of situations where someone sacrificed uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The ultimate goal is to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.
Insureds change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as an unsatisfactory settlement offer, policy cancellation, denial of a claim or delays in responding to claim requests. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding the right insurance provider is easier than you think.
For more information, link through to the following helpful articles:
- Air Bags: Potential Dangers to Your Children (Insurance Information Institute)
- Who Has Cheap Car Insurance Quotes for Teenage Males in Fresno? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance Quotes for a Dodge Grand Caravan in Fresno? (FAQ)
- Information for Teen Drivers (GEICO)
- Distracted Driving Extends Beyond Texting (State Farm)