Best Ways to Save on Fresno Dodge Caliber Insurance

Unbelievable but true according to a study nearly 70% of drivers kept their policy with the same company for well over three years, and approximately 40% of consumers have never even compared rates from other companies. California consumers could save themselves as much as 35% a year, but they feel it’s too difficult to go online and compare rates.

The most effective way to get more affordable Dodge Caliber insurance in Fresno is to compare prices annually from insurance carriers that sell auto insurance in California. This can be done by following these steps.

• Step 1: Take a few minutes and learn about how your policy works and the factors you can control to keep rates down. Many rating criteria that result in higher rates like multiple speeding tickets and bad credit can be improved by making minor changes in your lifestyle.
• Step 2: Request price quotes from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can only give rate quotes from one company like Progressive or Allstate, while independent agents can quote prices from multiple sources.
• Step 3: Compare the new quotes to your existing coverage to determine if switching companies saves money. If you can save money, make sure there is no lapse in coverage.
• Step 4: Tell your current agent or company of your decision to cancel your existing policy. Submit a completed policy application and payment to the new insurer. Once received, put the new proof of insurance certificate along with your vehicle registration.

A good tip to remember is to make sure you’re comparing identical deductibles and limits on each quote request and and to get quotes from every company you can. Doing this helps ensure the most accurate price comparison and the best price selection.

If you have a policy now, you will be able to lower your rates using the concepts covered in this article. These techniques will tell you the best way to buy inexpensive insurance and how to save the most money. Although California vehicle owners need to have an understanding of the way companies market on the web and apply this information to your search.

When comparison shopping, there are several ways to compare rate quotes from different companies. The easiest way by far to find the lowest rates consists of shopping online. Just keep in mind that obtaining a wide range of quotes will increase your chances of finding a lower rate.

The providers in the list below are ready to provide price quotes in Fresno, CA. To buy the cheapest car insurance in Fresno, CA, we recommend you click on several of them to get the best price comparison.

You may qualify for discounts for Dodge Caliber insurance in Fresno

Buying insurance is not cheap, but discounts can save money and there are some available that could drop your premiums quite a bit. Certain credits will be shown when you get a quote, but once in a while a discount must be asked for prior to getting the savings.

• No Accidents – Drivers with accident-free driving histories have much lower rates as compared to policyholders that have many claims.
• Own a Home – Owning a home in Fresno can help you save on insurance due to the fact that maintaining a home requires a higher level of personal finance.
• Seat Belts Save – Forcing all vehicle occupants to buckle their seat belts can save up to 10 percent (depending on the company) on medical payment and PIP coverage.
• Paperless Signup – Many insurance companies give back up to $50 for signing up digitally online.
• Full Payment Discount – If you pay your bill all at once rather than paying monthly you can avoid monthly service charges.

We need to note that some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. So even though it sounds like you could get a free insurance policy, nobody gets a free ride. But all discounts will cut your insurance premiums.

The diagram below shows the difference between Dodge Caliber insurance costs with and without discounts applied. The rate quotes are based on a male driver, no claims or driving citations, California state minimum liability limits, comp and collision included, and $500 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with safe-driver, multi-car, marriage, multi-policy, claim-free, and homeowner discounts applied.

To find providers who offer insurance discounts in California, follow this link.

Dodge Caliber coverage statistics

The price information shown next outlines different coverage costs for Dodge Caliber models. Having a better idea how insurance rates are figured can help drivers make smart policy decisions.

Prices above based on single female driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, claim-free, and multi-policy. Rate information does not factor in Fresno location which can lower or raise premium rates significantly.

Policy deductible comparison

One frequently asked question is at what level do you set your deductibles. The figures shown below may help to conceptualize the cost difference when you buy lower versus higher policy deductibles. The first price estimate table uses a $100 deductible and the second price table uses a $500 deductible.

Price data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, safe-driver, multi-vehicle, claim-free, and multi-policy. Rates do not factor in specific garaging location which can decrease or increase premiums substantially.

Based on this data, we can arrive at the conclusion that using a $100 deductible will cost you roughly $29 more each month or $348 a year than quoting the higher $500 deductible. Since you would have to pay $400 more to file a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you usually have more than 14 months between claims, you would save more money if you choose the higher deductible.

The example below shows how choosing a deductible and can raise or lower Dodge Caliber insurance costs for different categories of driver ages. The data is based on a married female driver, full physical damage coverage, and no discounts are applied.

Male drivers versus female drivers

The diagram below compares Dodge Caliber yearly insurance costs for male and female drivers. The rates are based on no violations or claims, comp and collision included, $500 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are factored in.

Dodge Caliber liability rates compared to full coverage

The information below shows the difference between Dodge Caliber insurance costs with full coverage and liability only. The premium estimates are based on a clean driving record, no claims, $500 deductibles, single status, and no discounts are applied to the premium.

When to stop buying physical damage coverage

There is no definitive rule to delete full coverage, but there is a general guideline you can use. If the yearly cost of comp and collision coverage is more than around 10% of the settlement you would receive from your company, then you may need to consider dropping full coverage.

For example, let’s assume your Dodge Caliber replacement value is $9,000 and you have $1,000 deductibles. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the most your company would pay you is $8,000 after paying the physical damage deductible. If it’s costing you more than $800 annually to have full coverage, then it might be time to consider dropping full coverage.

There are some conditions where buying only liability insurance is not a good plan. If you still have a loan on your vehicle, you have to keep full coverage in order to prevent the bank from purchasing higher-priced coverage. Also, if you cannot afford to purchase a different vehicle if your current one is in an accident, you should not buy liability only.

Exclusive versus independent auto insurance agents

Many people just prefer to talk to an insurance agent and that can be a great decision One of the benefits of comparing auto insurance online is the fact that you can find lower rates and also buy local.

Once you complete this short form, your insurance coverage information is sent to local insurance agents who will give you quotes for your coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to contact an agency since rate quotes are delivered to you. You can find lower rates and work with a local agent. If you want to get a price quote from a specific auto insurance provider, you would need to navigate to their website and fill out the quote form the provide.

Selecting an insurance company requires more thought than just the quoted price. Any agent in Fresno should be willing to answer these questions.

• Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
• Who are their largest clients?
• Do they have advanced training designations such as CPCU, AAI, AIC, or CIC?
• How many years have they been established?
• Do they offer claims assistance after hours?
• Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
• Will the quote change when the policy is issued?

Choose the right car insurance agent

If you want a good Fresno insurance agent, you need to know there are two different types of agencies and how they can write your policy. Fresno agents can either be exclusive or independent agents depending on their company appointments.

Exclusive Auto Insurance Agents

Agents that elect to be exclusive are contracted to one company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm, and AAA. Exclusive agencies are unable to compare rates from other companies so they really need to provide good service. Exclusive agencies are trained well in insurance sales which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers sometimes use the same agent mostly because of loyalty to the company instead of buying on price only.

Shown below is a short list of exclusive insurance agents in Fresno who may provide you with price quotes.

• Allstate Insurance: Gary Gonzales
  191 W Shaw Ave Ste 109 – Fresno, CA 93704 – (559) 243-2020 – View Map
• Farmers Insurance: Israel Cortes
  5446 N Palm Ave #105 – Fresno, CA 93704 – (559) 230-1300 – View Map
• Wilson Wong – State Farm Insurance Agent
  1341 W Bullard Ave #6 – Fresno, CA 93711 – (559) 438-0470 – View Map

View more Fresno agents

Independent Auto Insurance Agencies

Independent insurance agents do not work for one specific company so they can quote policies through many different auto insurance companies and get you the best rates possible. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you don’t have to do anything. When comparing auto insurance prices, we recommend you include rate quotes from at least one independent agent so that you have a good selection of quotes to compare. A lot of them also have access to companies that do not advertise much that may have much lower rates than larger companies.

The following are Fresno independent insurance agents that can give you rate 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
• Dalena Benik and Associates Insurance
  6740 N. West Street #108 – Fresno, CA 93711 – (559) 578-3022 – View Map

View more Fresno agents

Eight Things That Influence Your Insurance Rates

A large part of saving on auto insurance is knowing the different types of things that play a part in calculating your auto insurance rates. When you understand what influences your rates, this helps enable you to make changes that could result in cheaper rates.

The items below are just a few of the factors that factor into your prices.

• Performance affects premiums – The make and model of the car you need to insure makes a big difference in the rate you pay. Lower performance four cylinder passenger models usually are quite affordable to insure, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.

  The chart below is based on a single male driver age 20, full coverage with $100 deductibles, and no discounts or violations. The chart compares Dodge Caliber car insurance rates compared to other models of vehicles that have different performance rating factors.

• Insure your auto and home with one company – Most major companies apply discounts for people that have more than one policy. It’s known as a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, consumers should still get quotes from other companies to help ensure you have the lowest rates. Consumers may find lower rates by buying auto insurance from a different company.
• Lower premiums for cars with good safety ratings – Safe vehicles can get you lower premiums. Vehicles built for safety have better occupant injury protection and lower injury rates translates into savings for insurance companies passed on to you as lower rates. If your Dodge Caliber has ratings of a minimum an “acceptable” rating on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website you may be receiving a better rate.
• Prices are affected by your address – Having an address in a small town is a positive aspect when it comes to auto insurance. Lower population means reduced accidents in addition to fewer liability claims. Drivers in populated California areas tend to have much more traffic and longer commute times. The longer drive time can result in more accidents.

• Younger drivers pay higher premiums – Inexperience drivers tend to be careless and easily distracted when driving so auto insurance rates are higher. Adding a inexperienced driver onto your auto insurance can cause a big jump in price. Mature drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents, and usually have better credit.

  The data below uses these assumptions: single driver, full coverage with $1000 deductibles, and no discounts or violations.

• Your stress level may be raising your prices – Did you know your career choice can influence rates? Occupations like judges, air traffic controllers, and accountants are shown to have higher average rates attributed to high stress and long work days. Other jobs like scientists, athletes and the unemployed pay the least.
• Use but don’t abuse your insurance – If you’re an insured who likes to file claims you can definitely plan on either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Companies in California give the best rates to drivers that do not abuse their auto insurance. Insurance coverage is intended to be relied upon for claims that you cannot pay yourself.
• Do you have enough liability coverage? – Your policy’s liability coverage is the coverage that protects you if you are ruled to be at fault for damages caused by your negligence. It will provide for a legal defense starting from day one. It is affordable coverage compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.

Insurance protects more than just your car

Despite the high cost of buying insurance for a Dodge Caliber in Fresno, paying for insurance is required by state law in California and it also provides benefits you may not be aware of.

First, almost all states have mandatory insurance requirements which means you are required to buy a specific minimum amount of liability protection if you don’t want to risk a ticket. 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.

Second, if you have a lien on your Dodge Caliber, it’s most likely the lender will have a requirement that you have physical damage coverage to ensure they get paid if you total the vehicle. If the policy lapses, the bank or lender will purchase a policy for your Dodge at a much higher rate and force you to pay for the expensive policy.

Third, insurance protects your vehicle and your assets. Insurance will also pay for medical expenses for both you and anyone you injure as the result of an accident. As part of your policy, liability insurance also covers legal expenses if you are named as a defendant in an auto accident. If you have damage to your Dodge as the result of the weather or an accident, comprehensive (other-than-collision) and collision coverage will cover the repair costs.

The benefits of carrying enough insurance greatly outweigh the cost, specifically if you ever have a liability claim. According to a recent study, the average American driver is wasting up to $865 each year so smart consumers compare quotes at every renewal to be sure current rates are still competitive.

Compare but don’t skimp

You just read many ways to find cheap Dodge Caliber insurance in Fresno. The most important thing to understand is the more price quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding low cost Fresno car insurance quotes. Consumers could even find that the lowest priced auto insurance comes from an unexpected company.

Low-cost Dodge Caliber insurance in Fresno can be bought on the web and from local insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best rate selection. There are still a few companies who don’t offer online quoting and these regional insurance providers sell through independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, make sure you don’t reduce needed coverages to save money. In many instances, an accident victim reduced full coverage and learned later they didn’t have enough coverage. Your objective should be to buy enough coverage at the lowest possible cost while still protecting your assets.

Other resources

• Bodily Injury Coverage (Liberty Mutual)
• Who Has Affordable Fresno Auto Insurance for 16 Year Olds? (FAQ)
• How Much is Car Insurance for Handicapped Drivers in Fresno? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Fresno Car Insurance Rates for Uber Drivers? (FAQ)
• What Auto Insurance is Cheapest for Drivers Over Age 70 in Fresno? (FAQ)
• Understanding your Policy (NAIC.org)
• Honda warning system reduces insurance claims (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
• Air Bags: Potential Dangers to Your Children (Insurance Information Institute)