Anyone knows that insurance companies don’t want you comparing rates. People who get price quotes annually are inclined to switch to a new company because of the good chance of finding a policy with better rates. A recent study showed that people who shopped around every year saved approximately $3,450 over four years compared to people who never shopped for cheaper rates.
If finding the lowest rates on Nissan Versa insurance is the reason you’re reading this, then having some insight into how to shop and compare coverages can help simplify the process.
If you want to save the most money, the best way to get the cheapest auto insurance rates is to regularly compare prices from insurers in Fresno. Prices can be compared by completing these steps.
- Try to learn about auto insurance and the measures you can take to keep rates in check. Many policy risk factors that increase rates like your driving record and bad credit can be amended by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility. Read the full article for additional tips to help find cheaper rates and find available discounts that you may qualify for.
- Obtain price quotes from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Exclusive agents and direct companies can only quote rates from one company like GEICO and State Farm, while agents who are independent can provide prices for a wide range of insurance providers.
- Compare the new rate quotes to your existing rates to determine if you can save on Versa insurance in Fresno. If you find a lower rate quote, verify that coverage does not lapse between policies.
- Notify your current company of your decision to cancel your current policy. Submit a down payment along with a signed application to the new company. Immediately upon receiving it, safely store the certificate of insurance in an easily accessible location in your vehicle.
A tip to remember is to make sure you’re comparing the same deductibles and limits on each quote request and and to look at as many companies as you can. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison and a complete price analysis.
Finding and comparing affordable coverage in Fresno is not that difficult. Practically anyone who has to purchase car insurance will probably be able to find lower rates. But California car owners can benefit by having an understanding of how big insurance companies set your policy premium and use it to your advantage.
To find the best auto insurance prices, there are several ways of comparing rates from many auto insurance companies in California. The simplest method to compare rates consists of obtaining rate quotes online.
Just keep in mind that comparing more quotes helps you find lower pricing.
The companies shown below have been selected to offer free quotes in California. If you want to find the best cheap auto insurance in CA, we recommend you compare several of them to find the lowest car insurance rates.
Insurance does more than just protect your car
Despite the high cost, insurance is not optional due to several reasons.
First, the majority of states have mandatory insurance requirements which means the state requires specific limits of liability protection in order to drive the car. 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 your vehicle has a loan, almost all lenders will force you to have comprehensive coverage to ensure the loan is repaid in case of a total loss. If you default on your policy, the lender may have to buy a policy to insure your Nissan at an extremely high rate and require you to fork over for the expensive policy.
Third, insurance preserves not only your Nissan Versa but also your financial assets. Insurance will also pay for all forms of medical expenses for not only you but also any passengers injured in an accident. Liability insurance, one of your policy coverages, will also pay attorney fees if you are named as a defendant in an auto accident. If your car is damaged in a storm or accident, your policy will pay to repair the damage minus the deductible amount.
The benefits of carrying enough insurance more than offset the price you pay, especially with large liability claims. But the average driver in California overpays more than $825 a year so it’s recommended you shop around at least once a year to ensure rates are inline.
Nissan Versa detailed coverage information
The data table displayed below outlines different coverage prices for Nissan Versa models. Being able to understand how insurance prices are calculated can help you make decisions on which coverage to buy.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Versa 1.6 SEDAN | $154 | $342 | $534 | $32 | $160 | $1,222 | $102 |
Versa 1.8 S Hatchback | $180 | $490 | $534 | $32 | $160 | $1,396 | $116 |
Versa 1.8 S SEDAN | $180 | $490 | $534 | $32 | $160 | $1,396 | $116 |
Versa 1.8 SL Hatchback | $206 | $564 | $534 | $32 | $160 | $1,496 | $125 |
Versa 1.8 SL SEDAN | $206 | $564 | $534 | $32 | $160 | $1,496 | $125 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Above prices assume single male driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, homeowner, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, and multi-policy. Rate information does not factor in specific garaging location which can change premium rates considerably.
Deductible comparison
The hardest decision when buying coverage is where to set your physical damage deductibles. The comparisons below can help you understand the cost difference when you select higher and lower physical damage deductibles. The first rate quote example uses a $100 physical damage deductible and the second data table uses a $500 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Versa 1.6 SEDAN | $282 | $564 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,471 | $123 |
Versa 1.8 S Hatchback | $332 | $810 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,767 | $147 |
Versa 1.8 S SEDAN | $332 | $810 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,767 | $147 |
Versa 1.8 SL Hatchback | $380 | $932 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,937 | $161 |
Versa 1.8 SL SEDAN | $380 | $932 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,937 | $161 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Versa 1.6 SEDAN | $206 | $382 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,188 | $99 |
Versa 1.8 S Hatchback | $242 | $546 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,388 | $116 |
Versa 1.8 S SEDAN | $242 | $546 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,388 | $116 |
Versa 1.8 SL Hatchback | $278 | $630 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,508 | $126 |
Versa 1.8 SL SEDAN | $278 | $630 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,508 | $126 |
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-vehicle, homeowner, claim-free, safe-driver, and multi-policy. Rate information does not factor in specific Fresno garaging location which can influence prices noticeably.
Based on the figures above, using a $100 deductible costs about $31 more each month or $372 annually than buying the higher $500 deductible. Since you would pay $400 more out of your own pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you normally go at least 13 months between claims, you would probably be better off if you choose the higher deductible.
Calculate savings of higher deductibles
Average monthly premium for $100 deductibles: | $148 |
Average monthly premium for $500 deductibles (subtract): | – $117 |
Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $31 |
Difference between deductibles ($500 – $100): | $400 |
Divide difference by monthly savings: | $400 / $31 |
Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 13 months |
One thing to be aware of is that increasing deductibles to lower your rates results in a higher out-of-pocket expense when you have to file a claim. It will be required that you have enough disposable savings in the event you need to pay the deductible to have repairs made.
Tickets and at-fault accidents raise rates
The example below demonstrates how citations and at-fault collisions can influence Nissan Versa car insurance costs for different age categories. The premiums assume a married female driver, comp and collision included, $500 deductibles, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
Fresno auto insurance discounts
Auto insurance is not cheap nor is it fun to buy but you might be missing out on some discounts that many people don’t even know exist. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at the time you complete a quote, but a few must be manually applied before they will apply.
- Bundle and Save – When you have multiple policies with the same insurance company you will save nearly 15% which can help you find the cheapest Nissan Versa insurance in Fresno.
- Drivers Ed for Students – Have your child successfully complete driver’s ed class if offered at their school.
- 55 and Retired – Drivers over the age of 55 can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
- Low Mileage Discounts – Driving less may allow you to get lower auto insurance rates due to less chance of an accident.
- Include Life Insurance and Save – Not all insurance carriers offer life insurance, but some may give you a discounted price on car insurance if you buy a life policy as well.
- Multi-car Discount – Purchasing coverage when you have multiple vehicles with one company qualifies for this discount.
- Discount for Swiching Early – A few larger companies allow discounts for buying a new policy prior to the expiration date on your current Versa insurance policy. You may see this discount when you get Fresno auto insurance quotes online.
- Professional Organizations – Being in a professional or civic organization is a simple method to lower premiums on your policy.
- Accident Forgiveness – This one is not really a discount per se, but companies like Allstate and State Farm will turn a blind eye to one accident before your rates go up as long as you don’t have any claims prior to the accident.
While discounts sound great, it’s important to understand that many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So when the math indicates you could get a free auto insurance policy, you’re out of luck.
The example below illustrates the difference between Nissan Versa car insurance costs with and without discounts applied to the rates. Data assumes a male driver, no claims, a clean driving record, California state minimum liability limits, full coverage, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-policy, marriage, homeowner, safe-driver, claim-free, and multi-car discounts applied.
To see insurance companies that have a full spectrum of discounts in California, click here.
What if I want to buy from local Fresno auto insurance agents?
A lot of people just prefer to have an agent’s advice and that can be a great decision The best thing about price shopping on the web is that drivers can save money and get better rates and still buy from a local agent. Putting coverage with local agents is definitely important in Fresno.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this quick form, the quote information is immediately sent to local insurance agents who will gladly provide quotes for your insurance coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to even leave your home because prices are sent directly to you. You’ll get the best rates without the usual hassles of price shopping. In the event you want to quote rates for a specific company, don’t hesitate to go to their quote page and fill out the quote form the provide.
If you are wanting to find a reputable insurance agent or broker, it’s helpful to know the types of agencies and how they function. Agencies in Fresno are categorized either exclusive or independent.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
These type of agents often have many company appointments so as a result can place your coverage through many different insurance companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If they find a cheaper price, they simply switch companies in-house without you having to go to a different agency.
When comparison shopping, you will want to get rate quotes from multiple independent agents to get the most accurate price comparison. A lot of them also have access to smaller mutual companies that may provide cheaper insurance rates.
Shown below are Fresno independent insurance agents that may be able to give free insurance rate quotes.
- Dalena Benik and Associates Insurance
6740 N. West Street #108 – Fresno, CA 93711 – (559) 578-3022 – View Map - New Horizon Insurance Services- Fresno
7543 N Ingram Ave #105 – Fresno, CA 93711 – (559) 244-6644 – View Map - Reza Sarkhosh Insurance Agency, Inc.
2491 W Shaw Ave #124 – Fresno, CA 93711 – (559) 243-9000 – View Map
Exclusive Insurance Agents
These agents can only place business with one company like Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. Exclusive agents cannot shop your coverage around so they really need to provide good service. These agents receive a lot of sales training in insurance sales and that allows them to sell at a higher price point. Drivers often buy insurance from these agents partially due to the brand name and solid financial strength.
The following is a list of exclusive agents in Fresno that are able to give price quote information.
- Karen Barry-Ennis – State Farm Insurance Agent
1205 E Olive Ave – Fresno, CA 93728 – (559) 268-7431 – View Map - Andy Bergstrom – State Farm Insurance Agent
470 E Herndon Ave #109 – Fresno, CA 93720 – (559) 435-8332 – View Map - Farmers Insurance: Israel Cortes
5446 N Palm Ave #105 – Fresno, CA 93704 – (559) 230-1300 – View Map
Finding a good auto insurance agent requires you to look at more than just a cheap price quote. You should also get answers to these questions.
- Does the agent have a valid license to sell insurance in California?
- How often do they review coverages?
- Will you get a loaner vehicle if you car is being repaired?
- Is assistance available after office hours?
- Which insurance company do they prefer to write with?
- Do they assist clients in filing claims?
- How experienced are they in personal risk management?
- Who are their largest clients?
How do I know if I need professional advice?
When it comes to buying your policy, there is no best way to insure your cars. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s.
Here are some questions about coverages that may help you determine if you may require specific advice.
- Can my babysitter drive my car?
- Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
- Should I rate my Nissan Versa as pleasure use or commute?
- When would I need additional glass coverage?
- Do I have coverage when pulling a U-Haul trailer?
- Are rental cars covered under my policy?
- Do I need special endorsements for business use of my vehicle?
- Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.
Auto insurance coverages explained
Knowing the specifics of a auto insurance policy aids in choosing the best coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. The coverage terms in a policy can be difficult to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy.
Comprehensive (Other than Collision)
This covers damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive coverage pays for things like a tree branch falling on your vehicle, damage from getting keyed, vandalism, damage from flooding and fire damage. The most your auto insurance company will pay is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Medical expense insurance
Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for short-term medical expenses like dental work, rehabilitation expenses and doctor visits. They can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance program or if you lack health insurance entirely. Coverage applies to both the driver and occupants in addition to getting struck while a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is not available in all states but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage
Collision coverage
This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.
Collision coverage protects against claims like rolling your car, hitting a mailbox, colliding with another moving vehicle, backing into a parked car and crashing into a ditch. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider removing coverage from lower value vehicles. It’s also possible to choose a higher deductible on your Versa to get cheaper collision coverage.
Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers
This provides protection from other drivers when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered losses include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Due to the fact that many California drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (15/30/5), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is a good idea. Frequently the UM/UIM limits do not exceed the liability coverage limits.
Auto liability insurance
This coverage will cover injuries or damage you cause to a person or their property by causing an accident. Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. You might see limits of 15/30/5 that translate to a $15,000 limit per person for injuries, a total of $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and property damage coverage for $5,000. Alternatively, you may have one limit called combined single limit (CSL) which provides one coverage limit without having the split limit caps.
Liability can pay for things such as legal defense fees, funeral expenses, repair bills for other people’s vehicles and emergency aid. How much liability should you purchase? That is a decision to put some thought into, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as much as you can afford. California requires minimum liability limits of 15/30/5 but you should consider buying higher limits.
The chart below demonstrates why the minimum limit may not be high enough to adequately cover claims.
Don’t give up on cheaper coverage
People leave their current company for a number of reasons such as delays in paying claims, poor customer service, an unsatisfactory settlement offer or even delays in responding to claim requests. Whatever your reason, choosing a new company is less work than it seems.
We just covered many ways to lower your Nissan Versa insurance prices in Fresno. The most important thing to understand is the more quotes you get, the better chance you’ll have of finding inexpensive Fresno auto insurance quotes. Consumers could even find that the best prices are with a lesser-known regional company.
When trying to cut insurance costs, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many cases, an insured cut liability coverage limits only to discover later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your strategy should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at the lowest possible cost while not skimping on critical coverages.
Helpful information
- Preventing Carjacking and Theft (Insurance Information Institute)
- Who Has Cheap Fresno Auto Insurance Rates for Nurses? (FAQ)
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage (Allstate)
- Should I Buy a New or Used Car? (Allstate)
- Eight Auto Insurance Myths (Insurance Information Institute)
- Collision Insurance Coverage (Nationwide)