Comparing car insurance quotes online can be a challenge if you are someone who has never done online quoting. But don’t throw in the towel because there is an easy way to compare rates.
If you are paying for car insurance now, you should be able to cut costs considerably using this information. The purpose of this post is to help educate you on the most effective way to quote insurance and some tips to save money. But car owners must know the methods companies use to sell online and apply this information to your search.
There are a lot of ways you can shop for auto insurance but one way is more efficient than others. You can waste a lot of time driving to agents in your area, or you can utilize online quoting to maximize your effort.
Many companies belong to a marketplace that enables customers to enter their coverage request one time, and each participating company returns a competitive quote based on that data. This system prevents you from having to do form submissions for every auto insurance company.
To use this form to compare rates click here to open in new window.
One minor caviat to comparing rates this way is you can’t choose the companies to get pricing from. So if you want to select individual companies to compare rates, we have a listing of low cost auto insurance companies in your area. Click here for list of insurance companies.
You can use whichever method you prefer to find lower rates, just compare the exact same deductibles and coverage limits for every quote you compare. If you enter higher or lower deductibles it will be nearly impossible to determine the best price for your Mazda 5. Just slight variations in coverage limits can mean a large discrepancy in price. And when quoting auto insurance, remember that comparing more rates from different companies provides better odds of finding a lower rate.
Big name companies like State Farm, Allstate and Geico constantly bombard you with television and radio advertisements. All the companies convey the message that people will save if you just switch to their company. It sounds good, but how can they all cost less than your current company?
Many companies quote the lowest rates for the type of insured that will add to their bottom line. An example of a profitable risk profile could possibly be over the age of 50, has never had a claim, and drives a car with an anti-theft system. Anyone that fits those parameters gets the lowest premium rates and will also save when they switch companies.
Potential customers who don’t qualify for this ideal profile will be charged a higher premium which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. The ads say “drivers who switch” not “all people who quote” save that much money. This is how companies can truthfully make claims like that.
Because of these techniques, drivers must do a price quote comparison at every renewal. It’s just too difficult to predict which company will give you lower prices than your current company.
Some companies don’t always advertise the complete list of policy discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and also the lesser-known credits available to lower your premiums when you buy car insurance online. If you do not check that you are getting every discount you deserve, you may be paying too high a price.
You can save money using discounts, but most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. If you do the math and it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, insurance coverage companies aren’t that generous.
To see insurance companies that offer the discounts shown above, follow this link.
When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage, there isn’t really a single plan that fits everyone. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.
Here are some questions about coverages that may help you determine if you may require specific advice.
If it’s difficult to answer those questions, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.
Knowing the specifics of insurance can help you determine appropriate coverage for your vehicles. The coverage terms in a policy can be difficult to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring.
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle from other motorists when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. This coverage pays for injuries to you and your family and damage to your Mazda 5.
Since a lot of drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. So UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family. Normally the UM/UIM limits do not exceed the liability coverage limits.
This coverage protects you from damage that occurs to a person or their property in an accident. It protects you against other people’s claims. Liability doesn’t cover damage to your own property or vehicle.
Coverage consists of three different limits, per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. You might see limits of 100/300/100 which stand for a $100,000 limit per person for injuries, a limit of $300,000 in injury protection per accident, and a total limit of $100,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Some companies may use one limit called combined single limit (CSL) which provides one coverage limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability can pay for claims like bail bonds, repair bills for other people’s vehicles, loss of income, emergency aid and repair costs for stationary objects. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a personal decision, but consider buying as much as you can afford.
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP reimburse you for immediate expenses for hospital visits, ambulance fees and rehabilitation expenses. They are often used in conjunction with a health insurance policy or if you do not have health coverage. Coverage applies to not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and also covers being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP coverage is not universally available and may carry a deductible
This coverage will pay to fix damage to your 5 caused by collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision coverage protects against claims such as colliding with a tree, crashing into a ditch, damaging your car on a curb and colliding with another moving vehicle. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider removing coverage from older vehicles. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible to bring the cost down.
Comprehensive insurance coverage will pay to fix damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You need to pay your deductible first then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive can pay for claims such as damage from flooding, a broken windshield, vandalism and hitting a deer. The maximum payout your insurance company will pay is the market value of your vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value it’s not worth carrying full coverage.
As you quote car insurance, make sure you don’t skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many instances, an insured cut collision coverage only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your goal should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price, but do not sacrifice coverage to save money.
Cheaper 2012 Mazda 5 insurance is possible on the web and from local agencies, so get free car insurance quotes from both of them to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies may not have rates over the internet and most of the time these regional carriers only sell through local independent agents.
People who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including lack of trust in their agent, poor customer service, high rates after DUI convictions and an unsatisfactory settlement offer. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding a great new company is actually quite simple.
Rona Collier
I got quite a few price quotes for a 2012 Mazda 5 in Charleston, SC. Ended up at right around $480 every six months with AIG Insurance.
Orpha Gill
Will State Farm be cheaper if I raise deductibles?
Shoshana Williams
Are Allstate or Allstate rates cheaper in North Carolina?
Abe Mckee
Here’s what I found out. I’m in the east part of Hilo, HI. Received rates from American Family, Eastwood, and Safeco for my 2012 Mazda 5 and cut my rates about $500 a year. Did it all online.
Marlena Gardner
In Henderson, Nevada, 21st Century auto insurance rates for my 2012 Mazda 5 were good. Left State Farm to switch. I get lower rates because of my clean driving record. Just waiting to see how claims go.
Gene Slater
I live just outside Baton Rouge, LA. Quoted with AIG Insurance, Safeco, and a few others for my Mazda and saved about $280 a year. Insured with GEICO before.
Tana Douglas
Affordable car insurance is a myth. Checking in from Kailua, Hawaii. I quoted with AAA, Mercury, and a few others for my 2012 Mazda 5 and I’m now saving $17 a month. Was with AIG Insurance. I have several vehicles insured with them.
Kirby Cunningham
Thanks for putting this site together. I’m in the south part of Bellevue, NE. Got quotes with Allstate, Amica, and Farmers for my Mazda and saved just over $290 a year. I get a discount for insuring multiple vehicles.
Amee Deleon
It’s all a rip off. I’m in Mobile, AL. Received quotes with AAA, MetLife, and USAA for my 2012 Mazda 5 and saved around $200 a year. Left Encompass to switch. I have kids on my policy, too.
Elida Walsh
I’m from Rochester, NY. Quoted prices online for a 2012 Mazda 5. Ended up at about $150 savings annually. Went with GEICO. Insured with GEICO before. Teenage drivers are expensive!
Hassan Mann
I think I’m paying too much. I live south of Phoenix, AZ. Quoted prices online for a 2012 Mazda 5. Ended up at about $130 savings annually. Went with Progressive. I got a quote from their website.
Jerlene Arnold
Cheaper not always better. From northwest of Kailua, Hawaii. Quoted with AIG Insurance, MetLife, and a few others for my 5 and I’m now saving $45 a month. Left GEICO to switch. Have a couple speeding tickets too.
Martina Murphy
IMHO Nampa, ID seems to have good rates from 21st Century.