Save Money on Volvo S40 Insurance in Bakersfield

Are you looking for a better way to compare lower-priced Volvo S40 insurance in Bakersfield? Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy overpriced Volvo S40 insurance in Bakersfield? You’re in good company because there are lots of people in the same boat.

Shocking but true, nearly 70% of customers have been with the same company for over three years, and about 40% of consumers have never taken the time to shop around. Many consumers in California could pocket about $470 a year just by getting comparison quotes, but they mistakenly think it’s difficult to find lower-cost auto insurance rates. Lots of auto insurance companies contend for your insurance dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates and get the definite best rates possible on Volvo S40 insurance in Bakersfield.

You should take the time to get comparison quotes occasionally because insurance prices are adjusted regularly by insurance companies. Just because you had the lowest price on Volvo S40 insurance in Bakersfield six months ago you will most likely find a better rate quote today. Block out anything you think you know about auto insurance because we’re going to demonstrate the proper way to find the best coverage while lowering your premiums.

If you are insured now or are looking for a new policy, take advantage of these tips to shop for the lowest rates without reducing coverage. Locating the most cost-effective insurance policy in Bakersfield can be easy if you know a few tricks. Drivers just have to use the fastest way to shop their coverage around from multiple carriers.

Volvo S40 coverage analysis

The premium information displayed next covers a range of coverage prices for Volvo S40 models. Learning how rate quotes are figured is important for you to make smart choices when purchasing an auto insurance policy.

Data variables include single female driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-policy, homeowner, safe-driver, and multi-vehicle. Premium amounts do not factor in Bakersfield location which can raise or lower auto insurance rates considerably.

Comparison of policy deductibles

When buying auto insurance, a common question is what deductibles to buy. The comparisons below highlight the differences in premium rates between high and low physical damage coverage deductibles. The first data table uses a $100 physical damage deductible and the second price grid uses a $500 deductible.

Table data represents married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-vehicle, multi-policy, homeowner, and safe-driver. Table data does not factor in zip code location which can modify rates considerably.

We can estimate from the data above that using a $100 deductible will cost you approximately $33 more each month or $396 a year than requesting the higher $500 deductible. Due to the fact that you would have to pay $400 more to settle a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you normally average more than 12 months between claims, you would probably be better off if you opt for a higher deductible.

Do you need full coverage?

The information below illustrates the difference between Volvo S40 insurance costs with liability coverage only compared to full coverage. The premiums assume no violations or accidents, $500 deductibles, single marital status, and no discounts are taken into consideration.

When to switch to liability coverage only

There is no written rule of when to drop physical damage insurance, but there is a broad guideline. If the annual cost of having full coverage is more than 10% of the replacement cost of your vehicle minus the policy deductible, then it could be time to drop full coverage.

For example, let’s assume your Volvo S40 replacement cost is $8,000 and you have $1,000 policy deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, the most you would receive is $7,000 after paying your deductible. If premiums are more than $700 annually for comprehensive and collision coverage, then you might want to think about dropping full coverage.

There are some cases where dropping full coverage is not a good idea. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you have to maintain full coverage in order to prevent the bank from purchasing higher-priced coverage. Also, if your savings is not enough to buy a different vehicle in the even your car is totaled, you should not buy liability only.

Informed Drivers Know How to Find Insurance Cheaper

Many different elements are part of the calculation when you get a price on insurance. Some of the criteria are obvious like a motor vehicle report, although some other factors are not quite as obvious such as whether you are married or how safe your car is.

Higher rates for specific vocations – Did you know your job can affect your rates? Careers like doctors, executives, and stock brokers tend to have the highest rates attributed to job stress and incredibly demanding work hours. Other professions such as professors, students and homemakers pay lower than average rates.

Male rates may be higher – The statistics show that men are more aggressive behind the wheel. However, don’t assume that females are better at driving than males. They both are responsible for accidents in similar percentages, but the men cause more damage. Men also statistically get more serious tickets like DWI (DUI) or reckless driving. Young males generally have the highest accident percentage and thus pay the highest rates.

The illustration below visualizes the comparison of Volvo S40 insurance premiums for male and female drivers. The prices are based on no violations or accidents, full physical damage coverage, $250 deductibles, single marital status, and no policy discounts are applied.

Performance makes a difference – The performance of the car you drive makes a significant difference in the rate you pay. The lowest performance passenger cars generally receive the lowest base rates, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.

The next chart uses these variables: single female driver age 40, full coverage with $250 deductibles, and no discounts or violations. The chart compares Volvo S40 rates compared to other models of vehicles that have a range of risk factors.

Discounts for auto and home policies – Lots of companies will award better rates to customers who consolidate policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Discounts can be five, ten or even twenty percent. Even if you’re getting this discount you still need to compare other Bakersfield S40 insurance rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.

Liability limits are a factor – The liability section of your policy provides coverage when a jury decides you are liable for personal injury or accident damage. It will provide for a legal defense starting from day one. Liability is cheap compared to physical damage coverage, so drivers should make sure they buy enough to cover all assets.

No insurance claims equals lower premiums – If you frequently file small claims, you can look forward to increased rates or even have your policy non-renewed. Companies in California award the lowest premiums to drivers that do not abuse their auto insurance. Auto insurance is meant to be used in the event of larger claims.

Deter vehicle theft – Selecting a car model with anti-theft technology or alarm system can earn a premium discount. Theft prevention devices such as vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems help track and prevent auto theft and help lower rates.

Persistence pays off

When buying insurance coverage, it’s a bad idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. Too many times, an insured cut collision coverage to discover at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your aim should be to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.

Affordable Volvo S40 insurance in Bakersfield can be bought on the web and with local Bakersfield insurance agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some car insurance companies don’t offer online price quotes and these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.

Insureds who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including high prices, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, being labeled a high risk driver and delays in responding to claim requests. No matter why you want to switch, choosing a new company is less work than it seems.

How to save money on Volvo S40 insurance in Bakersfield

It takes a little time, but the best way to find affordable quotes for car insurance rates in Bakersfield is to regularly compare price quotes from insurance carriers who provide car insurance in California.

First, try to comprehend the different coverages in a policy and the things you can change to keep rates in check. Many risk factors that result in higher rates such as at-fault accidents, careless driving, and a less-than-favorable credit score can be improved by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes.

Second, request price quotes from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Direct and exclusive agents can only give prices from a single company like Progressive or Allstate, while independent agents can provide rate quotes from multiple companies.

Third, compare the new rate quotes to your existing policy and see if there is a cheaper rate. If you find better rates and make a switch, ensure coverage does not lapse between policies.

Fourth, provide adequate notice to your current company of your decision to cancel your current coverage. Submit the required down payment along with the signed application to the new company. As soon as you can, place your new certificate verifying proof of insurance with your vehicle’s registration.

One thing to remember is to make sure you’re comparing the same level of coverage on every quote and and to analyze as many car insurance companies as possible. Doing this enables a fair rate comparison and the best price selection.

Additional learning opportunities

• Teen Driving Statistics (iihs.org)
• Who Has Cheap Bakersfield Auto Insurance Quotes for a Toyota Highlander? (FAQ)
• What Car Insurance is Cheapest for Homeowners in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• How Much are Car Insurance Quotes for Retired Military in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• Medical Payments Coverage (Liberty Mutual)
• Side airbags reduce rollover fatalities (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
• Event Data Recorders FAQ (iihs.org)
• Avoiding Deer Collisions (Insurance Information Institute)