It’s safe to assume that auto insurance companies don’t want policyholders to shop around. People who do rate comparisons will most likely buy a new policy because there is a great chance of finding coverage at a more affordable price. A recent survey discovered that consumers who compared prices once a year saved an average of $860 a year compared to policyholders who never compared prices.
If finding budget-friendly car insurance is why you’re reading this, then having a good understanding how to find companies and compare coverage rates can make shopping around easier.
The most effective way to get low-cost car insurance rates is to start comparing prices regularly from providers that insure vehicles in Bakersfield. This can be done by following these steps.
First, read about policy coverages and the measures you can control to keep rates low. Many rating criteria that cause high rates such as accidents, traffic tickets, and a not-so-good credit score can be eliminated by making lifestyle changes or driving safer.
Second, obtain price quotes from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct and exclusive agents can give quotes from one company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while independent agents can provide rate quotes for many different companies. Begin your rate comparison
Third, compare the new rate quotes to your current policy premium to determine if switching companies saves money. If you can save money and switch companies, make sure coverage is continuous and does not lapse.
Fourth, notify your agent or company of your decision to cancel your existing policy and submit the completed application along with a down payment to your new insurance company. As soon as you can, safely store the proof of insurance certificate along with the vehicle’s registration papers.
An important part of this process is to try to use similar coverage information on each quote and and to analyze as many auto insurance providers as possible. This provides a fair rate comparison and a complete price analysis.
Finding the cheapest car insurance coverage in Bakersfield is actually not that difficult if you follow our advice. Nearly anyone who has to purchase car insurance should be able to cut their insurance bill. But California vehicle owners need to have an understanding of how big insurance companies price online insurance.
Companies offering affordable Chevy Avalanche price quotes in Bakersfield, CA
The companies shown below can provide quotes in Bakersfield, CA. If more than one company is shown, we suggest you click on several of them to get a more complete price comparison.
Coverage analysis
The price information shown below covers a range of coverage costs for Chevy Avalanche models. Learning more about how auto insurance premiums are formulated is important for drivers to make informed decisions when comparing rates.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avalanche LS 2WD | $270 | $478 | $624 | $36 | $186 | $1,594 | $133 |
Avalanche LT 2WD | $270 | $564 | $624 | $36 | $186 | $1,680 | $140 |
Avalanche LS 4WD | $270 | $564 | $624 | $36 | $186 | $1,680 | $140 |
Avalanche LT 4WD | $270 | $564 | $624 | $36 | $186 | $1,680 | $140 |
Avalanche LTZ 2WD | $300 | $564 | $624 | $36 | $186 | $1,710 | $143 |
Avalanche LTZ 4WD | $300 | $564 | $624 | $36 | $186 | $1,710 | $143 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Table data assumes single male driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, claim-free, safe-driver, multi-policy, and homeowner. Rate quotes do not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can change coverage rates noticeably.
Deductible comparison
One of the hardest decisions when shopping for car insurance is how high should the physical damage coverage deductibles be. The following insurance rates may aid in understanding the price difference of buying low and high policy deductibles. The first rate estimation uses a $100 physical damage deductible and the second price grid uses a $500 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avalanche LS 2WD | $430 | $686 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $1,891 | $158 |
Avalanche LT 2WD | $430 | $810 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $2,015 | $168 |
Avalanche LS 4WD | $430 | $810 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $2,015 | $168 |
Avalanche LT 4WD | $430 | $810 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $2,015 | $168 |
Avalanche LTZ 2WD | $478 | $810 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $2,063 | $172 |
Avalanche LTZ 4WD | $478 | $810 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $2,063 | $172 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avalanche LS 2WD | $314 | $464 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $1,528 | $127 |
Avalanche LT 2WD | $314 | $546 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $1,610 | $134 |
Avalanche LS 4WD | $314 | $546 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $1,610 | $134 |
Avalanche LT 4WD | $314 | $546 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $1,610 | $134 |
Avalanche LTZ 2WD | $348 | $546 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $1,644 | $137 |
Avalanche LTZ 4WD | $348 | $546 | $552 | $32 | $166 | $1,644 | $137 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Data based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-policy, safe-driver, claim-free, and multi-vehicle. Information does not factor in specific garaging location which can increase or decrease premium rates significantly.
We can derive from the above data that using a $100 deductible costs roughly $34 more each month or $408 a year than requesting the higher $500 deductible. Since you would pay $400 more to file a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to average at a minimum 12 months between claims, you would probably come out ahead if you choose the higher deductible.
The diagram below demonstrates how deductibles and can raise or lower Chevy Avalanche yearly insurance costs for each different age group. The costs are based on a single female driver, full physical damage coverage, and no discounts are applied.
Verify you’re earning every discount
Some providers do not list the complete list of policy discounts in an easy-to-find place, so the list below details both well-publicized and the more hidden credits available to lower your premiums when you buy Bakersfield auto insurance online.
- Responsible Driver Discount – Insureds who avoid accidents can pay as much as 50% less than drivers with accident claims.
- Good Students Pay Less – Getting good grades can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you until age 25.
- New Vehicle Savings – Buying insurance on a new vehicle can get you a discount since new model year vehicles have better safety ratings.
- No Claims – Bakersfield drivers who stay claim-free can save substantially in comparison with bad drivers.
- Discount for Life Insurance – If the company offers life insurance, you could get a small discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
- Service Members Pay Less – Having an actively deployed family member could mean lower rates.
- Multiple Vehicles – Buying coverage for primary and secondary vehicles on one policy qualifies for this discount.
Discounts save money, but please remember that many deductions do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. So when it seems like you could get a free insurance policy, nobody gets a free ride.
The information below shows the comparison of Chevy Avalanche car insurance rates with and without discounts being applied to the rates. The rates are based on a female driver, no claims, a clean driving record, California state minimum liability limits, full coverage, and $1,000 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with homeowner, marriage, multi-car, safe-driver, claim-free, and multi-policy discounts applied.
Some of the larger companies that may offer policyholders some of the discounts shown above include:
Before buying, ask each company or agent what discounts are available to you. Some of the discounts discussed earlier might not be offered on policies in your state. To view companies that offer many of these discounts in Bakersfield, click this link.
How do I know if I need professional advice?
Always remember that when buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of policy. Everyone’s situation is a little different and your insurance should be unique as well.
Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether your personal situation would benefit from an agent’s advice.
- Am I covered when renting a car or should I buy coverage from the car rental agency?
- Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
- What is medical payments coverage?
- What is the rate difference between pleasure use and commuting?
- What is the minimum liability in California?
- If my Chevy Avalanche is totaled, can I afford another vehicle?
If you can’t answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.
What if I want to buy from local Bakersfield car insurance agents?
Many people would rather get advice from a local agent. The biggest benefit of comparing rate quotes online is the fact that you can find lower premium rates but still work with a licensed agent.
To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is sent to companies in Bakersfield who want to provide quotes for your coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to search for an agent since price quotes are sent directly to you. You can get cheaper car insurance rates and a licensed agent to talk to. If for some reason you want to quote rates from a particular provider, don’t hesitate to jump over to their website and submit a quote form there.
Finding the right company requires more thought than just a low price. Here are some questions you might want to ask.
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- What company do they have the most business with?
- What are their preferred companies if they are an independent agency?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Omissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- Are there any discounts for paying up front?
- If you raise deductibles, how much can you save?
- What discounts might you be missing?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
Shown below are Bakersfield auto insurance companies that may be able to provide rate quotes for Chevy Avalanche insurance in Bakersfield.
Mike Boyer – State Farm Insurance Agent
9720 Brimhall Rd Ste 200 – Bakersfield, CA 93312 – (661) 588-1140 – View Map
State Farm: Janet Hopkins
1528 18th St – Bakersfield, CA 93301 – (661) 327-8621 – View Map
NSE Insurance Agencies, Inc.
5330 Office Center Ct # 69 – Bakersfield, CA 93309 – (661) 327-0620 – View Map
Keith Goree – State Farm Insurance Agent
11350 Ming Ave #230 – Bakersfield, CA 93311 – (661) 663-9000 – View Map
Auto insurance coverage information
Having a good grasp of your policy can help you determine the right 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. Shown next are the usual coverages offered by auto insurance companies.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
This coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when the “other guys” either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered losses include medical payments for you and your occupants and damage to your Chevy Avalanche.
Due to the fact that many California drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (which is 15/30/5), their limits can quickly be used up. So UM/UIM coverage is very important.
Comprehensive insurance
Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first must pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things such as damage from flooding, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, falling objects, damage from getting keyed and hitting a deer. The most you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s not worth carrying full coverage.
Auto collision coverage
This pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with another car or object. A deductible applies then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision insurance covers claims like driving through your garage door, colliding with a tree, rolling your car, crashing into a building and hitting a mailbox. This coverage can be expensive, so you might think about dropping it from lower value vehicles. It’s also possible to increase the deductible on your Avalanche to bring the cost down.
Auto liability
This coverage can cover damages or injuries you inflict on a person or their property in an accident. Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You commonly see policy limits of 15/30/5 that translate to $15,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a total of $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a total limit of $5,000 for damage to vehicles and property.
Liability coverage pays for things like repair costs for stationary objects, court costs, attorney fees and medical services. How much coverage you buy is a decision to put some thought into, but consider buying as much as you can afford. California requires drivers to carry at least 15/30/5 but you should consider buying higher limits.
The chart below shows why minimum state limits may not be high enough to cover claims.
Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance provide coverage for bills such as rehabilitation expenses, chiropractic care, dental work, surgery and X-ray expenses. The coverages can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. It covers both the driver and occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. Personal injury protection coverage is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Don’t give up on cheaper rates
Some companies don’t offer online price quotes and usually these small insurance companies provide coverage only through independent agencies. Lower-priced Chevy Avalanche insurance in Bakersfield is possible on the web and from local insurance agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from.
When buying insurance coverage, it’s very important that you do not buy less coverage just to save a little money. There are too many instances where consumers will sacrifice liability limits or collision coverage and found out when filing a claim that it was a big mistake. Your goal is to purchase plenty of coverage at the lowest possible cost.
For more information, link through to the following helpful articles:
- What does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Cover? (Allstate)
- Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Ride Shares in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Bakersfield Auto Insurance Quotes for a Toyota Highlander? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance for a School Permit in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
- How Much are Bakersfield Auto Insurance Quotes for First-time Drivers? (FAQ)
- Top Signs Your Brakes are Giving Out (State Farm)
- Keeping Children Safe in Crashes Video (iihs.org)
- Vehicle Size and Weight FAQ (iihs.org)