Save Money on Toyota Tacoma Insurance in Bakersfield

Smart shoppers know that car insurance companies don’t want their policyholders to compare prices. Insureds who compare rates annually will most likely switch companies because the odds are good of getting low-cost coverage. Remarkably, a study showed that drivers who compared rates once a year saved $72 a month compared to people who never shopped around for lower prices.

If finding the best rates on auto insurance in Bakersfield is your intention, then knowing the best way to shop and compare car insurance can help make the process easier.

The easiest way to get affordable Toyota Tacoma insurance in Bakersfield is to compare quotes once a year from companies who sell insurance in California. You can compare rates by following these steps.

First, try to learn a little about how your policy works and the measures you can control to keep rates in check. Many things that cause high rates like speeding and a not-so-good credit rating can be controlled by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes.

Second, compare price quotes from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can give quotes from a single company like Progressive and State Farm, while agents who are independent can quote prices from multiple companies.

Third, compare the new rates to the premium of your current policy to see if cheaper Tacoma coverage is available. If you find better rates and make a switch, ensure coverage does not lapse between policies.

One thing to point out is to make sure you’re comparing similar deductibles and liability limits on each quote request and to quote with every insurance company. This guarantees an apples-to-apples comparison and the best rate selection.

If you have coverage now or are just looking to switch companies, use these cost-cutting techniques to buy cheaper insurance and still have adequate protection. Finding and comparing the most affordable coverage in Bakersfield is not that difficult. Shoppers just have to understand the most efficient way to get comparison rates online from multiple companies.

Companies offering Toyota Tacoma insurance in California

The providers in the list below provide price comparisons in Bakersfield, CA. If multiple providers are shown, we recommend you compare several of them to get the best price comparison.

Auto insurance data for a Toyota Tacoma

The table below showcases detailed analysis of insurance policy prices for Toyota Tacoma models. Learning as much as possible about how car insurance prices are determined is important to be able to make informed decisions.

Data variables include single male driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, homeowner, and claim-free. Rate quotes do not factor in specific location information which can influence coverage prices significantly.

Comparison of policy deductibles

One common question asked by Bakersfield drivers is at what level do you set your deductibles. The premium rates below may help you to understand the price difference between high and low comp and collision deductibles. The first rate estimation uses a $100 deductible and the second price chart uses a $1,000 deductible.

Above prices assume married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, multi-vehicle, claim-free, multi-policy, and homeowner. Price information does not factor in vehicle garaging location which can affect premiums substantially.

Based on the data above, we can derive that using a $100 deductible will cost you about $44 more each month or $528 for a full year than quoting the higher $1,000 deductible. Since you would have to pay $900 more out of your own pocket with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to go at least 20 months between claims, you would come out ahead if you choose the higher deductible.

The illustration below shows how different deductible levels and can change Toyota Tacoma premium costs for different age groups of insureds. The information is based on a married male driver, full physical damage coverage, and no other discounts are factored in.

Drive safe and save

The information below illustrates how violations and at-fault collisions impact Toyota Tacoma premium costs for each age group. The price estimates are based on a married female driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, $100 deductibles, and no policy discounts are applied.

Full coverage rates compared to liability-only

The chart below shows the difference between Toyota Tacoma premium costs when comparing full coverage to liability only. The premium estimates are based on no violations or accidents, $1,000 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are factored in.

When to switch to liability coverage only

There isn’t a written rule of when to drop comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, but there is a broad guideline. If the yearly cost for physical damage coverage is more than 10% of the settlement you would receive from your company, then you might want to think about dropping full coverage.

For example, let’s say your Toyota Tacoma claim settlement value is $3,000 and you have $1,000 deductibles. If your vehicle is destroyed, the most you would get paid by your company is $2,000 after paying the physical damage deductible. If premium cost is more than $200 a year for comprehensive and collision coverage, then you may want to consider only buying liability coverage.

There are a few cases where dropping physical damage coverage is not a good plan. If you still owe a portion of the original loan, you have to maintain full coverage in order to keep the loan. Also, if you cannot afford to purchase a different vehicle in the even your car is totaled, you should not drop full coverage.

Reduce your auto insurance rates with these eight discounts

Some providers don’t always publicize all their discounts in an easy-to-find place, so the list below contains both the well known as well as the least known credits that you can use to lower your rates.

• Military Deployment Discount – Being deployed in the military can result in better prices.
• Club Memberships – Being in specific professional or occupational memberships or organizations could qualify you for a break when getting a Bakersfield car insurance quote.
• Defensive Driving Course – Taking time to complete a course in defensive driver can save you 5% or more if your company offers it.
• Paperwork-free – Many companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks simply for signing over the internet.
• Data Collection Discounts – Bakersfield drivers who agree to allow their auto insurance company to look at their driving habits by using a telematic data system like Drivewise from Allstate or In-Drive from State Farm might see lower rates if they are good drivers.
• Discount for Passive Restraints – Options like air bags or motorized seat belts can get savings as much as 30%.
• Accident-Free Discounts – Insureds who avoid accidents and claims pay much less when compared with drivers who are more careless.
• Waiver for an Accident – This one isn’t a discount, but a handful of insurance companies will allow you to have one accident without getting socked with a rate hike so long as you are claim-free before the accident.

One last thing about discounts, many deductions do not apply to the whole policy. Most only cut the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. If you do the math and it seems like you can get free auto insurance, it doesn’t quite work that way. Any qualifying discounts will cut your policy cost.

The illustration below shows the difference between Toyota Tacoma car insurance costs with and without discounts applied to the policy rates. The premiums assume a female driver, no accidents, no driving violations, 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-car, marriage, claim-free, homeowner, safe-driver, and multi-policy discounts applied.

A few popular companies and a selection of discounts include:

• Farm Bureau discounts include multi-policy, multi-vehicle, good student, renewal discount, and youthful driver.
• MetLife offers discounts for accident-free, claim-free, defensive driver, good student, good driver, multi-policy
• Progressive offers discounts including online quote discount, good student, online signing, homeowner, and continuous coverage.
• AAA has savings for AAA membership discount, anti-theft, education and occupation, good driver, multi-policy, multi-car, and good student.
• American Family may have discounts that include early bird, air bags, bundled insurance, defensive driver, TimeAway discount, Steer into Savings, and accident-free.
• GEICO offers premium reductions for emergency military deployment, air bags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights, and seat belt use.
• State Farm may offer discounts for defensive driving training, accident-free, anti-theft, good driver, and Drive Safe & Save.

If you want inexpensive Bakersfield car insurance quotes, ask all the companies which discounts they offer. Some of the discounts discussed earlier might not be available to policyholders in your state. To see a list of insurance companies with the best Toyota Tacoma insurance discounts in Bakersfield, click here.

When should I discuss my situation with an agent?

Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing your policy, there really is no perfect coverage plan. You are unique.

For instance, these questions could help you determine if you would benefit from an agent’s advice.

• What does PIP insurance cover?
• Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?
• Is there coverage for my trailer?
• Am I covered if I crash into my own garage door?
• Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
• Are rock chip repairs covered?
• Am I covered when driving a rental car?
• Can I pay claims out-of-pocket if I buy high deductibles?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an agent. If you don’t have a local agent, simply complete this short form. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.

Can’t I get rate quotes from local Bakersfield insurance agents?

Many drivers prefer to visit with an insurance agent and that is a personal choice. Professional agents can help determine the best coverages and help in the event of a claim. One of the benefits of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the best rates and still buy from a local agent.

Upon completion of this form (opens in new window), your information is submitted to insurance agents in Bakersfield that give free quotes and help you find cheaper coverage. You won’t even need to leave your computer because prices are sent immediately to you. If for some reason you want to compare rates from a specific company, feel free to visit that company’s website and fill out the quote form the provide.

Finding the right insurance company shouldn’t rely on just a low price. Get answers to these questions too.

• Do they have cheaper tiers of coverage?
• How often do they review coverages?
• Do they see any coverage gaps in your plan?
• Do they offer accident forgiveness?
• Do they have 24-hour customer assistance?
• Are they giving you every discount you deserve?
• Can glass repairs be made at your home?

Bakersfield car insurance agents come in two flavors

If you need to find a reputable agency, it can be helpful to understand the different types of agents and how they can write your policy. Agencies in Bakersfield can be described as either independent agents or exclusive agents. Either type can write car insurance policies, but it’s a good idea to understand the difference between them since it may influence your selection of an agent.

Exclusive Car Insurance Agencies

Agents in the exclusive channel can usually just insure with one company and examples are Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They generally cannot place coverage with different providers so always compare other rates. They receive a lot of sales training on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Some consumers prefer to purchase coverage from exclusives partially due to the brand name and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.

Shown below is a short list of exclusive agencies in Bakersfield willing to provide price quotes.

• GEICO Insurance Agent
  5550 California Ave #101 – Bakersfield, CA 93309 – (661) 431-1780 – View Map
• Adam Hopkins – State Farm Insurance Agent
  5500 Ming Ave #180 – Bakersfield, CA 93309 – (661) 396-7947 – View Map
• Mike Boyer – State Farm Insurance Agent
  9720 Brimhall Rd Ste 200 – Bakersfield, CA 93312 – (661) 588-1140 – View Map

More insurance agents

Independent Car Insurance Agents

Independent insurance agents do not have single company limitations so they have the ability to put coverage with any number of different companies and get you the best rates possible. If you want to switch companies, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency.

If you are trying to find cheaper rates, we recommend you include price quotes from several independent insurance agents to have the best price comparison. Most also write with different regional companies who may have lower rates.

Shown below are Bakersfield independent agencies who can help you get rate quotes.

• Fox, James H – James H Fox Insurance
  42 Bernard St – Bakersfield, CA 93305 – (661) 322-2023 – View Map
• Omega Financial and Insurance Services Inc
  400 H St – Bakersfield, CA 93304 – (661) 326-6870 – View Map
• Fallgatter Rhodes Insurance
  1701 G St – Bakersfield, CA 93301 – (661) 324-2424 – View Map

More insurance agents

Once you have received good responses to any questions you may have as well as offering an affordable quote, you’ve probably found an auto insurance agent that can be trusted to properly insure your vehicles. Just keep in mind you have the power to cancel coverage at any time so don’t feel you are locked into your new company for the full policy term.

Car insurance coverage specifics

Knowing the specifics of car insurance can be of help when determining appropriate coverage and proper limits and deductibles. The coverage terms in a policy can be difficult to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring.

Coverage for liability

This can cover damage that occurs to other’s property or people. Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You might see limits of 15/30/5 that translate to a limit of $15,000 per injured person, a limit of $30,000 in injury protection per accident, and $5,000 of coverage for damaged property.

Liability coverage protects against claims like structural damage, repair bills for other people’s vehicles, repair costs for stationary objects, medical services and emergency aid. How much coverage you buy is your choice, but buy higher limits if possible. California state law requires minimum liability limits of 15/30/5 but it’s recommended drivers buy more coverage.

The chart below shows why buying the state minimum limits may not be high enough to cover claims.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

Your UM/UIM coverage provides protection when other motorists either have no liability insurance or not enough. It can pay for medical payments for you and your occupants as well as damage to your Toyota Tacoma.

Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits (15/30/5 in California), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is very important.

Medical payments and PIP coverage

Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for expenses for prosthetic devices, hospital visits, EMT expenses and X-ray expenses. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance program or if you are not covered by health insurance. It covers you and your occupants in addition to if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal Injury Protection is not an option in every state but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage

Collision coverage

This coverage will pay to fix damage to your Tacoma resulting from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.

Collision coverage pays for claims like rolling your car, sustaining damage from a pot hole, scraping a guard rail and driving through your garage door. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider dropping it from older vehicles. Another option is to choose a higher deductible on your Tacoma in order to get cheaper collision rates.

Comprehensive auto coverage

This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first must pay your deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.

Comprehensive insurance covers things such as a broken windshield, hitting a deer and theft. The maximum payout your car insurance company will pay is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much it’s not worth carrying full coverage.

In Summary

People leave their current company for a number of reasons such as denial of a claim, high rates after DUI convictions, delays in responding to claim requests or even policy non-renewal. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding a great new company can be pretty painless.

When buying insurance coverage, you should never reduce needed coverages to save money. In many cases, an insured cut collision coverage and found out when filing a claim that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your goal should be to purchase plenty of coverage at a price you can afford, but do not skimp to save money.

We’ve covered a lot of tips how to get a better price on Toyota Tacoma insurance in Bakersfield. The key thing to remember is the more you quote Bakersfield car insurance, the better likelihood of getting cheaper Bakersfield car insurance quotes. You may even discover the biggest savings come from a small mutual company.

Additional detailed information is available by following these links:

• Auto Insurance Basics (Insurance Information Institute)
• What Insurance is Cheapest for State Employees in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• Who Has Affordable Car Insurance for a Hyundai Sonata in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes for a Ford Escape in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• Who Has Cheap Bakersfield Auto Insurance Rates for Government Employees? (FAQ)
• Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance for Single Moms in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Bakersfield Auto Insurance for Real Estate Agents? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance for Teenage Males in Bakersfield? (FAQ)
• How Much is Bakersfield Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers? (FAQ)
• Older Drivers FAQ (iihs.org)
• Anti-Lock Brake FAQ (iihs.org)
• Higher speed limits cause more fatalities (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)