Auto Insurance Rates for a Ford Explorer in Chula Vista

If you want to save the most money, the best way to find cheaper Ford Explorer insurance is to start comparing rates regularly from providers who can sell car insurance in Chula Vista. You can compare rates by completing these steps.

Step 1: Spend some time learning about how auto insurance works and the measures you can take to drop your rates. Many rating factors that cause rate increases such as inattentive driving and a negative credit rating can be rectified by paying attention to minor details. Keep reading for more ideas to get cheaper coverage and get discounts that may be overlooked.

Step 2: Compare rates from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can only provide price estimates from one company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while agents who are independent can quote prices for many different companies.

Step 3: Compare the quotes to your current policy and see if there is a cheaper rate in Chula Vista. If you find a lower rate and decide to switch, make sure coverage is continuous and does not lapse.

Step 4: Give notification to your agent or company of your intent to cancel your current auto insurance policy. Submit a completed application and payment for your new coverage. Once the application is submitted, put the proof of insurance paperwork in your vehicle’s glove compartment or console.

The critical component of shopping around is that you’ll want to make sure you compare identical limits and deductibles on each quote request and and to get price estimates from as many companies as you can. Doing this enables a fair price comparison and a complete selection of prices.

It’s a fact that car insurance companies don’t want you to look for cheaper rates. Drivers who compare rates annually will presumably switch companies because they stand a good chance of finding discount prices. A recent car insurance study discovered that consumers who compared rates regularly saved over $70 a month as compared to drivers who never shopped around.

If finding discount rates on insurance in Chula Vista is why you’re reading this, then having a good understanding how to get free comparison quotes and analyze cheaper coverage can make it simple to find affordable coverage.

Car insurance providers offering cheap rates in California

The following companies can provide price comparisons in California. If your goal is to find cheap auto insurance in Chula Vista, CA, we suggest you visit several of them to get the best price comparison.

Rate information and statistics

The table displayed below highlights different insurance coverage prices for Ford Explorer models. Having knowledge of how auto insurance policy rates are established can help drivers make decisions on the best policy to buy.

Data variables include married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, multi-vehicle, multi-policy, homeowner, and claim-free. Information does not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can modify premiums considerably.

The diagram below demonstrates how deductible levels and can raise or lower Ford Explorer annual premium costs for different age groups of insureds. The costs are based on a single male driver, full coverage, and no discounts are applied.

How much more does full coverage cost?

The chart below compares Ford Explorer car insurance rates with full coverage compared to only the California minimum liability coverage. The data is based on no accidents, no driving violations, $250 deductibles, drivers are single, and no discounts are taken into consideration.

When to buy liability coverage only

There is no exact formula to drop comp and collision coverage, but there is a general guideline. If the annual cost of having full coverage is 10% or more of the replacement cost minus the deductible, then you may want to consider only buying liability coverage.

For example, let’s assume your Ford Explorer replacement value is $9,000 and you have $1,000 deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled, the most you would receive is $8,000 after the policy deductible has been paid. If it’s costing in excess of $800 a year to have full coverage, then you might consider buying liability only.

There are a few cases where buying only liability insurance is not advised. If you still have a loan on your vehicle, you must maintain physical damage coverage to protect the lienholder’s interest. Also, if you cannot afford to purchase a different vehicle in the event your current vehicle is totaled, you should not buy liability only.

Don’t overlook these eight Ford Explorer insurance discounts

Some insurers do not list every discount available very clearly, so we break down some of the best known and also the more inconspicuous credits that you can use to lower your rates.

• Theft Deterrent – Cars, trucks, and SUVs that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft so companies will give you a small discount.
• Drive Safe and Save – Safe drivers can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than less cautious drivers.
• Safety Restraint Discount – Requiring all passengers to buckle up before driving can save up to 10 percent (depending on the company) on medical payment and PIP coverage.
• Air Bag Discount – Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts could see savings of 20 to 30 percent.
• Fewer Miles Equal More Savings – Low annual miles can qualify you for lower premium rates on the low mileage vehicles.
• Organization Discounts – Affiliation with specific professional or occupational memberships or organizations is a simple method to lower premiums on your bill.
• Early Switch Discount – A few auto insurance companies give discounts for switching companies before your current Explorer insurance policy expires. You could save around 10% when you buy Chula Vista auto insurance online.
• Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles with ABS and/or traction control are much safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.

We need to note that most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Most only apply to individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. Despite the appearance that you would end up receiving a 100% discount, it doesn’t quite work that way. Any qualifying discounts will help lower your policy cost.

The information below shows the difference between Ford Explorer annual premium costs with and without discounts. The costs are based on a male driver, no driving violations, no at-fault accidents, California state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $1,000 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with marriage, safe-driver, multi-policy, homeowner, multi-car, and claim-free discounts applied.

Some companies that may have these benefits include:

• 21st Century
• Progressive
• State Farm
• Nationwide
• Esurance
• The Hartford

Before buying, ask every insurance company which discounts you may be entitled to. Some discounts listed above may not apply to policies in Chula Vista. To see providers who offer auto insurance discounts in Chula Vista, click this link.

You may want advice from an insurance agent

Some consumers just want to visit with an insurance agent and that is a smart decision Experienced insurance agents are very good at helping people manage risk and help you file claims. One of the best bonuses of comparing auto insurance online is that drivers can save money and get the best rates and also buy local. And buying from local insurance agencies is important especially in Chula Vista.

After filling out this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is emailed to companies in Chula Vista who want to provide quotes to get your business. You won’t need to contact any agents as quotes are delivered directly to your email. In the event you want to get a rate quote from a specific insurance company, don’t hesitate to navigate to their website and complete a quote there.

When finding local Chula Vista agents, you must know there are a couple different types of agents and how they operate. Insurance agencies in Chula Vista are considered either independent (non-exclusive) or exclusive. Either type can sell and service auto insurance coverage, but it’s a good idea to understand the difference between them because it can impact your agent selection.

Independent Auto Insurance Agencies

Independent agents are not employed by one company so they can write business amongst many companies and get the cheapest rates. If they quote lower rates, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency.

When comparing rate quotes, it’s a good idea to contact at least one independent agent to get the most accurate price comparison.

Listed below is a small list of independent agents in Chula Vista that can give you rate quotes.

More insurance agents

Exclusive Insurance Agents

Agents that choose to be exclusive generally can only insure with one company like Allstate and State Farm. These agents are not able to compare other company’s rates so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are well trained on what they offer which helps offset the inability to provide other markets.

The following are exclusive agencies in Chula Vista who can help you get price quotes.

More insurance agents

Selecting a insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just a low price. Below are some questions you should ask.

• Is there a 24/7 contact number?
• Is the agency active in community causes in Chula Vista?
• Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
• Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
• Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
• Does the company have a local claim office in Chula Vista?
• What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?

Coverage specifics

Understanding the coverages of a insurance policy can be of help when determining the right coverages for your vehicles. Insurance terms can be difficult to understand and coverage can change by endorsement. Listed below are the usual coverages found on the average insurance policy.

Medical payments and PIP coverage

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP reimburse you for short-term medical expenses such as nursing services, rehabilitation expenses, EMT expenses and ambulance fees. They are used to fill the gap from your health insurance program or if you lack health insurance entirely. They cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and also covers getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP is not available in all states and may carry a deductible

Collision coverage

Collision coverage will pay to fix damage to your Explorer caused by collision with an object or car. You will need to pay your deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.

Collision insurance covers claims like rolling your car, sustaining damage from a pot hole and colliding with a tree. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible on your Explorer in order to get cheaper collision rates.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other drivers when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered losses include injuries to you and your family as well as damage to your Ford Explorer.

Since a lot of drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (15/30/5), their limits can quickly be used up. So UM/UIM coverage is a good idea. Most of the time the UM/UIM limits are similar to your liability insurance amounts.

Comprehensive auto coverage

Comprehensive insurance covers damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first must pay your deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.

Comprehensive coverage protects against claims such as vandalism, rock chips in glass, fire damage, damage from getting keyed and a broken windshield. The maximum amount a insurance company will pay at claim time is the ACV or actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Liability coverages

This will cover damage or injury you incur to other’s property or people in an accident. This coverage protects you against other people’s claims. It does not cover damage to your own property or vehicle.

Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. As an example, you may have limits of 15/30/5 that translate to a $15,000 limit per person for injuries, a limit of $30,000 in injury protection per accident, and $5,000 of coverage for damaged property. Another option is one number which is a combined single limit which provides one coverage limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.

Liability insurance covers things like medical expenses, medical services, funeral expenses, attorney fees and legal defense fees. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is up to you, 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 think about purchasing higher limits.

The chart below demonstrates why the minimum limit may not provide you with enough coverage.

Final considerations

We just presented a lot of ways to save on Ford Explorer insurance in Chula Vista. The key thing to remember is the more you quote Chula Vista auto insurance, the better your comparison will be. You may even find the best price on insurance is with an unexpected company. Some small companies can often provide lower premium rates in certain areas as compared to the big name companies such as State Farm and Allstate.

As you quote Chula Vista auto insurance, it’s a bad idea to sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. In many instances, an insured cut physical damage coverage only to regret that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your strategy should be to find the BEST coverage at the best cost while still protecting your assets.

Lower-priced Ford Explorer insurance in Chula Vista is definitely available from both online companies and from local insurance agents, so you need to shop Chula Vista auto insurance with both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some companies may not have price quotes online and most of the time these small insurance companies work with independent insurance agents.

Additional resources

• Credit Impacts Car Insurance Rates (State Farm)
• Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance for Low Mileage Drivers in Chula Vista? (FAQ)
• Electronic Stability Control FAQ (iihs.org)
• How to Avoid Staged Accidents (State Farm)
• Information for Teen Drivers (GEICO)
• Auto Insurance 101 (About.com)