Save on Cadillac SRX Insurance in San Diego

Price shopping your Cadillac SRX insurance in San Diego can seem to be hard for beginners to online price comparisons. There are so many companies to choose from that it can easily turn into a challenge to find the best coverage rates.

Unthinkable but true, a large majority of drivers kept their policy with the same company for four years or more, and just short of a majority have never even compared quotes to find cheap rates. Many consumers in California could save almost $500 every year, but most just don’t grasp the actual amount they would save if they replace their high priced policy.

Locating the best rates in San Diego can be much easier if you know how to start. Practically anyone who is looking for cheaper insurance will most likely find a cheaper policy. Although California drivers need to learn how companies market insurance on the web and apply this information to your search.

The majority of larger companies make it easy to get prices for coverage online. The process doesn’t take a lot of time as you simply type in your coverage preferences as detailed in the form. Once entered, the quote system obtains information on your driving record and credit history and returns a price quote.

This streamlines rate comparisons, and it’s absolutely necessary to have as many quotes as possible if you are searching for lower-cost insurance pricing.

In order to find out how much you’re overpaying now, compare rates now from the companies shown below. If you have coverage now, it’s recommended you input the insurance coverages as close as possible to your current policy. Using the same limits helps guarantee you will get an apples-to-apples comparison using the exact same coverages.

The companies in the list below are ready to provide free quotes in San Diego, CA. If multiple companies are listed, it’s highly recommended you visit two to three different companies in order to find the lowest rates.

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 multi-vehicle, claim-free, safe-driver, multi-policy, and homeowner. Price estimates do not factor in zip code location which can decrease or increase premiums greatly.

Raise deductibles and save

One common question asked by San Diego drivers is at what level do you set your deductibles. The comparisons below may help to illustrate how much more rates are of buying low and high comp and collision deductibles. The first data set uses a $250 deductible for comp and collision and the second data table uses a $1,000 deductible.

Price data assumes 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, safe-driver, and homeowner. Estimates do not factor in specific garaging location which can influence coverage prices significantly.

Based on these figures, using a $250 deductible would cost the average driver about $39 more each month or $468 every year than selecting the higher $1,000 deductible. Because you would pay $750 more to file a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you go at least 19 months between claim filings, you would probably be better off by going with a higher deductible.

Full coverage versus liability-only

The example below shows the comparison of Cadillac SRX premium costs when comparing full coverage to state minimum liability only. The data is based on no claims or driving violations, $100 deductibles, single male driver, and no other discounts are factored in.

Guidelines for eliminating full coverage

There is no exact rule of when to phase out physical damage coverage, but there is a broad guideline. If the annual cost of comprehensive and collision coverage is more than around 10% of any settlement you would receive from your insurance company, the it may be a good time to stop paying for full coverage.

For example, let’s pretend your Cadillac SRX replacement cost is $5,000 and you have $1,000 policy deductibles. If your vehicle is destroyed, the most your company will settle for is $4,000 after paying your policy deductible. If premium cost is more than $400 annually for your policy with full coverage, then it might be time to consider dropping full coverage.

There are some circumstances where buying only liability insurance is not financially feasible. If you still have a loan on your vehicle, you have to carry full coverage as part of the loan conditions. Also, if your finances do not allow you to purchase a different vehicle if your current one is totaled, you should not remove full coverage.

Affordable San Diego insurance rates with discounts

Auto insurance companies don’t list every policy discount very clearly, so here is a list some of the more common and also the more inconspicuous savings tricks you should be using when you buy San Diego car insurance online. If they aren’t giving you every credit you deserve, you could be saving more on your insurance.

• Anti-theft Discount – Cars and trucks equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems have a lower chance of being stolen and can earn a small discount on your policy.
• Responsible Drivers – Accident-free drivers can save up to 40% or more on their San Diego car insurance quote compared to rates paid by drivers with frequent claims.
• Multi-Vehicle Discounts – Drivers who insure multiple cars or trucks with the same insurance company could earn a price break for each car.
• Accident Forgiveness Coverage – This isn’t a discount exactly, but some insurance companies allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if your claims history is clear for a particular time prior to the accident.
• Professional Organizations – Participating in a professional or civic organization could qualify you for a break on your next renewal.
• Distant Student – Any of your kids who are enrolled in higher education away from home and leave their car at home may qualify for this discount.

A little note about advertised discounts, most discounts do not apply to the whole policy. Most only apply to individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Even though it appears all those discounts means the company will pay you, insurance companies aren’t that generous. But all discounts should definitely cut your insurance premiums.

A few of the larger companies and some of the premium reductions they offer can be found below.

• Esurance policyholders can earn discounts including DriveSense, emergency road assistance, online shopper, renters, and paid-in-full.
• The Hartford has savings for vehicle fuel type, air bag, defensive driver, good student, and anti-theft.
• AAA discounts include pay-in-full, education and occupation, multi-car, multi-policy, AAA membership discount, good driver, and anti-theft.
• GEICO includes discounts for multi-policy, daytime running lights, emergency military deployment, federal employee, and seat belt use.
• State Farm may have discounts that include Drive Safe & Save, multiple policy, good driver, student away at school, anti-theft, Steer Clear safe driver discount, and passive restraint.

When comparing rates, check with each company how many discounts you can get. Discounts might not be available to policyholders in San Diego. To view insurance companies with the best Cadillac SRX insurance discounts in San Diego, click this link.

Shop online but buy locally

A lot of people prefer to buy from a local agent and often times that is recommended One of the great benefits of comparing auto insurance online is you can get cheap auto insurance rates and still have a local agent.

After completing this quick form, the quote information gets sent to participating agents in San Diego who will gladly provide quotes to get your business. It’s much easier because you don’t need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. Get lower rates AND a local agent. If you need to get a price quote from a specific company, don’t hesitate to go to their quote page and submit a quote form there.

Deciding on an insurer requires you to look at more than just a low price. Agents should be asked these questions:

• Will you work with the agent or an assistant?
• What company do they have the most business with?
• Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
• If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
• Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
• Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
• Is the agency covered by Errors and Omissions coverage?

Types of auto insurance agents in San Diego

If you are wanting to find a local insurance agency, it helps to know the two different types of agencies that you can select. San Diego agents are considered either independent agents or exclusive agents depending on their employer.

Exclusive Insurance Agencies

Agents in the exclusive channel can only place business with one company and examples are Farmers Insurance and State Farm. They generally cannot give you multiple price quotes so if the price isn’t competitive there isn’t much they can do. These agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps them sell on service rather than price. Some insured continue to choose to use a exclusive agent partially due to the prominence of the brand rather than having low rates.

Below are San Diego exclusive insurance agents willing to provide price quote information.

• Rod Thelen – State Farm Insurance Agent
  110 W A St #775 – San Diego, CA 92101 – (619) 234-4882 – View Map
• Allstate Insurance: Harries Insurance Agency
  4669 Murphy Canyon Rd Ste 101 – San Diego, CA 92123 – (858) 569-1120 – View Map
• Steve Elder – State Farm Insurance Agent
  9225 Mira Mesa Blvd #208d – San Diego, CA 92126 – (858) 271-8928 – View Map

View more San Diego agents

Independent Auto Insurance Agencies

Agents that elect to be independent do not sell for just one brand so they can write business with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If they find a cheaper price, your agent can switch companies and you don’t have to switch agencies. If you are comparing auto insurance prices, you absolutely need to include rate quotes from a few independent agents for maximum quote selection. They often place coverage with small regional insurance companies that may have much lower rates than larger companies.

The following is a short list of independent insurance agents in San Diego that are able to give price quotes.

• San Diego Insurance
  4411 Mercury St #105b – San Diego, CA 92111 – (858) 565-6695 – View Map
• Curtis Moring Insurance Agency Inc.
  5425 Oberlin Dr #201 – San Diego, CA 92121 – (619) 718-7578 – View Map
• Oversea Insurance Agency, Inc
  1274 Scott St – San Diego, CA 92106 – (800) 266-2662 – View Map

View more San Diego agents

If you receive good responses as well as a affordable price, chances are good that you have found an insurance agent that will properly insure your vehicles. But keep in mind you are able to terminate coverage at any point so never assume that you are obligated to a specific company with no way to switch.

There’s no such thing as the perfect auto insurance policy

When it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your vehicles, there is no one-size-fits-all type of policy. Everyone’s needs are different so your insurance should reflect that
These are some specific questions can help discover if your situation will benefit from professional help.

• Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
• Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
• Do I pay less for low miles?
• Am I covered if I back into my garage door?
• Do I have newly-aquired coverage?
• Do I have coverage when making deliveries for my home business?
• What is the difference between personal and commercial auto insurance policies?
• Is extra glass coverage worth it?
• Where can I find DUI or SR-22 insurance?

If you can’t answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, simply complete this short form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

Components of Your Cadillac SRX Insurance Rates

Many different elements are part of the equation when you quote your car insurance policy. Some of the criteria are obvious such as your driving history, although others are more obscure like where you live or your commute time.

The factors shown below are a few of the things auto insurance companies consider when setting your rates.

Claims cost money – Auto insurance companies in California provide the best rates to people who only file infrequent claims. If you’re an insured who likes to file claims you can expect higher rates. Your car insurance is intended for claims that you cannot pay yourself.

Don’t buy extra policy coverages that may not be needed – There are many additional coverages you can purchase on your auto insurance policy. Coverage for things like rental car coverage, accidental death, and Farm Bureau memberships may be wasting your money. These may sound like a good investment when discussing your needs, but your money might be better spent on other coverage so remove them from your policy.

Consolidate home and auto and save – Some insurance companies provide better rates to clients who consolidate policies with them. It’s known as a multi-policy discount. Even though this discount sounds good, it’s always a smart idea to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal. You may still find a better deal even if you have your coverage with different companies

Drive less and get lower costs – The more you drive your Cadillac in a year’s time the higher your rate. A lot of companies rate vehicles based upon how you use the vehicle. Vehicles that do not get driven very much receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. An incorrectly rated SRX is throwing money out the window. Verify your auto insurance policy shows the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.

Younger drivers pay more – Older people tend to be more responsible, cost insurance companies less in claims, and tend to be get fewer driving tickets.Youthful drivers have been known to be more careless with other occupants in the car therefore auto insurance rates are much higher.

Premiums can change based on your address – Residing in less populated areas of the country has it’s advantages when shopping for auto insurance. Fewer people means a lower chance of having an accident as well as less vandalism and auto theft. Drivers in populated California areas regularly have more traffic problems and more time behind the wheel. The longer drive time statistically corresponds to a higher accident and claim rate.

Cadillac SRX claim probability – Car insurance companies analyze the history of losses to calculate a rate that offsets possible losses. Models that historically have higher prevalence or dollar amount of losses will have a higher cost to insure. The next table illustrates the loss history for Cadillac SRX vehicles.

For each policy coverage, the loss probability for all vehicles, regardless of manufacturer or model, equals 100. Values under 100 indicate a favorable loss history, while values that are above 100 indicate higher probability of having a loss or statistically larger losses.

Insuring your Cadillac SRX just makes sense

Even though it can be expensive, insuring your vehicle may be required and benefits you in several ways.

First, the majority of states have mandatory liability insurance requirements which means you are required to buy a minimum amount of liability protection if you don’t want to risk a ticket. In California these limits are 15/30/5 which means you must have $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 of property damage coverage.

Second, if you took out a loan on your car, almost every bank will stipulate that you have comprehensive coverage to guarantee loan repayment. If you cancel or allow the policy to lapse, the bank or lender will purchase a policy for your Cadillac at a significantly higher premium and force you to pay much more than you were paying before.

Third, insurance protects not only your vehicle but also your financial assets. It will also pay for many types of medical costs for not only you but also any passengers injured in an accident. One of the most valuable coverages, liability insurance, will also pay for a defense attorney if you are named as a defendant in an auto accident. If you receive damage to your vehicle caused by a storm or accident, your policy will pay to repair the damage.

The benefits of insuring your SRX more than offset the price you pay, especially with large liability claims. Despite what companies tell you, the average driver is overpaying over $810 a year so you should quote your policy with other companies at every renewal to ensure rates are inline.

Cheap car insurance premiums are possible

We covered some good ideas how you can lower your Cadillac SRX insurance prices in San Diego. The key thing to remember is the more companies you get rates for, the higher the chance of saving money. Consumers may even find the best prices are with a small local company. Some small companies often have lower rates on specific markets than the large multi-state companies such as Progressive and GEICO.

Lower-priced Cadillac SRX insurance in San Diego can be sourced both online and from local agencies, so get free San Diego car insurance quotes from both of them in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some car insurance companies do not provide online rate quotes and many times these smaller providers prefer to sell through independent insurance agents.

When you buy San Diego car insurance online, you should never buy less coverage just to save a little money. In many cases, drivers have reduced collision coverage only to find out that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your objective should be to buy the best coverage you can find at the best cost, not the least amount of coverage.

Additional car insurance information can be found at these links:

• Things to Know Before you Cancel Insurance (Allstate)
• Who Has Affordable San Diego Car Insurance Rates for Drivers Under 21? (FAQ)
• What Insurance is Cheapest for a Hyundai Elantra in San Diego? (FAQ)
• Coverage Information (Progressive Insurance)
• Comprehensive Coverage (Liberty Mutual)
• Top Signs Your Brakes are Giving Out (State Farm)
• Auto Insurance 101 (About.com)