Have you had enough of robbing Peter to pay Paul to pay your car insurance bill each month? You are in the same boat as millions of other people.
A recent car insurance study revealed that nearly 70% of drivers kept their coverage with the same car insurance company for a minimum of four years, and 38% of drivers have never compared rates to find affordable insurance. Many drivers in San Diego can save 35% each year just by shopping around, but they just don’t understand how much they could save if they bought a different policy.
People have many insurers to insure vehicles with, and even though it’s nice to have a selection, lots of choices makes it harder to find the best rates for your vehicles.
It’s a good habit to do price comparisons at least once a year because prices are constantly changing. Just because you found the best quotes on Lincoln MKZ insurance in San Diego at your last renewal there is a good chance you can find better rates now. Block out anything you think you know about car insurance because we’re going to show you the fastest and easiest way to remove unneeded coverages and save money.
Locating the most cost-effective auto insurance policy in San Diego seems hard but is not really that difficult. If you have a current auto insurance policy, you stand a good chance to be able to reduce premiums using these techniques. But California consumers can benefit from knowing how the larger insurance companies calculate your auto insurance rates because it can help you find the best coverage.
When comparison shopping, there are several ways to compare rate quotes from many car insurance companies in California. The best method to find cheaper Lincoln MKZ rates is to get quotes online.
It’s so fast and easy to compare rate quotes online that it takes the place of having to go to all the different San Diego insurance agencies. Doing it all online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you have a need for the guidance of a licensed agent. If you prefer, some companies allow you to comparison shop your insurance online but buy the policy through an agent.
When comparison shopping, comparing more quotes will enable you to find a better price.
The companies shown below have been selected to offer price comparisons in San Diego, CA. If multiple providers are shown, we recommend you visit several of them to get the lowest price.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MKZ 4-Dr Sedan | $428 | $960 | $674 | $40 | $202 | $2,304 | $192 |
MKZ AWD 4-Dr Sedan | $334 | $792 | $480 | $28 | $144 | $1,778 | $148 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Cost estimates assume married male driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, homeowner, claim-free, multi-policy, and multi-vehicle. Premium amounts do not factor in zip code location which can influence insurance rates noticeably.
Analysis of deductible levels
One frequently asked question is what deductibles to buy. The tables below determine the rate fluctuation when you select higher and lower physical damage deductibles. The first rate table uses a $100 comprehensive and collision deductible and the second set of rates uses a $500 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MKZ 4-Dr Sedan | $430 | $932 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $2,067 | $172 |
MKZ AWD 4-Dr Sedan | $430 | $932 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $2,067 | $172 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MKZ 4-Dr Sedan | $314 | $630 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,624 | $135 |
MKZ AWD 4-Dr Sedan | $314 | $630 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,624 | $135 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and homeowner. Information does not factor in specific garaging location which can impact prices noticeably.
We can estimate from the data above that using a $100 deductible costs roughly $37 more each month or $444 for a full year than buying the higher $500 deductible. Since you would pay $400 more out-of-pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you go at least 11 months between claim filings, you would come out ahead if you choose the higher deductible.
Take policy discounts and save on Lincoln MKZ insurance in San Diego
Auto insurance is expensive, but you may qualify for discounts that you may not know about. Many of these discounts will be applied automatically when you purchase, but less common discounts must be asked about prior to receiving the credit. If you do not check that you are getting every discount you qualify for, you are paying more than you should be.
- Early Renewal Discounts – A few larger companies give discounts for buying a new policy prior to your current MKZ insurance policy expiring. It could save around 10% when you buy San Diego car insurance online.
- Employee of Federal Government – Federal government employees could cut as much as 10% off with select insurance companies.
- Professional Organizations – Affiliation with a civic or occupational organization in San Diego can get you a small discount on your bill.
- Accident Waiver – This one is not really a discount per se, but a handful of insurance companies will forgive one accident without getting socked with a rate hike if you have no claims for a particular time prior to the accident.
- Discount for Life Insurance – If the company offers life insurance, you could get better rates if you take out auto and life insurance together.
- More Vehicles More Savings – Buying coverage for all your vehicles with the same company qualifies for this discount.
- No Claims – Drivers with accident-free driving histories get the best auto insurance rates in comparison to drivers who are more careless.
- Anti-theft System – Cars, trucks, and SUVs equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems help deter theft and earn discounts up to 10% off your San Diego car insurance quote.
- Policy Bundle Discount – When you have multiple policies and place coverage with the same company you could get a discount of up to 20% and get you cheaper MKZ insurance.
A little note about advertised discounts, many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most cut the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. So even though they make it sound like it’s possible to get free car insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way.
Some companies that may offer policyholders these money-saving discounts may include but are not limited to:
If you want the cheapest Lincoln MKZ rate quotes, ask all companies you are considering what discounts are available to you. All car insurance discounts might not be offered in San Diego.
Get rate quotes but buy from a local San Diego insurance agent
Certain consumers just prefer to have an agent’s advice and that is just fine! One of the great benefits of comparing rate quotes online is the fact that drivers can get cheap auto insurance quotes and also buy local.
For easy comparison, once you complete this simple form, your insurance data is immediately sent to insurance agents in San Diego who will give you bids and help you find cheaper coverage. There is no need to contact any agents because prices are sent immediately to your email address. You can find lower rates and work with a local agent. If you wish to get a comparison quote from a specific auto insurance provider, feel free to jump over to their website and complete a quote there.
Finding a good insurance company shouldn’t rely on just a cheap quote. The following questions are important to ask.
- Which company do they place the most coverage with?
- Will the agent help in case of a claim?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Is there a Errors and Omissions policy in force?
- Who are their largest clients?
Insurance agent types
If you want a good San Diego insurance agent, you must know there are a couple different types of agencies and how they work. Agencies in San Diego can be categorized as either independent or exclusive.
Exclusive Agents
Agents that elect to be exclusive are contracted to one company like Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. Exclusive agents cannot give you multiple price quotes so you might not find the best rates. Exclusive agencies are very knowledgeable on what they offer and that can be a competitive advantage.
The following is a short list of exclusive agents in San Diego that are able to give comparison quotes.
Allstate Insurance: Harries Insurance Agency
4669 Murphy Canyon Rd Ste 101 – San Diego, CA 92123 – (858) 569-1120 – View Map
Allstate Insurance: Philip Mullane
3555 Rosecrans St Ste 202 – San Diego, CA 92110 – (619) 223-2191 – View Map
John Tran – State Farm Insurance Agent
2820 Camino del Rio S Ste 310 – San Diego, CA 92108 – (619) 291-1787 – View Map
Independent Auto Insurance Agencies
Agents that elect to be independent are not employed by any specific company and that gives them the ability to insure with any number of different companies depending on which coverage is best. If they quote lower rates, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency. When comparing auto insurance prices, you will definitely want to include price quotes from multiple independent agents so that you have a good selection of quotes to compare.
Shown below is a short list of independent insurance agencies in San Diego that are able to give comparison quotes.
Stanley Wong Insurance
4619 Convoy St # C – San Diego, CA 92111 – (858) 569-0383 – View Map
Oversea Insurance Agency, Inc
1274 Scott St – San Diego, CA 92106 – (800) 266-2662 – View Map
B H Gold Insurance
9699 Tierra Grande St # 100 – San Diego, CA 92126 – (800) 421-4653 – View Map
Upon receiving acceptable answers to these questions and an acceptable price quote, chances are good that you have found a car insurance agent that is reputable and can insure your vehicles.
Tailor your auto insurance coverage to you
When choosing the right insurance coverage, there really is no perfect coverage plan. You are unique.
For instance, these questions might help in determining if your situation will benefit from professional help.
- Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
- Can my babysitter drive my car?
- Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
- How much liability insurance is required?
- Am I covered when pulling a rental trailer?
- Do all my vehicles need collision coverage?
- What does roadside assistance cover?
- What is the premium to book value ratio for dropping full coverage?
- How can I get the company to pay a claim?
If you’re not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you, you might consider talking to an agent. If you don’t have a local agent, simply complete this short form.
Informed Consumers Can Reduce Their Insurance Prices
Lots of factors are used when quoting car insurance. Some are obvious such as your driving record, but others are more transparent such as your marital status or how financially stable you are.
- Cheaper premiums with safer cars – Safer cars get lower rates. These vehicles reduce injuries and any reduction in injury severity translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims which can mean better rates for you.
- Small claims can cost you – Car insurance companies in California generally give better rates to policyholders who only file infrequent claims. If you tend to file frequent claims, you can definitely plan on either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Your car insurance is intended for more catastrophic claims.
- Where do you drive? – The higher the miles on your Lincoln in a year’s time the more it will cost to insure it. Many insurance companies price each vehicle’s coverage based upon how much you drive. Vehicles that are left in the garage cost less to insure than cars that get driven a lot. Incorrect rating for your MKZ may be costing you higher rates. It’s a good idea to make sure your insurance declarations sheet is rated on the right rating data.
- Premiums may be higher where you live – Choosing to live in less populated areas is a positive aspect when buying insurance. Fewer drivers translates into fewer accident claims in addition to lower liability claims Residents of big cities have to deal with more aggressive driving styles and a longer drive to work. Spending more time driving can result in more accidents.
- Higher prices for insurance policy lapses – Allowing your coverage to lapse will be a quick way to drive up your policy premiums. Not only will you pay higher rates, not being able to provide proof of insurance could result in a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license. You could then be forced to file a SR-22 with the California motor vehicle department to get your license reinstated.
- Premiums are high for teenagers – More mature drivers are viewed as being more responsible, file fewer claims, and are generally more financially stable.Teen drivers are known to be inattentive and easily distracted with other occupants in the car so they pay higher insurance rates.
- Companies want multiple policies – Some insurance companies apply better rates to policyholders that buy multiple policies such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. This can amount to ten percent or more. Even if you’re getting this discount it’s still a good idea to check prices from other companies to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. It’s possible to still find a better deal by splitting coverages up.
- Lincoln MKZ claim probability – Car insurance companies factor in insurance loss information as a tool for profitable underwriting. Vehicles that historically have increased claim numbers or amounts will be charged more to insure. The table shown below demonstrates the historical insurance loss data for Lincoln MKZ vehicles.
For each policy coverage, the loss probability for all vehicles compiled together is set at 100. Percentages below 100 indicate a favorable loss history, while numbers shown that are more than 100 indicate more frequent claims or a tendency for claims to be larger.
Lincoln MKZ Insurance Claim Statistics
Specific Lincoln Model Collision Property Damage Comp Personal Injury Medical Payment Bodily Injury Lincoln MKZ 4dr 2WD 137 85 107 95 89 75 Lincoln MKZ 4dr 4WD 140 82 126 99 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid 4dr 148 84 100 74 82 76 Empty fields indicate not enough data collected
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Three reasons to not skimp on car insurance
Despite the potentially high cost of Lincoln MKZ insurance, car insurance is not optional due to several reasons.
First, most states have minimum liability requirements which means state laws require a minimum amount of liability insurance if you want to drive legally. 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 your Lincoln MKZ has a lien holder, more than likely the lender will stipulate that you buy insurance to guarantee loan repayment. If the policy lapses, the lender may have to buy a policy to insure your Lincoln at an extremely high rate and require you to fork over much more than you were paying before.
Third, car insurance preserves both your assets and your Lincoln MKZ. Insurance will also pay for most medical and hospital costs for yourself as well as anyone injured by you. Liability insurance, one of your policy coverages, also covers legal expenses if anyone sues you for causing an accident. If you receive damage to your vehicle caused by a storm or accident, collision and comprehensive coverages will pay to repair the damage.
The benefits of carrying adequate insurance are without a doubt worth the cost, especially if you ever need it. According to a 2015 survey, the average American driver overpays more than $820 a year so you should quote rates at every renewal to make sure the price is not too high.
Be persistent to save money
When trying to cut insurance costs, make sure you don’t reduce needed coverages to save money. There are too many instances where an insured dropped full coverage only to regret that the savings was not a smart move. Your aim should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best cost, but don’t skip important coverages to save money.
People change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including policy non-renewal, poor customer service, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and not issuing a premium refund. Whatever your reason, choosing a new insurance company is actually quite simple.
We covered a lot of ways to reduce Lincoln MKZ insurance premium rates online in San Diego. The most important thing to understand is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your comparison will be. You may even find the lowest premium rates are with some of the lesser-known companies.
To learn more, link through to the resources below:
- Crash Avoidance Technologies FAQ (iihs.org)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance Quotes for Teenagers in San Diego? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance Rates for Homeowners in San Diego? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap San Diego Car Insurance Rates for 16 Year Olds? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable San Diego Car Insurance Quotes for Retired Military? (FAQ)
- Distracted Driving Extends Beyond Texting (State Farm)
- Electronic Stability Control FAQ (iihs.org)
- Information for Teen Drivers (GEICO)