How many years has it been since you compared cheaper Toyota Matrix insurance in San Diego? Locating better insurance prices for your Toyota Matrix in California can turn out to be an all-consuming task, but you can follow our car insurance buying tips and make it easy.
There is a right way and a wrong way to compare car insurance rates so you’re going to learn the proper way to get price quotes for your Toyota and find the lowest possible price.
It’s a good habit to do price comparisons occasionally because car insurance prices are constantly changing. Just because you had the best price on Toyota Matrix insurance in San Diego last year other companies may now be cheaper. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about car insurance because you’re about to learn one of the easiest ways to buy cheaper Toyota Matrix insurance in San Diego.
If you have coverage now or are looking for a new policy, you can use this information to reduce premiums without reducing coverage. Comparison shopping for the cheapest car insurance in San Diego is not as hard as you may think. Smart shoppers just have to use the most effective way to shop their coverage around on the web.
Cheapest Toyota insurance price quotes in San Diego
The companies in the list below have been selected to offer price comparisons in San Diego, CA. If several companies are displayed, it’s highly recommended you visit two to three different companies in order to find the cheapest rates.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matrix 2WD | $236 | $534 | $534 | $32 | $160 | $1,496 | $125 |
| Matrix S 2WD | $164 | $362 | $424 | $26 | $126 | $1,102 | $92 |
| Matrix S AWD | $238 | $564 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,482 | $124 |
| Matrix XRS 2WD | $238 | $536 | $464 | $28 | $138 | $1,404 | $117 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data based on married female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, homeowner, claim-free, multi-vehicle, and multi-policy. Rate quotes do not factor in vehicle garaging location which can modify prices noticeably.
Comparison of full coverage and liability-only policies
The diagram below illustrates the difference between Toyota Matrix yearly insurance costs with full physical damage coverage and with liability coverage only. The data assumes no claims or violations, $250 deductibles, single female driver, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
Should you pay for full coverage or liability only?
There is no definitive formula to eliminate comp and collision coverage, but there is a general convention. If the yearly cost of comp and collision coverage is more than around 10% of the replacement cost of your vehicle minus the policy deductible, then you may need to consider dropping full coverage.
For example, let’s pretend your Toyota Matrix claim settlement value is $8,000 and you have $1,000 physical damage deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, the most you would receive is $7,000 after the deductible is paid. If you are paying more than $700 a year for comprehensive and collision coverage, then it may be the right time to buy liability only.
There are some circumstances where removing full coverage is not advised. If you haven’t satisfied your loan, you must maintain physical damage coverage as part of the loan conditions. Also, if your finances do not allow you to purchase a different vehicle in the event your current vehicle is totaled, you should not opt for liability only.
Auto insurance premiums based on gender
The example below compares Toyota Matrix insurance costs for male and female drivers. The price estimates are based on no violations or claims, full physical damage coverage, $250 deductibles, drivers are single, and no discounts are factored in.
Get cheaper rates on Toyota Matrix insurance in San Diego with these eight discounts
Some providers don’t always publicize every discount in an easy-to-find place, so we researched both the well known in addition to some of the lesser obvious ways to save on insurance. If you aren’t receiving every discount available, you are not getting the best rate possible.
- Paperwork-free – Certain companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application on the web.
- New Car Discount – Buying insurance coverage on a new vehicle may earn a small discount because new model year vehicles are generally safer.
- Professional Organizations – Joining a qualifying organization can get you a small discount on your policy.
- Seat Belts Save – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to fasten their seat belts may be able to save a few bucks off PIP or medical payments premium.
- Multiple Vehicles – Having primary and secondary vehicles on a single policy can reduce the rates for all insured vehicles.
- Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Vehicles equipped with air bags or motorized seat belts may get savings as much as 30%.
- Driver Safety – Completing a class that teaches defensive driving techniques can save you 5% or more if you qualify.
- Good Student – Performing well in school can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts up to age 25.
Discounts save money, but please remember that many deductions do not apply to the entire cost. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Just because it seems like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you won’t be that lucky. But all discounts should definitely cut your insurance premiums.
A few popular companies and a partial list of their discounts are shown below.
- GEICO may have discounts that include daytime running lights, membership and employees, military active duty, seat belt use, defensive driver, and multi-vehicle.
- MetLife offers discounts for claim-free, good driver, accident-free, good student, defensive driver, multi-policy
- Progressive policyholders can earn discounts including online quote discount, homeowner, online signing, multi-vehicle, and continuous coverage.
- Travelers has savings for driver training, save driver, new car, hybrid/electric vehicle, student away at school, and good student.
- SAFECO includes discounts for safe driver, teen safe driver, teen safety rewards, bundle discounts, multi-car, and anti-theft.
- AAA may include discounts for good student, multi-policy, multi-car, anti-theft, and good driver.
Double check with all companies you are considering which credits you are entitled to. Discounts may not be available in your state.
When to have guidance from an insurance agent
Certain consumers just want to sit down with an agent and often times that is recommended Most agents can help determine the best coverages and help submit paperwork. A good thing about comparing rates online is that you can obtain the best rates and also buy local. Putting coverage with local agents is important especially in San Diego.
By using this short form, your coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents that provide free San Diego car insurance quotes for your business. You won’t need to find an agent because prices are sent directly to you. If you need to quote rates from a specific company, you would need to go to their quote page and complete a quote there.
Different types of San Diego car insurance agents
When finding a good San Diego insurance agent, you need to know there are two different agency structures and how they function. Car insurance agents can be described as either independent or exclusive. Either one can insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning how they differ since it could factor into the kind of agent you use.
Independent Insurance Agents
Agents of this type are not employed by any specific company so they can quote policies with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your premiums go up, they simply switch companies in-house and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing rates, we highly recommend that you compare quotes from at least one independent agent to have the best price comparison. Many write coverage with smaller mutual companies that may provide cheaper car insurance rates.
Listed below is a partial list of independent insurance agencies in San Diego who can help you get comparison quotes.
- Curtis Moring Insurance Agency Inc.
5425 Oberlin Dr #201 – San Diego, CA 92121 – (619) 718-7578 – View Map - Nationwide Insurance: Richard Turner Insurance Agency
3443 Camino del Rio S #221 – San Diego, CA 92108 – (619) 296-6222 – View Map - Leavitt Group – Leavitt Insurance Agency of San Diego
3636 Nobel Dr #100 – San Diego, CA 92122 – (858) 436-2441 – View Map
Exclusive Car Insurance Agencies
Agents in the exclusive channel can only quote rates from one company and some examples include Farmers Insurance, Allstate, or State Farm. Exclusive agents cannot provide other company’s prices so keep that in mind. These agents receive a lot of sales training on what they offer which helps them compete with independent agents. Some insured continue to use the same agent mostly because of the brand name rather than having low rates.
The following is a list of exclusive insurance agents in San Diego that are able to give price quotes.
- Bob Beron – State Farm Insurance Agent
3232 Governor Dr c – San Diego, CA 92122 – (858) 453-7250 – View Map - Matt Kalla – State Farm Insurance Agent
4148 Voltaire St – San Diego, CA 92107 – (619) 223-1629 – View Map - Theresa Nguyen-Muth – State Farm Insurance Agent
6650 Flanders Dr F – San Diego, CA 92121 – (858) 450-6000 – View Map
Picking an insurance agent is decision based upon more than just the quoted price. Agents should be asked these questions:
- Is the agent properly licensed in California?
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- If you raise deductibles, how much can you save?
- Does their agency support local causes in San Diego?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Which companies do they recommend if they are an independent agency?
- How long has their agency been in business in San Diego?
- Are aftermarket or OEM parts used to repair vehicles?
Once you have received positive responses for all questions you ask and an acceptable price quote, it’s possible that you found an insurance agent that will insure your vehicles. Keep in mind it’s your policy and you can cancel your policy at any point so don’t assume you are locked into a specific agent with no way to switch.
Advertising and car insurance
California drivers can’t avoid all the ads that claim the best auto insurance rates by Progressive, GEICO, Allstate and State Farm. All the ads advertise claims that you can save if you get a free San Diego car insurance quote and switch your car insurance coverage to their company.
How do they all charge you less for auto insurance? Here is how they do it.
Insurance companies have specific characteristics for the type of customer that earns them the highest profit. A good example of a driver they prefer may need to be between the ages of 30 and 45, is a homeowner, and drives a safe vehicle. Any person that hits that “sweet spot” will get low rates and have a good chance to cut their Toyota Matrix insurance rates if they switch.
Potential customers who do not meet these criteria must pay higher premium rates which usually ends up with the customer buying from a different company. Company advertisements say “people that switch” not “all people who quote” save that kind of money. That’s the way insurance companies can confidently make claims that they all have the best auto insurance rates.
That is why you really need to get price quotes at each policy renewal. It is impossible to guess which company will fit your personal profile best.
What is the best insurance coverage?
Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing adequate coverage for your vehicles, there really is no perfect coverage plan. Your needs are unique to you.
For example, these questions may help you determine whether your personal situation might need professional guidance.
- Are combined or split liability limits better?
- Should I have a commercial auto policy?
- Are my company tools covered if they get stolen?
- Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
- Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
- What is motorclub and do I need it?
- When can my company non-renew my policy?
If you can’t answer these questions, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.
Detailed coverages of your auto insurance policy
Understanding the coverages of a auto insurance policy can help you determine which coverages you need at the best deductibles and correct limits. Policy terminology can be ambiguous and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording.
Insurance for medical payments
Med pay and PIP coverage provide coverage for bills such as surgery, ambulance fees, chiropractic care, nursing services and funeral costs. The coverages can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance program or if you are not covered by health insurance. Medical payments and PIP cover all vehicle occupants and also covers getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP is only offered in select states but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage
Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)
Comprehensive insurance pays for damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You need to pay your deductible first then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things like a tree branch falling on your vehicle, fire damage, theft and damage from a tornado or hurricane. The highest amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider dropping full coverage.
Coverage for liability
This coverage protects you from damage or injury you incur to a person or their property that is your fault. It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. As an example, you may have values of 15/30/5 which means $15,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, $30,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $5,000. Another option is a combined single limit or CSL which provides one coverage limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.
Liability can pay for things such as loss of income, repair costs for stationary objects and legal defense fees. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is up to you, but buy as large an amount as possible. California requires minimum liability limits of 15/30/5 but drivers should carry more liability than the minimum.
Collision protection
This coverage will pay to fix damage to your Matrix resulting from a collision with another car or object. You first must pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision coverage protects against things like rolling your car, crashing into a building, sideswiping another vehicle, hitting a parking meter and damaging your car on a curb. This coverage can be expensive, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. You can also bump up the deductible on your Matrix in order to get cheaper collision rates.
Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance
Your UM/UIM coverage provides protection from other motorists when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. Covered losses include medical payments for you and your occupants and also any damage incurred to your Toyota Matrix.
Since many California drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (California limits are 15/30/5), their limits can quickly be used up. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is a good idea. Usually your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are set the same as your liability limits.
What is YOUR best insurance company?
People switch companies for many reasons like delays in responding to claim requests, denial of a claim, an unsatisfactory settlement offer and policy non-renewal. Regardless of your reason, finding a new company is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.
You just read a lot of tips how to find cheaper Toyota Matrix insurance in San Diego. It’s most important to understand that the more price quotes you have, the better your comparison will be. Consumers could even find that the best price on car insurance is with the smaller companies.
When buying insurance coverage, it’s very important that you do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There are a lot of situations where someone sacrificed comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to find out that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your objective should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the lowest possible cost while not skimping on critical coverages.
Additional detailed information can be found in these articles:
- Crash Avoidance Technologies FAQ (iihs.org)
- What Insurance is Cheapest for Young Drivers in San Diego? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest San Diego Car Insurance for High Risk Drivers? (FAQ)
- Older Driver Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
- Pickups fall short in headlight tests (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Air Bags: Potential Dangers to Your Children (Insurance Information Institute)