Statistics show that most California car insurance customers renewed their policy with the same company for at least four years, and just short of a majority have never compared rate quotes at all. With the average premium in the United States being $1,847, drivers could pocket approximately 46.5% a year by just comparing rate quotes, but most tend to underestimate the actual amount they would save if they changed companies.
The preferred way to get discount car insurance rates is to make a habit of regularly comparing prices from companies in Santa Ana.
- Step 1: Get an understanding of the coverage provided by your policy and the modifications you can make to drop your rates. Many factors that result in higher rates such as your driving record and an imperfect credit history can be rectified by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility.
- Step 2: Request rate estimates from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Exclusive agents and direct companies can only quote rates from one company like Progressive or State Farm, while independent agents can quote rates from multiple companies.
- Step 3: Compare the new rates to your existing rates to determine if switching companies saves money. If you can save some money and change companies, make sure the effective date of the new policy is the same as the expiration date of the old one.
- Step 4: Provide notification to your current agent or company of your intention to cancel your existing policy. Submit a completed application and payment to your new agent or company. When you receive it, keep the new certificate verifying proof of insurance with the vehicle registration.
One important bit of advice is that you use the same deductibles and limits on every price quote and and to get rates from as many different insurance providers as possible. Doing this guarantees a level playing field and many rates to choose from.
Quoting and comparing rates for the lowest cost coverage in Santa Ana is not that difficult. If you already have coverage or need new coverage, you can learn to get lower rates and still have adequate protection. Comparison shoppers only need an understanding of the most effective way to compare prices online.
Compare quotes for Santa Ana Pontiac G8 insurance
The companies in the list below offer price quotes in Santa Ana, CA. If multiple companies are shown, we recommend you compare several of them in order to find the most affordable rates.
Three main reasons to buy car insurance
Despite the high cost, insuring your vehicle is required in California but it also protects you in many ways.
- The majority of states have mandatory liability insurance requirements which means state laws require a specific level of liability protection in order to be legal. 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.
- If you have a loan on your vehicle, almost all lenders will stipulate that you have physical damage coverage to ensure loan repayment if the vehicle is totaled. If coverage lapses or is canceled, the bank may insure your Pontiac at a significantly higher premium and require you to fork over a much higher amount than you were paying before.
- Car insurance protects your car and your assets. It will also reimburse you for medical expenses for you, your passengers, and anyone else injured in an accident. One policy coverage, liability insurance, will also pay attorney fees if you are sued as the result of your driving. If your vehicle suffers damage from an accident or hail, comprehensive and/or collision insurance will pay all costs to repair after the deductible has been paid.
The benefits of buying car insurance are definitely more than the cost, particularly when you have a large claim. According to a recent study, the average American driver overpays more than $810 a year so compare quotes from several companies at every renewal to ensure rates are inline.
Save money with these discounts on Pontiac G8 insurance in Santa Ana
Auto insurance is not inexpensive, but there may be some discounts that may help make it more affordable. Some discounts apply automatically at quote time, but less common discounts must be asked for before you get the savings. If you are not receiving all the discounts available, you are throwing money away.
- Air Bags and Passive Restraints - Vehicles with factory air bags or motorized seat belts can get savings of 20 to 30 percent.
- Theft Deterrent - Anti-theft and alarm system equipped vehicles are stolen with less frequency so companies will give you a small discount.
- Multi-line Discount - Not every insurance company offers life insurance, but if they do you may earn better prices if you take out some life insurance in addition to your auto policy.
- Anti-lock Brakes - Cars with anti-lock braking systems can stop better under adverse conditions and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
- Own a Home and Save - Owning a house in Santa Ana can help you save on auto insurance because owning a home means you have a higher level of financial diligence.
- Senior Citizen Discount - If you're over the age of 55, you are able to get a discount up to 10%.
- Multi-Vehicle Discounts - Having multiple vehicles on a single policy can get a discount on all vehicles.
Discounts save money, but please remember that most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. Just because it seems like you can get free auto insurance, you aren't that lucky.
Auto insurance companies that may offer many of the previously listed discounts include:
When comparing rates, check with all companies you are considering which discounts they offer. Savings may not apply in Santa Ana.
Local neighborhood agents and car insurance
Some people prefer to get advice from a local agent and that is recommended in a lot of cases Good insurance agents are very good at helping people manage risk and help you file claims. The best thing about getting online price quotes is that you can obtain cheap car insurance rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying insurance from neighborhood insurance agencies is important particularly in Santa Ana.
Upon completion of this short form, your coverage information is emailed to participating agents in Santa Ana that can provide free Santa Ana auto insurance quotes for your insurance coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won't have to contact any agents since rate quotes are delivered to the email address you provide. If you want to compare prices for a specific company, you just need to visit that company's website and fill out the quote form the provide.
If you're trying to find a local Santa Ana insurance agent, it's helpful to know the different agency structures and how they can write your policy. Car insurance agencies may be either independent or exclusive depending on the company they work for. Either type can write policy coverage, but it is a good idea to know why they differ since it can impact buying decisions.
Independent Car Insurance Agents
These agents are not employed by any specific company so they can quote policies with a variety of different insurance companies and find you the best rates. If you are not satisfied with one company, your policy is moved internally and you don't have to find a new agent. When shopping rates, you need to check rates from multiple independent agents to have the most options to choose from. Most have the option of insuring with smaller regional carriers that may provide cheaper car insurance rates.
Featured below are Santa Ana independent insurance agents who may be able to give you competitive price quotes.
- Santa Ana Insurance
1331 W 1st St #101 - Santa Ana, CA 92703 - (714) 953-9341 - View Map - Roberti's Insurance Agency
2128 N Tustin Ave #B - Santa Ana, CA 92705 - (714) 543-2788 - View Map - Ammar Insurance Agency
726 S Main St - Santa Ana, CA 92701 - (714) 547-2400 - View Map
Exclusive Car Insurance Agencies
Agents in the exclusive channel are contracted to one company and examples are Farmers Insurance, State Farm, Allstate, and AAA. Exclusive agents are unable to compare rates from other companies so if the price isn't competitive there isn't much they can do. Exclusive agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales and that enables them to sell even at higher rates. Consumers often use the same agent mainly due to the prominent brand name rather than having low rates.
Listed below are exclusive insurance agents in Santa Ana willing to provide comparison quotes.
- Farmers Insurance - Maria Guerrero
1647 E First St a - Santa Ana, CA 92701 - (714) 285-0303 - View Map - Jose Gastelum - State Farm Insurance Agent
1780 E McFadden Ave Ste 114 - Santa Ana, CA 92705 - (714) 557-3344 - View Map - Allstate Insurance: Ramon Valerio
117 S Harbor Blvd - Santa Ana, CA 92704 - (714) 775-5423 - View Map
Finding the right car insurance agent should depend on more than just the premium amount. Before buying a policy in Santa Ana, get answers to these questions.
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
- What company holds the largest book of business for them?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Do they get paid more for recommending certain coverages?
Do I need special coverages?
When it comes to choosing coverage online or from an agent, there really is no one-size-fits-all type of policy. Everyone's situation is unique.
For instance, these questions can help discover whether your personal situation might need an agent's assistance.
- Is a blown tire covered by insurance?
- Should I buy full coverage?
- Should I carry comprehensive and collision coverage?
- Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Santa Ana?
- Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
- Is a driver training discount available?
- What is an umbrella policy?
- Do I need added coverage for expensive stereo equipment?
- Are my friends covered when driving my Pontiac G8?
- Why am I required to get a high-risk car insurance policy?
If you don't know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form. It only takes a few minutes and can help protect your family.
Don't give up on cheaper rates
More affordable auto insurance in Santa Ana is possible both online in addition to many Santa Ana insurance agents, so you need to shop Santa Ana auto insurance with both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance companies may not have rates over the internet and usually these regional insurance providers only sell coverage through independent agents.
When shopping online for auto insurance, it's not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits only to find out that the savings was not a smart move. The proper strategy is to get the best coverage possible at the best cost while not skimping on critical coverages.
Insureds switch companies for many reasons like being labeled a high risk driver, policy non-renewal, questionable increases in premium and poor customer service. It doesn't matter what your reason, switching auto insurance companies is not as difficult as it may seem.
For more information, take a look at the following helpful articles:
- Young Drivers: The High Risk Years Video (iihs.org)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance Rates for Safe Drivers in Santa Ana? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance for Active Military in Santa Ana? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Santa Ana Car Insurance for Low Income Drivers? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Santa Ana Auto Insurance for High Risk Drivers? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance for a Company Car in Santa Ana? (FAQ)
- State Car Insurance Guides (GEICO)
- Eight Auto Insurance Myths (Insurance Information Institute)
- Insurance losses by make and model (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Vehicle Insurance (Wikipedia)