Trying to find better insurance prices for a new or used Dodge Caliber in California could be a painful process, but you can learn a few tricks to save time.
There are both good and bad ways to find car insurance online and you need to know the quickest way to get price quotes for a new or used Dodge and locate the lowest price either online or from Santa Ana insurance agents.
Smart consumers take time to do rate comparisons every six months because car insurance prices are rarely the same from one policy term to another. Just because you had the best rates on Dodge Caliber insurance in Santa Ana on your last policy you will most likely find a better rate quote today. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because you're about to learn one of the best ways to lower your rates without sacrificing coverage.
If you have a current auto insurance policy or need a new policy, you can use these tips to find better prices without reducing protection. Obtaining price quotes for the lowest-priced auto insurance policy in Santa Ana is easy to do. Drivers only need an understanding of the most time-saving way to shop their coverage around from many different companies.
How Insurance Providers Calculate Dodge Caliber Insurance Premiums
Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that are used to determine your car insurance rates. When consumers understand what determines base rates, this enables you to make decisions that may result in better car insurance rates.
The itemized list below are a partial list of the pieces that factor into your rates.
Alarm systems save money - Purchasing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can save you some money. Anti-theft features like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all aid in stopping vehicle theft.
Policy add-ons add up - Insurance companies have many extra bells and whistles that can add up if you aren't diligent. Insurance for things like rental car coverage, towing coverage, and motor club memberships are examples of these. The coverages may be enticing when discussing your needs, but your money might be better spent on other coverage so consider taking them off your policy.
Pleasure use or commuting - The higher the miles on your Dodge in a year's time the more you will pay for car insurance. A lot of companies calculate prices based upon how much you drive. Cars and trucks that sit idle most of the time can get a lower rate than vehicles that have high annual mileage. It's a smart idea to ensure your car insurance policy shows the right rating data. Having an incorrect usage rating on your Caliber may be wasting your money.
Teen drivers pay high prices - Youthful drivers in California have a tendency to be easily distracted behind the wheel therefore car insurance rates are much higher. Adding a first-time driver onto a policy can cause a big jump in price. Older insureds are more cautious drivers, cause fewer claims and accidents, and tend to be get fewer driving tickets.
The following chart uses these variables: single driver, full coverage with $250 deductibles, and no discounts or violations.
The type of car makes a difference - The performance level of the vehicle you are insuring makes a significant difference in your rates. The lowest rates are generally reserved for smaller low performance passenger cars, but your final cost has many other factors.
The chart below is based on a single male driver age 20, full coverage with $1000 deductibles, and no discounts or violations. The data compares Dodge Caliber car insurance rates compared to other models that have a range of risk factors.
Dodge Caliber insurance rates and statistics
The premium information shown below showcases estimates of insurance coverage prices for Dodge Caliber models. Being aware of how insurance prices are determined can assist in making smart choices when selecting a policy.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Express | $176 | $408 | $574 | $34 | $172 | $1,364 | $114 |
| Caliber Heat | $176 | $408 | $574 | $34 | $172 | $1,364 | $114 |
| Caliber SE | $176 | $408 | $574 | $34 | $172 | $1,364 | $114 |
| Caliber Mainstreet | $176 | $408 | $574 | $34 | $172 | $1,364 | $114 |
| Caliber Rush | $176 | $408 | $574 | $34 | $172 | $1,364 | $114 |
| Caliber SXT | $176 | $408 | $574 | $34 | $172 | $1,364 | $114 |
| Caliber Uptown | $176 | $408 | $574 | $34 | $172 | $1,364 | $114 |
| Caliber R/T | $202 | $482 | $574 | $34 | $172 | $1,464 | $122 |
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Data rating is based on single female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, multi-policy, homeowner, and multi-vehicle. Price estimates do not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can revise premiums considerably.
Physical damage deductibles: Should you raise them?
A question often asked by Santa Ana drivers is how high should the deductibles for physical damage be. The data tables below may help to illustrate how much more you'll pay between low and high deductibles. The first data set uses a $100 deductible and the second rate table uses a $1,000 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Express | $332 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,643 | $137 |
| Caliber Heat | $332 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,643 | $137 |
| Caliber SE | $332 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,643 | $137 |
| Caliber Mainstreet | $332 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,643 | $137 |
| Caliber Rush | $332 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,643 | $137 |
| Caliber SXT | $332 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,643 | $137 |
| Caliber Uptown | $332 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,643 | $137 |
| Caliber R/T | $380 | $810 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,815 | $151 |
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| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Express | $184 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,146 | $96 |
| Caliber Heat | $184 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,146 | $96 |
| Caliber SE | $184 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,146 | $96 |
| Caliber Mainstreet | $184 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,146 | $96 |
| Caliber Rush | $184 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,146 | $96 |
| Caliber SXT | $184 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,146 | $96 |
| Caliber Uptown | $184 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,146 | $96 |
| Caliber R/T | $210 | $426 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,236 | $103 |
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Data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, multi-vehicle, homeowner, safe-driver, and claim-free. Estimates do not factor in specific garaging location which can influence premiums substantially.
Based on the above data, using a $100 deductible could cost the average driver approximately $42 more each month or $504 annually than buying the higher $1,000 deductible. Because you would be required to pay $900 more to settle a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you normally go more than 21 months between claim filings, you would probably be better off by going with a higher deductible.
How to calculate when to raise deductibles
| Average monthly premium for $100 deductibles: | $139 |
| Average monthly premium for $1,000 deductibles (subtract): | - $97 |
| Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $42 |
| Difference between deductibles ($1,000 - $100): | $900 |
| Divide difference by monthly savings: | $900 / $42 |
| Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 21 months |
An important thing to remember is that raising deductibles means you will have to pay more when you have to file a claim. That will require a higher level of savings in the event you have to pay the deductible.
The example below illustrates how your deductible choice and can raise or lower Dodge Caliber yearly insurance costs for different age categories. The rate quotes are based on a married male driver, full physical damage coverage, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
Tickets and at-fault accidents raise rates
The information below shows how speeding tickets and at-fault accidents influence Dodge Caliber insurance costs for different age categories. The rate quotes are based on a married female driver, comp and collision included, $1,000 deductibles, and no discounts are applied.
Age, gender, and Dodge Caliber insurance
The information below illustrates the comparison of Dodge Caliber insurance costs for male and female drivers. The rate quotes are based on no accidents or driving violations, full coverage, $100 deductibles, drivers are single, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
Rate difference between full and liability-only coverage
The illustration below illustrates the comparison of Dodge Caliber auto insurance rates when comparing full coverage to state minimum liability only. The premium estimates are based on no accidents or driving violations, $250 deductibles, single status, and no discounts are applied.
Should you pay for full coverage or liability only?
There is no exact rule for dropping physical damage coverage, but there is a guideline you can consider. If the yearly cost of full coverage is more than 10% of the replacement cost minus the deductible, then it may be the right time to buy liability only.
For example, let's pretend your Dodge Caliber replacement cost is $9,000 and you have $1,000 deductibles. If your vehicle is severely damaged, the most your company will settle for is $8,000 after paying your deductible. If you are paying in excess of $800 a year to have full coverage, then it might be time to buy liability only.
There are some conditions where removing full coverage is not in your best interest. If you haven't paid off your loan, you have to carry full coverage in order to satisfy the requirements of the loan. Also, if your finances do not allow you to purchase a different vehicle if your current one is in an accident, you should not eliminate full coverage.
Affordable rates by receiving discounts
Insurance can be prohibitively expensive, but discounts can save money and there are some available that can dramatically reduce your bill. Certain reductions will be credited at the time of purchase, but a few must be specifically requested prior to receiving the credit.
- Drive Safe and Save - Insureds without accidents could pay up to 40% less compared to rates paid by drivers with frequent claims.
- No Claims - Insureds with no claims or accidents get the best car insurance rates compared to insureds who have frequent claims or accidents.
- Driver's Ed - Reduce the cost of insurance for teen drivers by having them participate in a local driver's education class in school or through a local driver safety program.
- Discount for Swiching Early - Some larger companies reward drivers for switching to them prior to the expiration date on your current Caliber insurance policy. Ten percent is about the average savings.
- Defensive Driver - Passing a defensive driving course is a good idea and can lower rates depending on where you live.
- Federal Government Employee - Employees or retirees of the government may reduce rates when you quote Santa Ana car insurance depending on your car insurance provider.
We need to note that most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. Even though it appears having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies wouldn't make money that way. Any qualifying discounts should definitely cut your policy cost.
The information below visualizes the comparison of Dodge Caliber auto insurance costs with and without discounts. The costs are based on a male driver, no violations or accidents, California state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $500 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with marriage, claim-free, homeowner, multi-policy, multi-car, and safe-driver discounts applied.
A list of car insurance companies and a partial list of their discounts are detailed below.
- Farmers Insurance policyholders can earn discounts including early shopping, homeowner, mature driver, business and professional, alternative fuel, and electronic funds transfer.
- Esurance may offer discounts for renters, claim free, safety device, defensive driver, good driver, multi-car, and paid-in-full.
- State Farm offers discounts including passive restraint, Drive Safe & Save, accident-free, multiple autos, and multiple policy.
- GEICO may have discounts that include emergency military deployment, five-year accident-free, air bags, good student, defensive driver, seat belt use, and multi-vehicle.
- Allstate offers premium reductions for anti-lock brakes, safe driver, economy car, teenSMART discount, auto/life discount, and multi-policy.
Check with all the companies how you can save money. Savings might not apply in Santa Ana.
Best auto insurance in Santa Ana
Finding the right insurer is hard considering how many companies sell coverage in Santa Ana. The company ratings in the lists below can help you select which companies to look at comparing rates from.
| Company | Value | Customer Service | Claims | Customer Satisfaction | A.M Best Rating | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 98 | 100 | 100 | 94% | A++ | 98.6 |
| American Family | 98 | 89 | 100 | 86% | A | 95.4 |
| AAA of Southern California | 91 | 94 | 97 | 92% | A+ | 94.1 |
| State Farm | 88 | 93 | 96 | 90% | A++ | 92.4 |
| The Hartford | 94 | 92 | 90 | 89% | A+ | 91.7 |
| AAA Insurance | 88 | 89 | 95 | 91% | A | 91.2 |
| GEICO | 84 | 93 | 93 | 89% | A++ | 90.3 |
| The General | 89 | 91 | 89 | 88% | A- | 90 |
| Titan Insurance | 90 | 87 | 91 | 95% | A+ | 89.6 |
| Progressive | 84 | 91 | 93 | 87% | A+ | 89.5 |
| Mercury Insurance | 88 | 91 | 90 | 85% | A+ | 89.4 |
| Allstate | 85 | 90 | 92 | 88% | A+ | 89.3 |
| Nationwide | 87 | 88 | 84 | 90% | A+ | 88.7 |
| Liberty Mutual | 84 | 87 | 93 | 88% | A | 88.5 |
| 21st Century | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88% | A | 86.7 |
| Esurance | 85 | 80 | 95 | 87% | A+ | 85.9 |
| Safeco | 85 | 85 | 85 | 86% | A | 85.8 |
| Travelers | 80 | 87 | 87 | 83% | A++ | 85.2 |
| Farmers Insurance | 78 | 87 | 88 | 79% | A | 84.3 |
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Data Source: Insure.com Best Car Insurance Companies
Cheaper auto insurance rates are available
We just presented many ways to find affordable Dodge Caliber insurance in Santa Ana. The key concept to understand is the more you quote Santa Ana car insurance, the better likelihood of getting the cheapest Dodge Caliber rate quotes. Consumers could even find that the best car insurance rates are with a smaller regional carrier.
When getting Santa Ana car insurance quotes online, it's not a good idea to buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many cases where an insured dropped collision coverage only to regret at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The goal is to buy a smart amount of coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
Insureds change insurance companies for a number of reasons such as delays in responding to claim requests, lack of trust in their agent, high rates after DUI convictions or even denial of a claim. It doesn't matter why you want to switch finding a new company can be easier than you think.
How to find cheaper quotes for Dodge Caliber insurance in Santa Ana
If you want to save the most money, the best way to get discount Dodge Caliber insurance in Santa Ana is to start doing an annual price comparison from companies who sell auto insurance in California. You can compare rates by completing these steps.
Step 1: Learn about how insurance companies determine prices and the factors you can control to prevent expensive coverage. Many rating criteria that result in higher rates such as speeding tickets, accidents and a not-so-good credit score can be rectified by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility.
Step 2: Compare prices from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Exclusive and direct companies can only provide price estimates from one company like Progressive and State Farm, while independent agents can quote rates from multiple sources. View prices
Step 3: Compare the new rate quotes to your existing policy to see if you can save by switching companies. If you find better rates and make a switch, ensure there is no coverage lapse between policies.
The most important part of shopping around is to use the same coverage limits and deductibles on every quote and and to get rate quotes from as many carriers as you can. Doing this enables a level playing field and the best price selection.
Additional resources
- How to Avoid Staged Accidents (State Farm)
- What Insurance is Cheapest for a Learners Permit in Santa Ana? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance Quotes for Teenagers in Santa Ana? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Santa Ana Auto Insurance Quotes for Drivers with Accidents? (FAQ)
- What if I Can't Find Coverage? (Insurance Information Institute)
- Credit Impacts Car Insurance Rates (State Farm)