Cheap Rates for Honda Ridgeline Insurance in Santa Ana

We don't have to tell you that insurance companies don't want you comparing rates. Drivers who shop rates annually are inclined to move their business because the odds are good of finding lower rate quotes. A survey found that drivers who make a habit of shopping around saved about $865 annually compared to people who don't make a habit of comparing rates.

If finding the lowest price for car insurance in Santa Ana is your objective, then having a grasp of how to quote prices and compare insurance can save time and make the process easier.

It takes a few minutes, but the best way to get the cheapest Honda Ridgeline insurance in Santa Ana is to start doing a yearly price comparison from insurers in California.

• First, read and learn about what is in your policy and the changes you can make to lower rates. Many things that result in higher rates like traffic violations and an imperfect credit score can be remedied by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility.
• Second, compare rates from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive and direct companies can only give rate quotes from one company like GEICO and Allstate, while agents who are independent can provide rate quotes for many different companies.
• Third, compare the new rate quotes to your existing rates to see if a cheaper rate is available in Santa Ana. If you find a lower rate quote, make sure the effective date of the new policy is the same as the expiration date of the old one.
• Fourth, give notification to your current company of your intent to cancel the current policy and submit the required down payment along with the signed application for your new policy. Make sure you keep the new certificate of insurance in a readily accessible location in your vehicle.

The most important part of shopping around is that you'll want to compare the same coverage limits and deductibles on each quote and and to get rate quotes from as many car insurance companies as possible. Doing this enables an apples-to-apples comparison and the most accurate and complete price analysis.

Finding affordable car insurance coverage in Santa Ana is easy if you know what you're doing. If you have a policy now, you should be able to cut your premiums using the ideas covered in this article. But California drivers do need to learn how the larger insurance companies set your policy premium because rates fluctuate considerably.

The most recommended method to compare car insurance company rates for Honda Ridgeline insurance in Santa Ana is to know the trick auto insurance companies actually pay money for the chance to provide you with a free rate quote. All you need to do is provide information like the type of vehicles you drive, if a SR-22 is needed, your job, and if the car is leased. The data is sent automatically to insurance companies and they return quotes almost instantly.

If you would like to start a quote now, click here and enter your zip code.

The providers in the list below offer price comparisons in California. If the list has multiple companies, it's a good idea that you visit several of them to get a more complete price comparison.

Insurance analysis for a Honda Ridgeline

The rate table shown below covers detailed analysis of coverage prices for Honda Ridgeline models. Being aware of how insurance premiums are established is important to be able to make decisions on the best policy coverages.

Prices based on married female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, safe-driver, claim-free, multi-policy, and homeowner. Rate quotes do not factor in specific zip code location which can modify rates noticeably.

Where to set your deductibles

A question often asked by Santa Ana drivers is the level to set your comp and collision deductibles. The data tables below illustrate the difference in cost when you choose different policy deductibles. The first data set uses a $250 comprehensive and collision deductible and the second rate chart uses a $500 deductible.

Prices based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, safe-driver, claim-free, homeowner, and multi-vehicle. Prices do not factor in specific garaging location which can lower or raise insurance rates noticeably.

Based on this data, using a $250 deductible costs an average of $18 more each month or $216 each year averaged for all Ridgeline models than opting for the higher $500 deductible. Because you would be required to pay $250 more to file a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you tend to have more than 14 months between claims, you would come out ahead by selecting a higher deductible.

The diagram below illustrates how choosing a deductible and can influence Honda Ridgeline yearly insurance costs for each different age category. The premiums assume a married male driver, full coverage, and no discounts are applied to the premium.

Protect your Honda Ridgeline and other assets

Even though it's not necessarily cheap to insure a Honda in Santa Ana, paying for car insurance serves several important purposes.

• Most states have minimum liability requirements which means the state requires specific limits of liability insurance coverage 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.
• If you bought your Ridgeline with a loan, most banks will require that you have full coverage to ensure the loan is repaid in case of a total loss. If you do not keep the policy in force, the bank may insure your Honda for a lot more money and require you to fork over the higher price.
• Insurance protects not only your Honda Ridgeline but also your financial assets. It will also reimburse you for medical transport and hospital expenses incurred in an accident. Liability coverage, the one required by state law, also covers legal expenses if you are sued as the result of an accident. If your car is damaged in a storm or accident, your policy will pay to restore your vehicle to like-new condition.

The benefits of buying car insurance are without a doubt worth the cost, especially with large liability claims. According to a recent study, the average American driver overpays as much as $825 a year so compare rates at every policy renewal to ensure rates are competitive.

Get cheap rates by getting these eight discounts

Companies do not list every policy discount in an easy-to-find place, so we break down both well-publicized in addition to some of the lesser obvious credits available to you.

• Organization Discounts - Affiliation with qualifying clubs or civic groups could earn you a nice discount on your next renewal.
• Braking Control Discount - Vehicles with ABS braking systems or traction control prevent accidents so companies give up to a 10% discount.
• Drive Safe and Save - Safe drivers may save up to 50% more compared to rates paid by drivers with frequent claims.
• Safety Course Discount - Taking part in a class that teaches driver safety techniques could cut 5% off your bill and make you a better driver.
• Sign Online - Certain larger companies will give a small break for completing your application on their website.
• First Accident Forgiveness - This one is not really a discount per se, but companies like State Farm, Progressive and GEICO allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge if you have no claims prior to being involved in the accident.
• Good Student Discount - Being a good student can earn a discount of 20% or more. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.
• Drivers Education - Have your child successfully complete driver's ed class if it's offered in school.

Keep in mind that most credits do not apply to the whole policy. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, auto insurance companies aren't that generous. But any discount should help reduce the amount you have to pay.

The diagram below illustrates the comparison of Honda Ridgeline auto insurance rates with and without policy discounts. Data assumes a female driver, no accidents, no driving violations, California state minimum liability limits, comp and collision included, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with claim-free, multi-policy, multi-car, marriage, homeowner, and safe-driver discounts applied.

A list of companies and some of the discounts can be read below.

• Farm Bureau policyholders can earn discounts including renewal discount, 55 and retired, good student, youthful driver, and multi-policy.
• State Farm may include discounts for accident-free, student away at school, multiple autos, passive restraint, safe vehicle, and driver's education.
• Progressive includes discounts for multi-vehicle, online quote discount, online signing, continuous coverage, multi-policy, homeowner, and good student.
• Allstate offers premium reductions for good student, early signing, 55 and retired, anti-lock brakes, utility vehicle, and premier plus.
• Nationwide has savings for Farm Bureau membership, defensive driving, good student, accident-free, easy pay, business or organization, and anti-theft.
• MetLife may have discounts that include good student, claim-free, accident-free, good driver, defensive driver, multi-policy

If you want cheaper Santa Ana auto insurance quotes, ask each company or agent to give you their best rates. Some of the discounts discussed earlier may not be offered everywhere. To see a list of auto insurance companies offering auto insurance discounts in California, click here to view.

Compare rates but still have a neighborhood Santa Ana auto insurance agent

A small number of people still like to get advice from a local agent and doing that can be a smart decision One of the great benefits of getting free rate quotes online is that you can obtain cheaper premium rates and also buy local.

To help locate an agent, after submitting this form (opens in new window), the quote information is sent to agents in your area that give free quotes for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to contact any agents because prices are sent to you instantly. You can find the lowest rates without requiring a lot of work. If you want to get a price quote from a specific company, just go to their quote page to submit a rate quote request.

Finding a good insurance company is decision based upon more than just the premium amount. These are some questions your agent should answer.

• What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
• Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in California?
• How much experience to they have in personal lines coverages?
• Can you choose the body shop in case repairs are needed?
• How long have they been in business?
• Does the agent help file claims?

If you are searching for a reliable insurance agent, you should know the types of agencies that you can select. Insurance policy providers can be categorized as either exclusive or independent (non-exclusive).

Exclusive Insurance Agents

Exclusive agencies can usually just insure with one company such as Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm, and AAA. They usually cannot provide rate quotes from other companies so it's a take it or leave it situation. Exclusive insurance agents are well schooled on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage.

Below are Santa Ana exclusive insurance agents that are able to give price quotes.

View more Santa Ana agents

Independent Insurance Agents

Agents that elect to be independent often have many company appointments so as a result can place your coverage amongst many companies and find the cheapest insurance rates. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally without you having to go to a different agency.

If you are comparing rate quotes, you need to include rate quotes from a few independent agents in order to have the best price comparison.

The following are Santa Ana independent insurance agents willing to provide price quotes.

View more Santa Ana agents

You may need specialized insurance coverage

When quoting and comparing a policy, there isn't really a perfect coverage plan. Everyone's situation is a little different.

Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine if your insurance needs might need an agent's assistance.

• Is my Honda Ridgeline covered for smoke damage?
• Does rental coverage apply when I am renting a car?
• What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
• Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
• Am I covered if I hit a deer?
• Should I sign the liability waiver when renting a car?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. If you don't have a local agent, simply complete this short form.

Coverage specifics

Learning about specific coverages of insurance aids in choosing appropriate coverage at the best deductibles and correct limits. The terms used in a policy can be confusing and coverage can change by endorsement.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) - Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage provides protection from other drivers when they are uninsured or don't have enough coverage. Covered losses include injuries sustained by your vehicle's occupants and damage to your Honda Ridgeline.

Since many California drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (which is 15/30/5), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. So UM/UIM coverage is very important.

Comprehensive insurance - Comprehensive insurance pays to fix your vehicle from damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive insurance covers claims like hitting a bird, rock chips in glass, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, fire damage 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's value is low it's not worth carrying full coverage.

Collision coverage - Collision coverage will pay to fix damage to your Ridgeline resulting from a collision with a stationary object or other vehicle. A deductible applies and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision coverage pays for claims like backing into a parked car, damaging your car on a curb and hitting a parking meter. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Another option is to increase the deductible on your Ridgeline in order to get cheaper collision rates.

Coverage for liability - Liability insurance protects you from damage that occurs to a person or their property that is your fault. This insurance protects YOU against claims from other people, and does not provide coverage for your injuries or vehicle damage.

Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. You might see values of 15/30/5 that means you have $15,000 bodily injury coverage, $30,000 for the entire accident, and $5,000 of coverage for damaged property.

Liability coverage pays for things like emergency aid, repair costs for stationary objects, funeral expenses, attorney fees and medical expenses. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is your choice, but you should buy higher limits if possible. California state minimum liability requirements are 15/30/5 but you should consider buying more liability than the minimum.

The chart below demonstrates why the minimum limit may not be adequate.

Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance reimburse you for bills for surgery, EMT expenses, pain medications, doctor visits and dental work. They are used to fill the gap from your health insurance plan or if you do not have health coverage. Medical payments and PIP cover all vehicle occupants as well as being hit by a car walking across the street. Personal injury protection coverage is not universally available but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage

Cheaper insurance is a realistic goal

Insureds leave their current company for a variety of reasons including high rates after DUI convictions, not issuing a premium refund, policy non-renewal and even poor customer service. It doesn't matter why you want to switch finding a great new company is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.

Some companies do not offer the ability to get quotes online and usually these small insurance companies prefer to sell through independent agents. Cost effective Honda Ridgeline insurance is attainable from both online companies and with local Santa Ana insurance agents, so you should compare both to have the best rate selection.

When getting Santa Ana auto insurance quotes online, don't be tempted to reduce coverage to reduce premium. There are a lot of situations where drivers have reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to regret at claim time that the savings was not a smart move. Your goal should be to find the BEST coverage at the best price while still protecting your assets.

More detailed insurance information can be read in the articles below:

• Side airbags reduce rollover fatalities (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
• What Car Insurance is Cheapest for Immigrants in Santa Ana? (FAQ)
• Who Has Cheap Santa Ana Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers Requiring a SR22? (FAQ)
• What Auto Insurance is Cheapest for High School Students in Santa Ana? (FAQ)
• What Insurance is Cheapest for Drivers with Good Credit in Santa Ana? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance for a Company Car in Santa Ana? (FAQ)
• Auto Crash Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
• Event Data Recorders FAQ (iihs.org)