How to Save on Saab 9-3 Insurance in San Diego

Scraping up a payment for expensive Saab 9-3 insurance in San Diego can sap your funds and possibly require you to analyze your spending habits. Getting a rate comparison can save money and help to make sure you’re not throwing money away.

Amazingly, the vast majority of drivers have been with the same company for at least the last four years, and just under half have never even compared quotes to find cheaper rates. With the average auto insurance premium being $1,847, U.S. drivers could save 46.5% a year by just shopping around, but they don’t believe the big savings they would realize if they replace their high priced policy.

You have multiple car insurance companies to pick from, and even though it’s nice to have multiple companies, it makes it harder to get the best deal for Saab 9-3 insurance in San Diego.

This article’s goal is to help educate you on how to effectively get price quotes and some money-saving tips. If you have coverage now, you will be able to lower your rates using the concepts you’re about to learn. Nevertheless, California car owners need to learn the way companies determine premium rates because it can help you find the best coverage.

It’s important to know that obtaining a wide range of quotes will enable you to find better pricing. Not every company allows you to get price estimates online, so it’s necessary to compare price quotes from those companies as well.

The companies in the list below provide price quotes in California. If multiple companies are listed, we recommend you click on several of them to find the most affordable car insurance rates.

Premium data assumes married female driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, multi-policy, safe-driver, homeowner, and claim-free. Rate information does not factor in specific location which can modify coverage rates substantially.

Policy deductible comparison

The illustration below shows how choosing a deductible and can raise or lower Saab 9-3 insurance rates for each different age category. The rates are based on a single female driver, comp and collision included, and no discounts are factored in.

An analysis of deductible level

When buying auto insurance, a common question is at what level do you set your deductibles. The premium rates below may help you to understand the differences in premium rates of buying low and high deductibles. The first set of prices uses a $250 physical damage deductible and the second rate table uses a $1,000 deductible.

Prices above based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, safe-driver, homeowner, claim-free, and multi-policy. Table data does not factor in vehicle garaging location which can affect price quotes noticeably.

We can estimate from the data above that using a $250 deductible costs approximately $38 more each month or $456 every year than buying the higher $1,000 deductible. Because you would be required to pay $750 more out of your own pocket with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you have at least 20 months between claim filings, you would probably save some money going with the higher deductible. Below is a better example of how you can decide this on your own policy.

One important note is that raising deductibles to save money means you pay more out-of-pocket when you do file a claim. You need enough money put aside in the event you need to pay more to get your vehicle repaired.

Auto insurance policy discounts you can’t miss

Companies offering auto insurance don’t always advertise every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so the list below gives a summary of both well-publicized as well as some of the hidden discounts that may be available.

• Theft Prevention Discount – Vehicles that have factory anti-theft systems are less likely to be stolen and will save you 10% or more on 9-3 insurance in San Diego.
• Membership in Organizations – Being in a qualifying organization could trigger savings on your next renewal.
• New Car Discount – Buying auto insurance coverage on a new vehicle can save you some money because newer vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
• Employee of Federal Government – Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% depending on your company.
• Onboard Data Collection – San Diego drivers who agree to allow their insurance company to look at driving manner by using a telematics device in their vehicle such as In-Drive from State Farm or Allstate’s Drivewise system could see a rate decrease if they show good driving skills.
• Pay Early and Save – By paying your entire bill at once instead of paying each month you could save 5% or more.
• Use Seat Belts – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to use their safety belts may be able to save a few bucks on the premium charged for medical payments and/or PIP.
• Paper-free Discount – Some of the larger companies may give you up to $50 simply for signing on the web.
• Multiple Vehicles – Drivers who insure several vehicles with the same company qualifies for this discount.

Drivers should understand that some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. Most only cut the price of certain insurance coverages like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So when it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, it just doesn’t work that way.

To see insurance companies that can offer you the previously mentioned discounts in San Diego, click here to view.

Why you need vehicle insurance in California

Even though it can be expensive, insurance is most likely required but also gives you several important benefits.

• The majority of states have mandatory liability insurance requirements which means you are required to carry a specific level of liability insurance coverage in order to drive the car. 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 your 9-3 has a loan, almost all lenders will require that you have insurance to protect their interest in the vehicle. If coverage lapses or is canceled, the lender may insure your Saab at a much higher premium rate and force you to pay for the much more expensive policy.
• Insurance safeguards your Saab and your assets. It will also cover hospital and medical expenses that are the result of an accident. One policy coverage, liability insurance, also covers legal expenses if someone files suit against you as the result of an accident. If you receive damage to your vehicle caused by a storm or accident, collision and comprehensive coverages will cover the repair costs.

The benefits of carrying adequate insurance greatly outweigh the cost, particularly if you ever have a claim. According to a survey of 1,000 drivers, the average driver is wasting up to $820 a year so smart consumers compare quotes at every policy renewal to ensure rates are competitive.

Which policy gives me the best coverage?

When quoting and choosing coverage online or from an agent, there isn’t really a best way to insure your cars. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.

These are some specific questions could help you determine if you will benefit from professional help.

• Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
• Is a new car covered when I drive it off the dealer lot?
• Am I covered if I hit someone who is not insured?
• When should I not file a claim?
• What does PIP insurance cover?
• Do I have coverage if my license is suspended?
• Should I rate my Saab 9-3 as pleasure use or commute?
• Am I insured when driving a different vehicle?
• Am I covered while delivering pizza?

If you can’t answer these questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form.

Car insurance agents can help

Many people still prefer to have an agent’s advice and that is OK! The biggest benefit of price shopping on the web is that drivers can save money and get cheap rate quotes but also keep your business local. Putting coverage with neighborhood agents is especially important in San Diego.

To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this short form, your information is transmitted to companies in San Diego who will gladly provide quotes for your business. You won’t need to leave your house since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. You can most likely find cheaper rates AND an agent nearby. If you want to compare prices from a specific company, you can always search and find their rate quote page and submit a quote form there.

San Diego car insurance agents come in two flavors

When finding a local agent, there are two types of agencies and how they operate. Car insurance agents can either be independent agents or exclusive agents depending on their employer.

Independent Car Insurance Agents (or Brokers)

Agents in the independent channel often have affiliation with several companies and that is an advantage because they can write policies through many different car insurance companies and get you the best rates possible. If premiums increase, an independent agent can move your coverage and you stay with the same agent. When searching for an agent, you definitely need to get some free quotes from several independent agencies to maximize your price options.

Shown below is a short list of independent agents in San Diego that may be able to give you rate quotes.

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Exclusive Car Insurance Agents

Exclusive agencies can only place business with one company like American Family, State Farm, and Allstate. These agents are unable to provide rate quotes from other companies so always compare other rates. Exclusive insurance agents are highly trained on sales techniques which can be an advantage.

Below is a short list of exclusive agencies in San Diego who can help you get price quotes.

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Finding the right auto insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the quoted price. Get answers to these questions too.

• How long have they been in business?
• Where would glass claims be handled in San Diego?
• What company do they have the most business with?
• How is replacement cost determined on your vehicle?
• In the event of vehicle damage, can you pick the collision repair facility?
• Does the agent recommend any additional coverage?

After talking to the agent and getting good answers to any questions you have as well as a price you’re happy with, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that meets the requirements to properly insure your vehicles.

Specific coverages for a Saab 9-3

Learning about specific coverages of a insurance policy can help you determine appropriate coverage and proper limits and deductibles. The terms used in a policy can be ambiguous and coverage can change by endorsement.

Collision coverages – Collision insurance covers damage to your 9-3 resulting from colliding with another car or object. You will need to pay your deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision coverage protects against things like hitting a parking meter, colliding with another moving vehicle and colliding with a tree. This coverage can be expensive, so you might think about dropping it from lower value vehicles. You can also choose a higher deductible on your 9-3 to save money on collision insurance.

UM/UIM Coverage – Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage gives you protection from other motorists when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. It can pay for injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as damage to your Saab 9-3.

Due to the fact that many California drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (15/30/5), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is a good idea. Frequently these coverages are identical to your policy’s liability coverage.

Comprehensive or Other Than Collision – Comprehensive insurance will pay to fix damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first must pay your deductible then your comprehensive coverage will pay.

Comprehensive coverage protects against things like theft, hitting a deer, vandalism and hail damage. The highest amount a insurance company will pay at claim time is the actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Liability – Liability insurance can cover damages or injuries you inflict on other people or property in an accident. This coverage protects you against claims from other people, and doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.

Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. Your policy might show policy limits of 15/30/5 that translate to a limit of $15,000 per injured person, a total of $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a limit of $5,000 paid for damaged property. Another option is a combined single limit or CSL which limits claims to one amount without having the split limit caps.

Liability coverage pays for things such as repair costs for stationary objects, structural damage, repair bills for other people’s vehicles, funeral expenses and pain and suffering. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a decision to put some thought into, but consider buying as much as you can afford. California requires minimum liability limits of 15/30/5 but drivers should carry better liability coverage.

Medical costs insurance – Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP pay for short-term medical expenses like chiropractic care, ambulance fees, rehabilitation expenses and nursing services. They can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance program or if you lack health insurance entirely. They cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants as well as any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP coverage is not an option in every state but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage