Do you get confused by the crazy number of insurance providers in San Marcos? Lot’s of other drivers are too. There are so many options that it is a real hassle to find the perfect company for you. San Marcos is a great city to live in, but pricey insurance makes it very hard to afford proper coverage amounts.
Amazingly, about 70% of customers have purchased from the same company for four years or more, and just under half have never even compared rates from other companies. With the average insurance premium being $1,400, California drivers can save $470 each year by just comparing rate quotes, but they just don’t understand the big savings they would realize if they replace their high priced policy.
Shopping around for affordable policy in San Marcos is not as hard as you may think. Nearly each driver who shops around for car insurance will more than likely find a better price. Nevertheless, California car owners do need to learn the way insurance companies determine prices because it varies considerably.
Affordable companies for San Marcos car insurance
The providers in the list below offer free rate quotes in San Marcos, CA. If multiple companies are shown, it’s highly recommended you get rate quotes from several of them to get the best price comparison.
| Make, Model, and Trim Level | Annual Policy Premium | 6-month Policy Premium | Monthly Premium | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Equinox LT AWD | $1,296 | $648 | $108 | ||||
| Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab Hybrid 4WD | $1,176 | $588 | $98 | ||||
| Dodge Ram Quad Cab SLT 2WD | $1,578 | $789 | $132 | ||||
| Ford Edge Sport 2WD | $1,404 | $702 | $117 | ||||
| Ford Escape XLS 2WD | $1,482 | $741 | $124 | ||||
| Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer AWD | $1,376 | $688 | $115 | ||||
| Ford F-150 Lariat King Ranch 2WD | $1,648 | $824 | $137 | ||||
| Ford Focus SES 4-Dr Sedan | $1,204 | $602 | $100 | ||||
| Honda Accord EX 4-Dr Sedan | $1,094 | $547 | $91 | ||||
| Honda CR-V EX-L 4WD | $1,468 | $734 | $122 | ||||
| Honda Civic SI 2-Dr Coupe | $2,304 | $1,152 | $192 | ||||
| Honda Odyssey EX W/Rear Entertainment | $1,006 | $503 | $84 | ||||
| Kia Optima SX | $1,672 | $836 | $139 | ||||
| Mazda 3 S Grand Touring 4-Dr Sedan | $1,592 | $796 | $133 | ||||
| Nissan Altima 2.5 4-Dr Sedan | $1,758 | $879 | $147 | ||||
| Toyota Camry Hybrid | $1,672 | $836 | $139 | ||||
| Toyota Corolla LE | $1,404 | $702 | $117 | ||||
| Volkswagen Jetta S 2.5 Station Wagon | $1,612 | $806 | $134 | ||||
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Table data represents married female driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and homeowner. Rate quotes do not factor in specific San Marcos garaging location which can alter premiums noticeably.
Annual premiums for males versus females
The example below visualizes the comparison of auto insurance costs for male and female drivers in San Marcos. The data assumes no driving violations, no at-fault accidents, comp and collision included, $1,000 deductibles, single marital status, and no discounts are factored in on a Nissan Sentra 2.
Nissan Sentra rates are for example purposes only. To get rate quotes for your specific vehicle, click here.
Auto insurance rates are higher with tickets and accidents
The illustration below highlights how speeding tickets and at-fault collisions can drive up Dodge Ram insurance rates for different age groups. The rates are based on a single male driver, full physical damage coverage, $500 deductibles, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
Dodge Ram rates are for example purposes only. To get rates for your specific vehicle, click here.
Affordable rates on insurance with these six discounts
Not too many consumers would say insurance is affordable, but you may qualify for discounts that you may not even know about. Certain credits will be shown at the time you complete a quote, but less common discounts must be specifically requested prior to receiving the credit.
- Discount for Swiching Early – A few insurance companies allow discounts for switching policies prior to the expiration date on your current policy. It could save around 10% when you buy San Marcos car insurance online.
- Save with a New Car – Buying insurance on a new vehicle can save up to 30% due to better safety requirements for newer vehicles.
- Fewer Miles Equal More Savings – Keeping the miles down can earn lower insurance rates due to less chance of an accident.
- Clubs and Organizations – Belonging to a qualifying organization is a good way to get lower rates on your policy.
- E-sign Discounts – Some insurance companies will provide an incentive for buying your policy on the web.
- Accident Forgiveness – Not really a discount, but companies like GEICO and Allstate will let one accident slide before your rates go up so long as you are claim-free before the accident.
Consumers should know that some of the credits will not apply to all coverage premiums. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like liability and collision coverage. Just because you may think you can get free auto insurance, companies don’t profit that way.
Large insurance companies and their possible discounts can be found below.
- State Farm offers discounts for defensive driving training, good student, anti-theft, multiple autos, Steer Clear safe driver discount, accident-free, and Drive Safe & Save.
- GEICO discounts include driver training, emergency military deployment, air bags, multi-vehicle, five-year accident-free, and good student.
- Progressive may have discounts that include online quote discount, homeowner, continuous coverage, online signing, and multi-policy.
- 21st Century may offer discounts for homeowners, student driver, automatic seat belts, teen driver, theft prevention, driver training, and good student.
- American Family policyholders can earn discounts including accident-free, defensive driver, mySafetyValet, early bird, good driver, good student, and TimeAway discount.
- The Hartford may include discounts for vehicle fuel type, bundle, good student, defensive driver, air bag, anti-theft, and driver training.
- AAA has savings for multi-car, education and occupation, pay-in-full, good driver, good student, anti-theft, and AAA membership discount.
When quoting, ask all companies you are considering what discounts are available to you. All car insurance discounts might not be available to policyholders in every state.
Buying insurance from San Marcos auto insurance agents
Many drivers still like to talk to an insurance agent and that is a personal choice. The best thing about comparing insurance prices online is that drivers can save money and get the best rates and still choose a local agent. And providing support for local insurance agents is important particularly in San Marcos.
To find an agent, once you fill out this short form, your insurance data gets sent to insurance agents in San Marcos that can provide free San Marcos car insurance quotes for your business. You never need to drive around because quoted prices will be sent instantly to you. You’ll get the best rates and an insurance agent to talk to. If you want to get a price quote from one company in particular, feel free to find their quoting web page and complete a quote there.
Pick the best car insurance agent in San Marcos for you
If you are searching for local San Marcos agents, it can be helpful to understand the types of agencies and how they can quote your rates. Insurance agencies are categorized either exclusive or independent (non-exclusive).
Independent Insurance Agencies or Brokers
These type of agents are not restricted to one company and that enables them to quote your coverage with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If they find a cheaper price, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to switch agencies.
When comparing rate quotes, we recommend you compare prices from several independent agencies in order to compare the most rates. Most can insure with smaller regional carriers that may provide cheaper insurance rates.
Shown below are independent agents in San Marcos that may be able to give cheap rate quotes.
- Leavitt Insurance Agency of San Diego
380 Stevens Ave – Solana Beach, CA 92075 – (858) 259-5800 – View Map - Barney and Barney Insurance Services LLC
9171 Towne Centre Dr Suite 500 – San Diego, CA 92122 – (800) 321-4696 – View Map - Rubin Insurance
6363 Greenwich Dr #120 – San Diego, CA 92122 – (858) 457-5720 – View Map
Exclusive Insurance Agents
Exclusive agents can only provide pricing for a single company like Farmers Insurance, State Farm, Allstate, and AAA. They usually cannot place coverage with different providers so they really need to provide good service. They are well schooled on sales techniques and that enables them to sell even at higher rates. Drivers often buy from exclusive agents mostly because of the prominent brand name instead of buying on price only.
The following is a short list of exclusive insurance agencies in San Marcos willing to provide rate quotes.
- Steve Elder – State Farm Insurance Agent
9225 Mira Mesa Blvd #208d – San Diego, CA 92126 – (858) 271-8928 – View Map - Farmers Insurance – Lawrence Krell
310 Via Vera Cruz #201 – San Marcos, CA 92078 – (760) 744-0080 – View Map - GEICO Insurance Agent
711 Center Dr #103 – San Marcos, CA 92069 – (760) 753-7907 – View Map
Deciding on an car insurance agent needs to be determined by more than just a cheap quote. These are valid questions to ask:
- How will an accident affect your rates?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- How are they compensated?
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
After receiving answers to your satisfaction as well as a price you’re happy with, you’ve probably found an insurance agency that is reliable enough to properly insure your vehicles. But remember, you are able to cancel your coverage when you choose so never assume that you are obligated to a specific company with no way out.
Brand name doesn’t guarantee savings
Respected companies like 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm endlessly run ads in print and on television. All the companies advertise the message of big savings if you switch your auto insurance coverage to their company. That’s great but how can every company give you a better price on auto insurance?
Many companies quote their cheapest rates for the driver that earns them the highest profit. A good example of this type of driver might have to be between the ages of 30 and 50, has other policies, and chooses high deductibles. Anybody that meets those criteria will get the preferred prices in San Marcos and is almost guaranteed to save a lot on San Marcos auto insurance if they switch.
Potential customers who don’t measure up to this stringent profile must pay higher rates which usually ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. If you pay close attention to the ads, they say “drivers who switch” not “all people who quote” can get the lowest rates when switching. This is how insurance companies can claim big savings.
Because each company has a different risk profile, it is so important to get as many free San Marcos car insurance quotes as possible. It’s just too difficult to predict which company will provide you with the cheapest auto insurance in San Marcos.
Insurance can get complicated
Always remember that when buying the best insurance coverage, there really is not a one-size-fits-all type of policy. You are unique.
These are some specific questions can help discover whether or not you may require specific advice.
- Is my covered if I use it for business?
- Is my custom paint covered by insurance?
- How can I get the company to pay a claim?
- Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
- Am I covered by my spouse’s policy after a separation?
- I have a DUI can I still get coverage?
- How much cheaper are high deductibles?
- If my pet gets injured in an accident are they covered?
If you’re not sure about those questions, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form.
Car insurance coverages
Knowing the specifics of car insurance helps when choosing appropriate coverage for your vehicles. The coverage terms in a policy can be confusing and coverage can change by endorsement.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage
Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when the “other guys” do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered losses include injuries to you and your family as well as damage to your vehicle.
Since many California drivers have only the minimum liability required by law (which is 15/30/5), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is important protection for you and your family. Frequently your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are set the same as your liability limits.
Coverage for medical payments
Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance pay for bills such as pain medications, hospital visits and prosthetic devices. The coverages can be utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if you do not have health coverage. It covers not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and will also cover any family member struck as a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is only offered in select states and may carry a deductible
| Lowest Claim Amount | Highest Claim Amount |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Corvette | Nissan Versa |
| Ford F-250 SuperCrew | Chevrolet Spark |
| Land Rover Range Rover Sport | Chrysler 200 |
| Tesla Model S | Kia Forte |
| Ford F-350 SuperCrew | Nissan Sentra |
| Chevrolet Silverado 3500 | Chevrolet Sonic |
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Collision protection
This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision can pay for claims such as sideswiping another vehicle, backing into a parked car, hitting a mailbox, crashing into a ditch and damaging your car on a curb. This coverage can be expensive, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are older. It’s also possible to bump up the deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.
| Lowest Claim Amount | Highest Claim Amount |
|---|---|
| Nissan Xterra | Bentley Continental Flying Spur |
| Jeep Wrangler | Maserati Granturismo |
| Smart ForTwo | Audi RS7 |
| GMC Canyon | Bently Continental GT |
| Ford F-250 SuperCab | BMW 6 Series |
| Ford Edge | Maserati Ghibli |
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Liability
Liability insurance provides protection from damages or injuries you inflict on a person or their property that is your fault. Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have values of 15/30/5 that means you have a $15,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $30,000, and $5,000 of coverage for damaged property. Another option is one limit called combined single limit (CSL) which provides one coverage limit with no separate limits for injury or property damage.
Liability can pay for claims like attorney fees, repair bills for other people’s vehicles, structural damage, repair costs for stationary objects and emergency aid. How much liability should you purchase? That is a decision to put some thought into, but buy as large an amount as possible. California state minimum liability requirements are 15/30/5 but you should think about purchasing higher limits.
| Lowest Claim Amount | Highest Claim Amount |
|---|---|
| Acura MDX | Chrysler 200 |
| Fiat 500 | Mitsubishi Lancer |
| Audi A6 | Mitsubishi Mirage |
| Subaru Outback | Chevrolet Cruze |
| Chevrolet Corvette | Chevrolet Impala |
| Mercedes-Benz SL Class | Kia Rio |
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Comprehensive coverages
This coverage covers damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. A deductible will apply and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive can pay for things like damage from flooding, theft, a broken windshield and vandalism. The maximum payout your car insurance company will pay is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider dropping full coverage.
| Lowest Claim Amount | Highest Claim Amount |
|---|---|
| Chevy Silverado 2500 | Maserati Granturismo |
| Smart ForTwo | Audi S7 |
| Nissan Xterra | BMW M6 |
| Infiniti QX50 | BMW M6 |
| Volvo V60 | Bentley Continental GT |
| GMC Sierra 2500 | Maserati Quattroporte |
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
A little work can save a LOT of money
In this article, we presented a lot of techniques to find cheaper coverage online. The key concept to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. Consumers may even find the lowest prices come from the smaller companies.
When trying to cut insurance costs, don’t be tempted to skimp on coverage in order to save money. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits and found out when filing a claim that it was a big error on their part. The ultimate goal is to get the best coverage possible at the best price and still be able to protect your assets.
Cheaper car insurance in San Marcos can be found both online as well as from independent agents in San Marcos, so get free San Marcos car insurance quotes from both of them so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers do not offer internet price quotes and these regional insurance providers only sell coverage through independent agents.
More tips and info about car insurance can be found in these articles:
- What does Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Cover? (Allstate)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance Rates for Low Income Drivers in San Diego? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest San Diego Auto Insurance Rates for Immigrants? (FAQ)
- How Much are Auto Insurance Rates for a Dodge Grand Caravan in San Diego? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable San Diego Auto Insurance Quotes for Used Cars? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable San Diego Auto Insurance Rates for a Nissan Sentra? (FAQ)
- What Insurance is Cheapest for a Hyundai Elantra in San Diego? (FAQ)
- Older Driver Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
- Information for Teen Drivers (GEICO)