Proven Techniques to Save When Insuring Your Toyota Prius

Have you had enough of paying out the nose to buy car insurance? Your situation is no different than millions of other consumers.

Lots of car insurance companies contend for your insurance dollar, so it’s not easy to compare every insurance company to find the absolute lowest price

Lower rates by qualifying for discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don’t always list all available discounts very clearly, so we took the time to find both well-publicized and the more hidden ways to save on auto insurance.

Good Student – This discount can earn a discount of 20% or more. This discount can apply up until you turn 25.
Discounts for Safe Drivers – Drivers who don’t get into accidents may receive a discount up to 45% less on Prius coverage than drivers with accident claims.
Senior Discount – If you’re over the age of 55, you may qualify for better auto insurance rates on Prius coverage.
Service Members Pay Less – Having a family member in the military could be rewarded with lower premiums.
Multiple Policy Discount – When you combine your home and auto insurance with the same company you will save approximately 10% to 15%.
Driver Safety – Taking part in a course teaching defensive driving skills could cut 5% off your bill and easily recoup the cost of the course.
Paperwork-free – A handful of insurance companies give back up to $50 just for signing your application online.
Student Driver Training – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to enroll in driver’s education in high school.
Early Signing – Select companies give a discount for signing up before your current policy expires. This can save 10% or more.

A little note about advertised discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given to the overall cost of the policy. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears you can get free auto insurance, it doesn’t quite work that way.

To see a list of providers with discount auto insurance rates, click here.

Toyota Prius rates are in the details

Consumers need to have an understanding of the rating factors that go into determining auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what determines base rates allows you to make educated decisions that may reward you with better auto insurance rates.

More than one policy can earn a discount – Most insurers will give a discount to people who consolidate policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. This can amount to five, ten or even twenty percent. Even if you’re getting this discount it’s still a good idea to compare rates to ensure the best deal. You may still be able to find better rates by insuring with multiple companies.
Car features impact rates – Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can help lower your rates. Anti-theft features such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system all aid in stopping car theft.
Allowing your policy to lapse raises rates – Letting your insurance expire is a guaranteed way to pay more for auto insurance. And not only will insurance be more expensive, getting caught without coverage can result in a steep fine or even jail time.
What type of vehicle do you drive? – The performance of the vehicle you drive makes a huge difference in your rates. Since the Toyota Prius falls in the compact car class, insuring your vehicle will cost the same to a little lower as compared to the average rate. Low performance passenger vehicles usually have the lowest rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.
Occupation reflects on rates – Did you know your job can affect your rates? Occupations such as lawyers, social workers and dentists tend to have the highest average rates in part from job stress and lots of time spent at work. Other occupations such as farmers, historians and performers receive lower rates on Prius coverage.

But don’t I need an insurance agent?

Some consumers prefer to buy from a licensed agent and there is nothing wrong with that. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is you may find the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to. auto insurance

Once you complete this short form, your coverage information is emailed to local insurance agents who will return price quotes to get your business. There is no need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. How cool is that?! You can find the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping.

Deciding on a company shouldn’t rely on just the price. These are valid questions to ask:

Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
What insurance company do they write the most business with?
If you have an accident, are you able to get your vehicle repaired at the shop of your choice?
Do they assist clients in filing claims?
Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
Can glass repairs be made at your home?
How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?

Auto insurance agents are either independent or captive

When finding a good insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of agencies from which to choose. Insurance agencies are categorized either independent or captive.

Captive Agents

These agents can only write with one company such as AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. These agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agencies are very knowledgeable on their company’s products which can be an advantage.

Independent Agents

These agents are not required to write business for one company but instead can place your coverage with any number of different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency.

When searching for an agent, you should always get quotes from at a minimum one independent agency to get the best comparison.

To view a complete directory of auto insurance agents, visit this site.

After getting answers to your satisfaction to all your questions in addition to an acceptable price estimate, it’s possible that you found a car insurance agent that can provide auto insurance coverage.

A tidy conclusion

We just showed you a lot of ways to save on Toyota Prius insurance. It’s most important to understand that the more price quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding lower rates. Drivers may discover the biggest savings come from an unexpected company. Smaller companies may often insure only within specific states and give getter rates than their larger competitors like Allstate or State Farm.

As you shop your coverage around, never reduce coverage to reduce premium. Too many times, someone sacrificed liability coverage limits only to find out that the savings was not a smart move. Your goal should be to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate while not skimping on critical coverages.