Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy an underperforming, overpriced auto insurance policy? Believe me when I say there are many Texas consumers feeling the pinch from expensive auto insurance. Numerous insurers battle to insure your vehicles, so it can be very hard to choose a provider to discover the definitive lowest cost out there.
These factors can influence what you pay for Honda CR-Z insurance
An important part of buying insurance is that you know the rating factors that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay enables informed choices that can help you get big savings.
- Please use or commuting – Driving more miles in a year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. Almost all companies charge to insure your cars based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars and trucks that are left in the garage qualify for better rates compared to those used for work or business. Verify your auto insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage. Incorrect usage on your CR-Z may be costing you.
- Protect yourself with liability coverage – Liability insurance will protect you if ever you are found liable for damages caused by your negligence. Liability insurance provides you with a defense in court up to the limits shown on your policy. This coverage is very inexpensive compared to physical damage coverage, so do not skimp.
- Older drivers save more – Teen drivers in Texas tend to be less responsible when driving so auto insurance rates are higher. Having to add a teen driver onto your auto insurance can be very expensive. More mature drivers tend to be more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents and tend to be better behind the wheel.
- Where you reside plays a part – Choosing to live in small towns and rural areas is a positive aspect when it comes to auto insurance. Drivers in populated areas have to deal with more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Less people living in that area means a lower chance of having an accident.
- A lapse in coverage is a bad thing – Allowing your auto insurance policy to lapse is a guaranteed way to increase your auto insurance rates. And not only will insurance be more expensive, but being ticketed for driving with no insurance will get you a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.Then you may be required to file a SR-22 with the Texas DMV.
- Tickets mean higher rates – Careful drivers receive lower rates compared to drivers with tickets. Even one speeding ticket can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. If you have flagrant violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to keep their license.
- Type of vehicle determines base rates – The type of car you are buying insurance for makes a huge difference in determining your rates. Due to the fact that the Honda CR-Z falls in the passenger car class, insurance will be similar in price or lower when compared to the average rates. Lower performance four cylinder passenger cars generally receive the lowest base rates, but the cost you end up paying is determined by many additional factors.
- Occupation reflects on rates – Did you know your occupation can influence how much you pay for auto insurance? Careers like lawyers, executives and financial analysts have higher average rates in part from job stress and long work days. Conversely, jobs such as pilots, engineers and homemakers get better rates for CR-Z coverage.
Do you qualify for a discount?
Car insurance is not cheap, buy you may qualify for discounts to help bring down the price. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at the time you complete a quote, but less common discounts must be specifically requested before you will receive the discount. If they aren’t giving you every credit possible, you are throwing money away.
- Payment Method – If you pay your entire premium ahead of time instead of paying each month you may reduce your total bill.
- Government Employees – Simply working for the federal government may qualify you for a discount for CR-Z coverage depending on your company.
- Good Students Pay Less – Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply until age 25.
- College Student – Any of your kids living away from home attending college and do not have access to a covered vehicle may be able to be covered for less.
- Drive Less and Save – Driving fewer miles can earn better rates on cars that stay parked.
Drivers should understand that some of the credits will not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only reduce individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, it just doesn’t work that way. But any discount will help reduce your premiums.
Quote online but still have a local agent
Certain consumers just want to visit with an insurance agent and that is a personal choice. Licensed agents can answer important questions and give you peace of mind. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is that you can obtain better rates and still have an agent to talk to. Buying from local businesses is important especially in smaller rural communities.
By using this form (opens in new window), your information is sent to participating agents who will battle for your insurance coverage. There is no need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy!
Independent or Captive: It’s your choice
When finding a reliable agent, there are two different agency structures to choose from. Agents can either be independent (non-captive) or captive. Both types can do a good job, but it’s worth mentioning how they differ since it may influence the type of agent you choose
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company so they have the ability to put coverage with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally and that require little work on your part.
When comparing rates, it’s a good idea to contact multiple independent agents to get the best comparison.
Agency Captives
This type of agents write business for a single company and examples are American Family, State Farm and Allstate. They usually cannot compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. Captive agencies are well schooled on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage.
To view a complete directory of auto insurance agents in Texas, click here.
Picking a car insurance agent requires more thought than just the price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- Are they full-time agents?
- What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Ommissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Are claims handled at the agent’s location?
- How often do they review policy coverages?
After receiving positive feedback to these questions and an affordable coverage quote, you may have just found a car insurance agent that can provide auto insurance coverage.
Drivers who switch save $442 a year? Really?
Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements that promise big savings by companies like State Farm and Allstate. They all seem to say the same thing about savings if you change to them.
How does each company make the same claim? This is how they do it.
Different companies can use profiling for the type of customer they prefer to insure. A good example of a profitable customer might be profiled as between 30 and 50, has no tickets, and has great credit. A propective insured that hits that “sweet spot” will get the preferred rates and is almost guaranteed to save quite a bit of money when switching.
Consumers who don’t meet the requirements will be charged a higher premium which leads to business not being written. The ad wording is “drivers who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that much. That is how companies can advertise the way they do.
That is why you should get a wide range of price quotes. Because you never know which insurance companies will provide you with the cheapest rates.
You may need specialized coverage
When choosing coverage, there really is not a “perfect” insurance plan. Everyone’s needs are different so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that may help you determine if you would benefit from professional advice.
- Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
- Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Texas?
- Is borrowed equipment or tools covered if stolen or damaged?
- What if I total my Honda CR-Z and owe more than it’s worth?
- How much underlying liability do I need for an umbrella policy?
- When would I need additional glass coverage?
- Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
- What can I do if my company denied a claim?
- Exactly who is provided coverage by my policy?
- Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you don’t have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier It only takes a few minutes and may give you better protection.
More information can be found on the website for the Texas Department of Insurance located here. Texas drivers can find a variety of consumer forms, read state legal mandates and laws, find out which companies have the most complaints, and learn about specific coverages.
Other related articles:
One last thing about your coverage
When shopping online for auto insurance, it’s a bad idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are a lot of situations where an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your aim should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.
We just presented a lot of techniques to compare Honda CR-Z insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more you quote, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. Consumers could even find that the lowest rates come from the least-expected company. They may cover specific market segments cheaper compared to the large companies like State Farm or Progressive.