Searching for the cheapest insurance for a Ford Windstar can be a painful process, but you can learn a few tricks to save time. There are more efficient ways to find auto insurance online so we’re going to tell you the best way to price shop coverage for a new or used Ford and obtain the lowest price from both online companies and local agents.
You need to compare rates every six months due to the fact that insurance rates change frequently. If you had the best price on Windstar coverage on your last policy there may be better deals available now. Forget all the misinformation about auto insurance because we’re going to demonstrate one of the easiest ways to find great coverage at a great price.
Take advantage of discounts
Companies that sell car insurance do not advertise all their discounts very clearly, so here is a list some of the best known as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance. If you’re not getting every credit you deserve, you’re just leaving money on the table.
- Safe Driver Discount – Safe drivers can pay as much as 50% less on Windstar coverage than their less cautious counterparts.
- Multiple Vehicles – Buying insurance for multiple vehicles on one policy qualifies for this discount.
- Service Members Pay Less – Being on active duty in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
- Bundle and Save – When you have multiple policies with one insurance company you will save at least 10% off all policies.
- Discount for New Cars – Adding a new car to your policy can cost up to 25% less because new vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
- Discount for Good Grades – A discount for being a good student can save 20 to 25%. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.
As a disclaimer on discounts, some of the credits will not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous.
What determines your Ford Windstar insurance premium
An important part of buying insurance is that you know some of the elements that come into play when calculating your auto insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively determines base rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that could result in much lower annual insurance costs.
- Small claims can cost you – Car insurance companies give better rates to policyholders who do not file claims often. If you frequently file small claims, you can expect either higher rates or even cancellation. Insurance coverage is designed for the large, substantial claims.
- Tickets mean higher rates – Careful drivers get better rates than bad drivers. Even a single citation can boost insurance rates by as much as thirty percent. If you have serious violations like reckless driving, hit and run or driving under the influence may find they need to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state motor vehicle department in order to continue driving.
- One company can mean more discounts – The majority of auto insurance companies will award you with lower prices to policyholders who buy several policies from them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Even with this discount, it’s in your best interest to compare rates to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. Consumers may find a better deal by splitting coverages up.
- Pleasure use saves money – The more you drive each year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. Most insurance companies apply a rate based on their usage. Cars left parked in the garage qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Make sure your auto insurance policy shows the correct driver usage. Incorrect usage on your Windstar can cost quite a bit.
- Higher deductibles cost less – Physical damage coverage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, protects your Ford from damage. Some examples of claims that would be covered are colliding with a building, vandalism, and windstorm damage. The deductibles are the amount of money you are willing to pay out-of-pocket in the event of a claim. The more money the insured has to pay upfront, the less your company will charge you for insurance on Windstar coverage.
- Teen drivers pay high rates – Older drivers are more cautious drivers, file fewer claims and get fewer tickets. Youthful drivers are known to be less responsible behind the wheel and because of this, their auto insurance rates are much higher.
- Safe vehicles cost less to insure – Vehicles with high crash test scores tend to have better insurance rates. Safe vehicles protect occupants better and better occupant protection means less money paid by your insurance company passed on to you as lower rates. If your Ford is rated at least four stars on Safercar.gov or an “acceptable” rating on iihs.org you may qualify for a discount.
Different people need different coverages
When choosing the best auto insurance coverage, there really is not a perfect coverage plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s.
Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.
- Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
- Is borrowed equipment or tools covered if stolen or damaged?
- When do I need to add a new car to my policy?
- How high should my medical payments coverage be?
- Am I covered when driving in Canada or Mexico?
- What companies insure drivers after a DUI or DWI?
- Does my personal auto insurance policy cover using my vehicle for business use?
- How can I get high-risk coverage after a DUI?
If you’re not sure about those questions but you know they apply to you, then you may want to think about talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form. It’s fast, free and can provide invaluable advice.
Quote online but work with a neighborhood agent
A small number of people just want to talk to a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Educated insurance agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you someone to call. One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is you can get the lowest rates but also keep your business local.
After completing this simple form, your information is immediately sent to local insurance agents who will compete for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to leave your house because quoted prices will be sent straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy!
Selecting an insurance company should depend on more than just a low price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
- Will your rates increase after a single accident?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in your state?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
Two different types of insurance agencies
When searching for an insurance agent, there are two types of insurance agents from which to choose. Agencies can either be captive or independent (non-captive). Both write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning the differences since it may influence your selection of an agent.
Captive Insurance Agents
Captive insurance agents write business for a single company and some examples include AAA, Allstate, State Farm, Farmers Insurance or Liberty Mutual. Captives cannot provide prices from multiple companies so they have to upsell other benefits. Captive agencies are usually quite knowledgeable on their company’s products which can be an advantage. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents partially due to high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, an independent agent can move your coverage without you having to go to a different agency. When shopping rates, it’s recommended you get quotes from multiple independent agents for the best price selection. Most have the option of insuring with smaller regional carriers who may have lower rates.
For a full directory of insurance agents, click here.
After receiving acceptable answers to any questions you have as well as a affordable price, you may have just found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to insure your vehicles.
Slick advertising tricks that work
Drivers get pounded daily by advertisements for cheaper car insurance from the likes of Allstate, GEICO and Progressive. All the companies say the same thing about savings if you move your coverage to them.
How does each company say the same thing? It’s all in the numbers.
Different companies have a certain “appetite” for the driver that is profitable for them. A good example of a driver they prefer could possibly be a mature driver, has no driving citations, and chooses high deductibles. A customer getting a price quote who meets those qualifications will qualify for the lowest rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.
Drivers who do not match this ideal profile must pay more money which usually ends up with business going elsewhere. The ad wording is “customers who switch” but not “drivers who get quotes” save that much money. That’s the way insurance companies can confidently advertise the way they do. This illustrates why it is so important to get as many comparisons as possible. It’s just too difficult to predict which auto insurance company will have the lowest rates.
Smart shoppers get results
Consumers who switch companies do it for a number of reasons such as policy non-renewal, unfair underwriting practices, lack of trust in their agent or even high prices. It doesn’t matter what your reason, choosing a new company is actually quite simple.
When you buy insurance online, it’s a bad idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. In too many instances, an insured dropped physical damage coverage and found out when filing a claim that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your goal should be to get the best coverage possible at the best price, not the least amount of coverage.
Low-cost Ford Windstar insurance is attainable on the web as well as from independent agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best selection. Some auto insurance companies don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these small insurance companies sell through independent agents.
