Trying to find low-cost insurance for your Lexus ES 350 can be a lot of work, but you can use these tips to save time.
There is a better way to buy auto insurance and you need to know the best way to compare rates for a Lexus and find the cheapest rates from local insurance agents and online providers.
Pricing more affordable protection is easy if you know what you’re doing. If you have a current auto insurance policy or are looking for a new policy, you can use these tips to get lower rates and possibly find even better coverage. Drivers only need an understanding of how to compare prices online.
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Comparison Quotes
Performing a rate comparison can be a lot of work if you don’t utilize the fastest way to get free quotes. You can waste a few hours (or days) talking to insurance companies in your area, or you can stay home and use the internet to accomplish the same thing much quicker.
Many popular insurance companies belong to an insurance system that allows shoppers to enter their policy data once, and each company then gives them pricing based on that data. This saves time by eliminating repetitive form submissions to every company.
To find out how much you can save on auto insurance click to open in new window.
The only downside to comparing rates this way is you are unable to specify the insurers you want to price. So if you want to select specific providers to compare rates, we put together a list of companies who write auto insurance in your area. Click to view list.
It doesn’t matter which method you choose, just compare the exact same information for every quote you compare. If you enter unequal deductibles or liability limits you will not be able to determine the lowest rate for your Lexus ES 350.
Misconceptions in auto insurance advertisements
Consumers constantly see and hear ads for cheaper car insurance by companies like GEICO, State Farm and Progressive. They all say the same thing of big savings if you move to them.
But how can every company make almost identical claims? This is how they do it.
All companies have a certain “appetite” for the type of customer that earns them a profit. A good example of a desirable insured could be between 25 and 40, has no prior claims, and drives newer vehicles. A customer getting a price quote that hits that “sweet spot” receives the best rates and is almost guaranteed to save when switching.
Consumers who don’t measure up to this ideal profile must pay a higher premium and ends up with the driver buying from a lower-cost company. The ads say “people who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that kind of money. That is how companies can truthfully advertise the way they do.
This illustrates why it’s extremely important to get a wide range of price quotes. It’s just too difficult to predict the company that will fit your personal profile best.
Lots of discounts mean lots of savings
The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but discounts can save money and there are some available that many people don’t even know exist. Certain discounts will be applied at quote time, but a few need to be specifically requested before they will apply. If you’re not getting every credit available, you are throwing money away.
- Drive Safe and Save – Insureds without accidents may save up to 50% more on ES 350 insurance than drivers with accidents.
- Payment Discounts – If paying your policy premium upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you can actually save on your bill.
- Seat Belts Save – Requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts could save 15% off your medical payments premium.
- Good Student Discount – Performing well in school can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last up until you turn 25.
- Military Discounts – Being deployed with a military unit could mean lower rates.
- Defensive Driver – Taking a driver safety course can save you 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.
- Anti-lock Brake System – Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
- Federal Government Employee – Employees or retirees of the government can earn a discount up to 10% on ES 350 insurance with select insurance companies.
- Theft Prevention System – Cars that have factory anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
- Drive Less and Save – Fewer annual miles on your Lexus could qualify for better rates on cars that stay parked.
Drivers should understand that some credits don’t apply to all coverage premiums. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. So even though they make it sound like all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won’t be that lucky. Any amount of discount will cut the amount you have to pay.
To see a list of insurance companies with discount auto insurance rates, click here.
Comparing rates from local agents
Some consumers just want to buy from a local agent and that is a personal choice. Licensed agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. One of the best bonuses of getting online price quotes is you may find better rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from small agencies is important especially if you live in a smaller city or town.
After filling out this short form, your coverage information gets sent to participating agents who will give you bids to get your business. There is no reason to leave your house since price quotes are sent immediately to your email address. It doesn’t get any easier!
What types of insurance agents are there?
When searching for a good insurance agency, you need to know there are two types of agencies from which to choose. Insurance agencies are classified as either independent (non-captive) or captive. Both write coverage properly, but it’s worth learning the difference between them since it may influence buying decisions.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agencies are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with any number of different companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and you don’t have to find a new agent.
When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to contact at least one independent agent for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies who may have lower rates.
Captive Agents
Captive agents can only write with one company and some examples include State Farm, Allstate and AAA. These agents are not able to compare other company’s rates so always compare other rates. They are trained well on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Consumers frequently buy from captive agents primarily because of the brand legacy and solid financial strength.
For a full directory of auto insurance agents, visit this site.
Picking a car insurance agent requires more thought than just the premium amount. These questions are important to ask:
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
- What insurance company do they write the most business with?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
Upon getting positive responses for all questions you ask in addition to an acceptable price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that will provide auto insurance coverage.
What is YOUR best insurance company?
Drivers leave their current company for any number of reasons including high rates after DUI convictions, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, policy non-renewal or policy cancellation. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch finding a great new company is less work than it seems.
In this article, we covered quite a bit of information on how to shop for Lexus ES 350 insurance online. The key concept to understand is the more you quote, the better likelihood of reducing your rate. Drivers may discover the lowest premiums are with a lesser-known regional company.
When shopping online for auto insurance, you should never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are a lot of situations where an insured dropped physical damage coverage only to find out that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your goal should be to buy a smart amount of coverage for the lowest price, not the least amount of coverage.
