Trying to find the cheapest insurance for your Subaru Forester could be a painful process, but you can learn a few tricks to save time.
There are more efficient ways to compare auto insurance rates and you need to know the quickest way to price shop coverage for a new or used Subaru and find the best price possible from both online companies and local agents.
It’s a good habit to compare prices at least once a year since insurance rates are usually higher with each renewal. Even if you got the lowest rates for Forester insurance six months ago you may be paying too much now. Starting now, ignore everything you know about auto insurance because you’re going to get a crash course in the fastest way to find lower rates on auto insurance.
Compare the Market for Auto Insurance
Getting better Subaru Forester auto insurance pricing is surprisingly easy. Just invest a little time to compare quotes provided by online insurance companies. This can be done using a couple different methods.
- The recommended way to get quotes is a comparison rater form click to view form in new window. This type of form prevents you from having to do repetitive form entry for each company you want a rate for. In just a few minutes this one form will get you price quotes . This is by far the quickest method.
- A less efficient way to analyze rates requires a trip to the website for every company you want to comare and complete a new quote form. For instance, let’s assume you want to compare Liberty Mutual, Farmers and Travelers. To get rate quotes you would need to take the time to go to each site and enter your policy data, which is why the first method is more popular. To view a list of companies in your area, click here.
- The most time-consuming way of getting rate comparisons is to waste gas driving to local insurance agencies. Buying insurance online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you have a need for the trained guidance only provided by licensed agents. However, consumers can find lower rates online and still use a local agent.
Which method you use is up to you, but compare exactly the same coverages and limits with every price quote. If you are comparing different limits and deductibles on each one you can’t possibly make a fair comparison for your Subaru Forester.
Discounts can save BIG
Properly insuring your vehicles can get expensive, but there could be available discounts that you may not know about. A few discounts will automatically apply at the time of quoting, but some may not be applied and must be manually applied before you will receive the discount. If they aren’t giving you every credit available, you are throwing money away.
- Good Students Pay Less – This discount can get you a discount of up to 25%. The good student discount can last until age 25.
- Student in College – Any of your kids who live away from home and don’t have a car may be able to be covered for less.
- Sign Online – Some insurance companies may give you up to $50 for buying a policy and signing up digitally online.
- Accident Forgiveness – A handful of insurance companies allow you one accident before raising your premiums if you are claim-free for a certain period of time.
- Passive Restraint Discount – Vehicles equipped with air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can qualify for discounts up to 30%.
- No Claims – Drivers with accident-free driving histories pay much less compared to frequent claim filers.
As a disclaimer on discounts, many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Some only reduce individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So when it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies don’t profit that way. But any discount will cut your premiums.
To choose insurers who offer auto insurance discounts, click here.
Quote online but work with a neighborhood agent
Some people prefer to buy from a licensed agent. Good agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is you can get the best rates and still have an agent to talk to. And supporting local insurance agencies is definitely important in small towns and cities.
To find an agent, once you fill out this quick form, your insurance data gets sent to insurance agents who will return price quotes for your business. There is no need to visit any agencies since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. It doesn’t get any easier!
Not all car insurance agents are the same
If you’re trying to find a local agent, there are two types of agencies to choose from. Agencies are categorized either captive or independent (non-captive). Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s important to know how they are different because it can influence your agent selection.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies are not locked into one company so they can insure your vehicles with many different companies and potentially find a lower price. To transfer your coverage to a different company, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part. When comparing rates, you should always include multiple independent agents for the best price selection. Many write coverage with smaller companies which can save you money.
Captive Insurance Agents
This type of agents have only one company to place business with like State Farm, AAA, Farmers Insurance or Allstate. These agents are not able to shop your coverage around so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. They are very knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Some people will only purchase coverage from captives partially due to the brand legacy and strong financial ratings.
To view a full list of agents, visit this site.
Deciding on an insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
After receiving answers to your satisfaction to these questions and an affordable coverage quote, chances are good that you have found an auto insurance agent that is a good match to properly service your auto insurance policy.
Different people need different coverages
When buying coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is not a “best” method to buy coverage. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.
For example, these questions may help you determine if your insurance needs might need an agent’s assistance.
- Do I need rental car coverage?
- Do I need added coverage for expensive stereo equipment?
- Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
- Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
- When should I drop full coverage on my Subaru Forester?
- Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
- Am I getting all the discounts available?
If you can’t answer these questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form. It’s fast, free and may give you better protection.
Subaru Forester rates are made up of many parts
Smart consumers have a good feel for the factors that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for auto insurance. Having a good understanding of what influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that may reward you with big savings.
- Poor driving leads to higher costs – Drivers who don’t get tickets tend to pay less for car insurance than people who have multiple driving citations. Even one ticket can bump up the cost twenty percent or more. Drivers who get severe violations such as DUI or reckless driving may be required to submit a SR-22 or proof of financial responsibility with their state motor vehicle department in order to drive a vehicle legally.
- Where you reside plays a part – Residing in a small town is a positive aspect when insuring your vehicles. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accidents. City drivers regularly have more traffic problems and longer commute times. Higher commute times can result in more accidents.
- Older drivers pay less – Mature drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to file fewer claims and are safer drivers. Young drivers have a tendency to be less responsible in a vehicle and because of this, their auto insurance rates are much higher.
- Extra coverages can waste money – There are a lot of extra bells and whistles that you can buy on your auto insurance policy. Things like roadside assistance, towing coverage and motor club memberships may be costing you every month. They may seem good when talking to your agent, but if you don’t need them remove them from your policy.
Smart consumers save more
Low-cost Subaru Forester insurance is attainable from both online companies and also from your neighborhood agents, and you need to comparison shop both to get a complete price analysis. There are still a few companies who may not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
When buying insurance coverage, you should never sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. In too many instances, drivers have reduced liability limits or collision coverage only to regret they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your goal should be to buy enough coverage at the best price while not skimping on critical coverages.
Insureds switch companies for a variety of reasons including high prices, delays in paying claims, policy cancellation or poor customer service. Whatever your reason, switching auto insurance companies is easier than you think.
