Lower your Ford Escape Insurance Rates in Three Easy Steps
If shopping for auto insurance was more enjoyable, it would get done more often. But the premiums we pay always seem to be too high and most of use would rather get a tooth pulled. Cutting the check for each renewal on your Ford Escape might give you the same feeling.
Step One: Compare Rates
The antiquated method of shopping for car insurance included a high pressure visit to the office of your local insurance agent. Times have changed!
Getting online rate quotes for a Ford Escape from all the major insurance companies is very easy and only requires you to enter your information once.
To compare rates now, have your current policy handy (if you have one) and click the link below. Complete the short form and move on to step two.
Important! If you already have liability and physical damage coverage on your Escape, it's important to keep the same limits and deductibles throughout the quote process. This allows you to fairly compare rates for many companies. If you use different limits and coverages for each quote, you won't be able to judge if the final rate is better or worse than other quotes.
Step Two: Tried and True Ways to Save on Escape Insurance
Now that you have several rates to compare (since you did compare rates above, right?), we will now show you some additional ways you can lower your Escape insurance rates.
- Membership has it's privleges. If you're a member of a professional organization, check to see if your company offers discounts to its members. It can add up to 5% or more.
- Check your credit rating each year and address any problem areas. Higher credit scores mean lower car insurance rates.
- If you've recently completed a driver's training or safety course, tell your insurance company. You may qualify for a 5-10% discount.
- The less chance of injury to passengers in an accident means lower insurance rates. Vehicles with safety features like side-impact airbags, head injury protection, antilock bracks and traction control generally will be cheaper to insure.
- A deductible is the amount you pay before your company pays a comprehensive or collision claim. If you increase your deductibles, you will pay less for these coverages.
- Reduce your rates by buying a car that is not a hot model for car thieves. Certain makes and models are more tempting than others, and high-frequency stolen vehicles get charged a higher rate.
- Filing small claims will get you into hot water with your insurance company. Frequent filers will often find themselves either paying higher rates or non-renewed at renewal time.
- Renters will find they may be paying more for insurance as compared to homeowners. Owning a home can often get you a small discount on your car insurance.
- Speeding not only costs you a fine, a single ticket will raise your car insurance rates for up to three years. Slow down and be a safe driver and you'll pay lower rates.
- Teenage drivers can be very expensive to insure on newer vehicles will full coverage. You may be better off purchasing an older vehicle for your teenager and only insure it for liability.
- Do not allow your current car insurance coverage to lapse or expire. Insurance companies have a simple way to find out when your last policy ended (called a CLUE report), and if you went without coverage for any length of time you may pay more for coverage.
Step Three: Finalize your Policy Details
Knowing which company to insure your Escape with is more than just choosing the lowest rate. You also need to be ready to put a down payment on your policy and make sure you have all the proper coverages in place.
It's critical that your new policy starts the same day that your old policy ends. If you are cancelling mid-term, make sure there is no lapse in coverage before your new policy kicks in.
If this is a new policy with only the Ford on it, be sure to have coverage before leaving the dealership or car lot. If you're adding it to an existing policy, you have anywhere from 15 to 30 days depending on the company. Be sure to have a new policy ready to go if you are buying a new Escape. If you've never had car insurance or don't have a policy now, you won't have any protection on the vehicle until you add it to your policy.
The proof-of-insurance card that is required by state law to be carried in your vehicle can be printed out upon completion of your car insurance policy. An SR-22 filing may be required by your state's DMV if you've been convicted of a serious driving offense such as DUI, DWI or reckless driving. If this applies to you, make sure the car insurance company complies with the SR-22 requirement.
Car Insurance Resources
For more information on car insurance, please visit the Insurance Information Institute's auto insurance informational page.
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