Proven Ways to Save When Insuring Your Ford Focus

Buyers have options when searching for low-cost Ford Focus insurance. You can either waste hours struggling with agents trying to get quotes or leverage the internet to make rate comparisons. There are both good and bad ways to find auto insurance online so we’re going to tell you the best way to quote coverages for a new or used Ford and get the cheapest rates either online or from local insurance agents.

You should take the time to get comparison quotes before your policy renews because prices change frequently. Just because you found the lowest rates on Focus insurance six months ago a different company probably has better rates today. Forget anything you know (or think you know) about auto insurance because we’re going to demonstrate the things you must know in order to eliminate unnecessary coverages and save money.

Compare the Market for Auto Insurance

There are multiple methods to compare auto insurance prices but there is one way that is less time-consuming than others. You could spend your day discussing policy coverages with agents in your area, or you can utilize online quotes to accomplish the same thing much quicker.

Many popular insurance companies are enrolled in a marketplace that enables customers to enter their coverage request one time, and every company returns a rated price based on that data. This saves time by eliminating quote requests for each company you want a rate for.

To enter your information into the quoting system, click here to open in new window.

The only drawback to comparing rates this way is you cannot specify which providers you will receive quotes from. So if you prefer to pick specific providers for rate comparison, we have a page of the cheapest auto insurance companies in your area. Click here to view list.

It’s your choice how you get your quotes, but double check that you are using apples-to-apples deductibles and coverage limits on every quote you get. If you enter mixed coverages you will not be able to make a fair comparison for your Ford Focus. Slightly different limits can result in a big premium difference. And when comparison shopping, comparing more company’s prices helps locate a lower rate.

Companies offer discounts so take them!

Companies that sell car insurance don’t list every discount in an easy-to-find place, so here is a list both the well known and the more hidden savings tricks you should be using.

Life Insurance Discount – Larger companies have a break if you buy life insurance from them.
Payment Method – If you pay your bill all at once instead of making monthly payments you could save 5% or more.
Anti-lock Brakes – Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more.
Accident Forgiveness – A few companies permit an accident before hitting you with a surcharge as long as you don’t have any claims prior to the accident.
Drive Safe and Save – Safe drivers can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates on Focus insurance than less cautious drivers.
Claim Free – Good drivers with no accidents can save substantially as compared to drivers who are more careless.
Air Bag Discount – Cars that have air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can qualify for discounts up to 30%.
Good Students Pay Less – A discount for being a good student can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
Use Seat Belts – Drivers who require all occupants to buckle their seat belts can save 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
Own a Home – Owning a home may earn you a small savings because maintaining a house demonstrates responsibility.

It’s important to understand that most credits do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, it just doesn’t work that way.

What about my local agents?

Some people would prefer to talk to a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. The best thing about comparing rates online is you can get the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. insurance prices

To help locate an agent, after submitting this quick form, the quote information is instantly submitted to agents in your area who will return price quotes to get your business. You won’t need to leave your house because quoted prices will be sent directly to your email. How cool is that?! You can find better rates and an insurance agent to talk to.

Deciding on an insurance company should depend on more than just a cheap price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:

Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
Are they properly licensed to sell insurance in your state?
Can glass repairs be made at your home?
Are claim adjusters local or do you have to take your car somewhere else?
Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
Can they give you a list of client referrals?
If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?

Insurance agent types

When looking for local agents, you need to know there are two different types of agents that you can select. Insurance agencies are categorized either captive or independent.

Agency Captives

These agents are contracted to one company such as American Family, Liberty Mutual and AAA. These agents are unable to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Captives receive extensive training on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Some people will only purchase coverage from captives mostly because of high brand loyalty and solid financial strength.

Independent Agencies or Brokers

Independent agencies do not work for one 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 without you having to go to a different agency. When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to contact multiple independent agents to have the most options to choose from. Many write coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which may provide better rates.

For a full directory of auto insurance agents, visit this site.

After getting positive responses for all questions you ask in addition to an acceptable price estimate, most likely you have located a car insurance agent that will properly service your auto insurance policy.

When might I need an agent?

When buying adequate coverage, there is no one size fits all plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.

Here are some questions about coverages that may help highlight if you would benefit from professional advice.

Do I qualify for additional discounts?
What can I do if my company denied a claim?
Do I have coverage when pulling a U-Haul trailer?
Should I have combined single limit or split liability limits?
Is there coverage for injuries to my pets?
When would I need additional glass coverage?
Do I have coverage when making deliveries for my home business?
Am I covered when using my vehicle for business?

If you’re not sure about those questions but one or more may apply to you then you might want to talk to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form.

Ford Focus insurance rates can be determined by these details

It’s important that you understand the factors that help determine the price you pay for auto insurance. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates empowers consumers to make smart changes that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.

The following are some of the items used by your company to calculate prices.

Do men or women drive better? – Statistics have proven women are more cautious behind the wheel. However, this does not mean men are worse drivers. Both sexes are in accidents at a similar rate, but the males have costlier accidents. They also get cited for more serious violations such as DWI and reckless driving. Teenage male drivers are the most expensive to insure and are penalized with high auto insurance rates.
Careful drivers pay lower rates – A bad driving record has a huge affect on how much you pay. Drivers who don’t get tickets get better rates than their less careful counterparts. Even a single citation can bump up the cost by twenty percent. If you have dangerous violations like DUI or reckless driving may find they need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) to the state department of motor vehicles in order to prevent a license revocation.
Safer cars are cheaper to insure – Vehicles with good safety scores can get you lower premiums. Safer cars result in less severe injuries and any reduction in injury severity means lower claim amounts and more competitive rates for policyholders. If your Ford Focus scored better than an “acceptable” rating on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website it may be receiving lower rates.
Your location affects your rates – Residing in small towns and rural areas can be a good thing when talking about auto insurance. Drivers in populated areas tend to have much more traffic and longer commute times. Fewer drivers means reduced accidents.
More performance means more cost – The type of vehicle you drive makes a significant difference in your rates. Due to the fact that the Ford Focus is classified as a passenger car, insuring your vehicle will cost similar in price or lower than the average rate where you live. Low performance passenger cars generally receive the lowest base rates, but other factors influence the final cost greatly.

A little work can save a LOT of money

We covered a lot of techniques to save on Ford Focus insurance. The key thing to remember is the more times you quote, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. You may even find the most savings is with some of the smallest insurance companies.

When trying to cut insurance costs, it’s not a good idea to skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut physical damage coverage and found out when filing a claim that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The aim is to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate.

Consumers who switch companies do it for many reasons like policy cancellation, delays in responding to claim requests, an unsatisfactory settlement offer or even extreme rates for teen drivers. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new auto insurance company can be less work than you think.