The preferred way to save on Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance in San Francisco is to make a habit of regularly comparing prices from insurers who provide auto insurance in California.
- Step 1: Try to understand car insurance and the steps you can take to keep rates in check. Many things that result in higher prices like your driving record and poor credit can be controlled by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes. Continue reading for instructions to help prevent high rates and earn a bigger discount.
- Step 2: Compare rates from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive agents and direct companies can only give rate quotes from a single company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while agents who are independent can provide rate quotes for a wide range of companies. Get quotes now
- Step 3: Compare the new rates to your existing policy and see if there is a cheaper rate. If you find better rates and decide to switch, make sure there is no coverage gap between policies.
- Step 4: Notify your company or agent of your intent to cancel your current policy. Submit a completed application and payment to your new agent or company. As soon as you have the new policy, put the new certificate verifying coverage in your vehicle.
An important bit of advice to remember is that you’ll want to make sure you compare identical limits and deductibles on each quote request and and to get price quotes from all possible companies. Doing this helps ensure a fair rate comparison and a thorough price selection.
It’s an obvious statement that auto insurance companies want to prevent you from shopping around. People who rate shop once a year are highly likely to buy a new policy because there is a good probability of finding a lower-priced company. A study showed that consumers who regularly compared rates saved an average of $865 a year compared to people who don’t make a habit of comparing rates.
If finding the most affordable insurance is the reason you’re here, then having an understanding of the best way to compare car insurance can help you be more efficient.
Our goal in writing this article help you learn the most effective way to quote insurance and some tricks to saving. If you have coverage now, you will most likely be able to reduce the price you pay using these methods. Smart buyers just need to understand the quickest method to get comparison quotes from many companies at once.
Best companies for competitive Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance in California
The auto insurance companies shown below offer free quotes in California. If multiple companies are shown, we suggest you click on several of them to get the lowest price.
Coverage analysis
The coverage table shown below outlines detailed analysis of insurance costs for Ford Explorer Sport Trac models. Understanding how insurance rates are determined can help drivers make smart choices when purchasing an auto insurance policy.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
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Explorer Sport Trac XLT 2WD | $276 | $382 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,444 | $120 |
Explorer Sport Trac Limited 2WD | $316 | $382 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,484 | $124 |
Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4WD | $316 | $382 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,484 | $124 |
Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4WD | $358 | $464 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,608 | $134 |
Explorer Sport Trac Limited AWD | $358 | $464 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,608 | $134 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Cost estimates assume single male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, homeowner, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and safe-driver. Rate quotes do not factor in specific location information which can increase or decrease premium rates substantially.
Comparison of policy deductibles
One of the most common insurance questions is how high should the deductibles for physical damage be. The comparison tables below lay out how much more rates are when you select higher and lower physical damage coverage deductibles. The first set of prices uses a $100 physical damage deductible and the second set of rates uses a $500 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
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Explorer Sport Trac XLT 2WD | $332 | $564 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,521 | $127 |
Explorer Sport Trac Limited 2WD | $380 | $564 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,569 | $131 |
Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4WD | $380 | $564 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,569 | $131 |
Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4WD | $430 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,741 | $145 |
Explorer Sport Trac Limited AWD | $430 | $686 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,741 | $145 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
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Explorer Sport Trac XLT 2WD | $242 | $382 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,224 | $102 |
Explorer Sport Trac Limited 2WD | $278 | $382 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,260 | $105 |
Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4WD | $278 | $382 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,260 | $105 |
Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4WD | $314 | $464 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,378 | $115 |
Explorer Sport Trac Limited AWD | $314 | $464 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,378 | $115 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Premium data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-vehicle, homeowner, safe-driver, and multi-policy. Rate information does not factor in zip code location which can decrease or increase auto insurance rates noticeably.
Based on this data, we can arrive at the conclusion that using a $100 deductible would cost the average driver about $28 more each month or $336 each year than choosing the higher $500 deductible. Since you would pay $400 more to file a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you go at least 14 months between claims, you would save more money by selecting a higher deductible.
What Impacts Ford Explorer Sport Trac Insurance Rates?
When buying car insurance it’s important to understand the rating factors that go into determining the price you pay for car insurance. If you understand what influences your rates, this enables informed choices that can earn you lower premium levels. Many factors are part of the calculation when you get a price on insurance. Most are fairly basic such as traffic violations, but other criteria are less apparent like your continuous coverage or your financial responsibility.
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Insurance rates and vehicle performance – The performance level of the vehicle you own makes a huge difference in your auto insurance rates. Low performance passenger vehicles generally receive the lowest base rates, but the final cost of insurance is determined by many other factors.
The following data is based on a single female driver age 20, full coverage with $500 deductibles, and no discounts or violations. It illustrates Ford Explorer Sport Trac rates compared to other models that have a range of risk factors.
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Battle of the sexes – The statistics show that females tend to be a little less risky than males. This data doesn’t prove that females are better drivers. Men and women cause fender benders in similar numbers, but the men have accidents that have higher claims. Men also get more serious tickets like DUI and reckless driving.
The example below shows the comparison of Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance prices for male and female drivers. The rate quotes are based on no accidents or driving violations, comp and collision included, $250 deductibles, drivers are single, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
- Poor credit rating equals high premiums – Credit score can be a huge factor in determining what you pay for car insurance. Insureds with excellent credit scores tend to be more responsible than drivers who have lower credit ratings. If your credit score is not that good, you could save money insuring your Ford Explorer Sport Trac if you clean up your credit.
- Save money by raising deductibles – Physical damage protection, aka comp and collision, protects your Ford from damage. Some examples of claims that would be covered would be a broken windshield, vandalism, and windstorm damage. The deductibles define the amount you are required to spend out-of-pocket before a claim is paid by your company. The more money the insured has to pay upfront, the bigger discount you will receive.
- Keep the miles off and save – The higher the mileage driven each year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. Many insurance companies calculate rates partially by how you use the vehicle. Cars and trucks left parked in the garage receive better premium rates than those that get driven frequently. It’s a good idea to make sure your policy shows annual mileage, because improper ratings can cost you money. An incorrectly rated Explorer Sport Trac may be costing you higher rates.
- If you don’t need it don’t buy it – Policies have extra coverages that may not really be needed if you don’t pay attention. Coverages for rental car reimbursement, high-cost glass coverage, and extra equipment coverage are examples of these. They may seem like a good idea when buying your policy, but if you don’t need them remove them and pocket the money.
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Traffic violations can increase costs – Being a careful driver has a huge affect on how much you pay. Having a single moving violation can increase rates by twenty percent. Drivers who don’t get tickets pay less for auto insurance than bad drivers. Drivers who have severe violations such as DUI, reckless driving or excessive speeding may be required to submit a SR-22 form with their state in order to prevent a license revocation.
The illustration below demonstrates how traffic citations and accidents can affect Ford Explorer Sport Trac auto insurance rates for different age groups of insureds. The rates are based on a married female driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, $100 deductibles, and no additional discounts are factored in.
San Francisco insurance discounts
Some companies do not advertise all their discounts very well, so the following is a list of both the well known and the harder-to-find savings tricks you should be using when you buy San Francisco car insurance online.
- Student Discounts – Maintaining excellent grades may save you up to 25%. You can use this discount normally well after school through age 25.
- Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Options like air bags or automatic seat belts can qualify for discounts of 25 to 30%.
- Student Driver Training – Teen drivers should enroll and complete driver’s education as it will make them better drivers and lower rates.
- Discount for Life Insurance – Larger insurance companies have a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
- Distant College Student Discount – Children who are attending college without a vehicle on campus can be insured at a reduced rate.
Just know that most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. Most only cut the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. So even though it sounds like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, nobody gets a free ride.
The example below illustrates the difference between Ford Explorer Sport Trac yearly insurance costs with and without discounts applied to the policy rates. The premiums are based on a male driver, no claims or violations, California state minimum liability limits, full physical damage coverage, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with safe-driver, homeowner, claim-free, multi-car, marriage, and multi-policy discounts applied.
A few companies that may offer most of these discounts include:
Check with every company the best way to save money. Savings might not apply everywhere.
Insurance agents can help
Many drivers just prefer to have an agent’s advice and that is a smart decision Professional insurance agents are trained risk managers and help submit paperwork. One of the benefits of price shopping on the web is you may find better rates and also buy local. Supporting neighborhood agents is definitely important in San Francisco.
Once you complete this short form, your insurance data is transmitted to insurance agents in San Francisco that can provide free San Francisco car insurance quotes for your coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to search for an agent because prices are sent immediately to your email address. If you wish to compare rates for a specific company, don’t hesitate to visit that company’s website to submit a rate quote request.
The different types of car insurance agents
If you’re trying to find an insurance agent, it’s helpful to know the different types of agencies from which to choose. San Francisco agents are considered either independent agents or exclusive agents depending on their employer. Both types can insure your vehicles, but it’s a good idea to understand how they are different because it can influence buying decisions.
Independent Insurance Agents
These type of agents are not required to write business for one company so they can quote policies with an assortment of companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If you are not satisfied with one company, they simply move the coverage in-house which makes it simple for you.
When comparing insurance prices, it’s a good idea to get several quotes from several independent agencies to have the best price comparison. A lot of them also have access to small mutual carriers which could offer lower prices.
Below is a short list of independent insurance agencies in San Francisco who may be able to give you comparison quotes.
- Robert E. Kennedy Insurance Agency
Flood Building, 870 Market St #740 – San Francisco, CA 94102 – (415) 951-0738 – View Map - Express Service Insurance
2085 Van Ness Ave – San Francisco, CA 94109 – (415) 440-5136 – View Map - Barulich Insurance Agency
San Francisco Pier 33 – Alcatraz Island #203 – San Francisco, CA 94111 – (415) 616-5911 – View Map
View more San Francisco agents
Exclusive Insurance Agencies
Agents of this type work for only one company such as Farmers Insurance, American Family, State Farm and Allstate. These agents are not able to place coverage with different providers so it’s a take it or leave it situation. They are well trained on their products and sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents. Some insured continue to choose to use an exclusive agent mainly due to the brand legacy and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Below are exclusive insurance agents in San Francisco that are able to give comparison quotes.
- Traci Hollander – State Farm Insurance Agent
1501 Church St – San Francisco, CA 94131 – (415) 647-3007 – View Map - Jerry Verdi – State Farm Insurance Agent
408 Columbus Ave #2 – San Francisco, CA 94133 – (415) 788-7881 – View Map - Joshin Bruguera – State Farm Insurance Agent
399 Cortland Ave – San Francisco, CA 94110 – (415) 821-3600 – View Map
View more San Francisco agents
Finding the right insurance agency needs to be determined by more than just the price. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- How will an accident affect your rates?
- Does the company have a solid financial rating?
- Are there any discounts for paying up front?
- How many companies do they write for?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Is the coverage adequate for your vehicle?
Which policy gives me the best coverage?
When it comes to buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there really is no one-size-fits-all type of policy. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so your insurance needs to address that.
For example, these questions can aid in determining if your insurance needs might need professional guidance.
- Can I get a multi-policy discount for packaging my home and auto coverage?
- Am I covered if I have no license?
- Are my company tools covered if they get stolen?
- What is glass protection for?
- How can I force my company to pay a claim?
- Do I have ACV or replacement cost coverage?
- Am I covered when delivering products for my home-based business?
- Does coverage follow the driver or the vehicle?
- Can good grades get a discount?
- Can I rate high risk drivers on liability-only vehicles?
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 want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can help protect your family.
Compare. Compare. Compare.
Discount Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance in San Francisco is possible online and from local insurance agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. A few companies may not provide online rate quotes and usually these small, regional companies provide coverage only through independent insurance agents.
When buying insurance coverage, it’s a bad idea to buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced uninsured motorist or liability limits only to regret at claim time that it was a big mistake. Your strategy should be to buy enough coverage at the lowest possible cost and still be able to protect your assets.
For more information, feel free to visit these articles:
- Liability Insurance Coverage (Nationwide)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance for Nurses in San Francisco? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance for a GMC Sierra in San Francisco? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest San Francisco Car Insurance Quotes for a Chevrolet Silverado? (FAQ)
- No-Fault Auto Insurance Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
- Event Data Recorders FAQ (iihs.org)
- Protect Yourself Against Auto Theft (Insurance Information Institute)