The recommended way to get budget Nissan Pathfinder insurance in San Francisco is to make a habit of comparing prices annually from insurance carriers in California.
Step 1: Gain an understanding of individual coverages and the factors you can control to lower rates. Many risk factors that result in higher rates such as distracted driving and a low credit rating can be rectified by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes. Keep reading for additional tips to get affordable coverage and get discounts that may be overlooked.
Step 2: Compare prices from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive agents and direct companies can only provide price estimates from a single company like Progressive or State Farm, while independent agents can provide prices for a wide range of companies.
Step 3: Compare the new rate quotes to the premium of your current policy to see if a cheaper price is available in San Francisco. If you find a lower rate quote and decide to switch, make sure there is no lapse between the expiration of your current policy and the new one.
Step 4: Provide adequate notice to your current company of your decision to cancel your current coverage. Submit a down payment along with a signed application to your new agent or company. Immediately upon receiving it, keep your new certificate of insurance in your glove compartment.
An essential thing to point out is to try to use the same physical damage deductibles and liability limits on every price quote and and to get rate quotes from as many companies as possible. Doing this enables an accurate price comparison and a good representation of prices.
It’s hard to believe, but the vast majority of consumers have remained with the same auto insurance company for well over three years, and almost half have never compared rates from other carriers. Drivers in America could pocket roughly 47% a year by just comparing rate quotes, but they just don’t want to find lower-cost auto insurance rates.
If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will be able to find better prices using the techniques presented in this article. Locating the best rates in San Francisco can really be easy if you know what you’re doing. But California consumers must know how insurance companies market on the web and apply this information to your search.
Cheaper Nissan Pathfinder insurance rates in San Francisco
The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but you may be missing some discounts that can help lower your rates. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically at quote time, but a few must be specifically requested before you get the savings.
- Safe Driver Discount – Insureds without accidents can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than drivers with accidents.
- Sign Early and Save – Select car insurance companies give a discount for buying a policy before your current coverage expires. This can save 10% or more.
- ABS Brakes – Cars and trucks with ABS braking systems or traction control can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more on Pathfinder insurance in San Francisco.
- Discount for New Cars – Insuring a vehicle that is new can get you a discount because newer vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
- Passive Restraints – Factory options such as air bags or automatic seat belts can receive discounts as much as 30%.
- Discount for Good Grades – Being a good student can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The good student discount can last until age 25.
- Use Seat Belts – Drivers who require all vehicle occupants to use their safety belts can save a little off the personal injury premium cost.
- Paperwork-free – Some car insurance companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for completing your application on their website.
- Distant College Student Discount – College-age children who live away from home at college and won’t have access to an insured vehicle could qualify for this discount.
- Senior Citizens – Older drivers can get a slight reduction on a San Francisco car insurance quote.
A little disclaimer on discounts, some credits don’t apply to your bottom line cost. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. Just because you may think you can get free auto insurance, you won’t be that lucky. Any amount of discount will lower the premium cost.
The diagram below compares Nissan Pathfinder auto insurance costs with and without some available policy discounts. The premium estimates are based on a male driver, no violations or claims, California state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision 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, multi-policy, claim-free, marriage, and multi-car discounts applied.
To see insurance companies with the best discounts in San Francisco, click here.
To find the best car insurance rates, there are several ways of comparing price quotes from different San Francisco insurance companies. The best method to do a complete rate comparison consists of obtaining rate quotes online.
It’s so fast and easy to compare rates online that it makes it obsolete to spend time driving to insurance agents’ offices. Comparing Nissan Pathfinder insurance rate quotes online eliminates this option unless you’re the type of person who wants the guidance of a local San Francisco agent. Although you can comparison shop online but purchase the actual policy in an agency.
When comparing car insurance rates, know that comparing a wide range of rates helps locate better pricing. Not every company allows you to get online price quotes, so it’s necessary to compare quotes from the smaller companies as well.
The companies shown below have been selected to offer free quotes in California. If multiple companies are listed, it’s highly recommended you get prices from several of them in order to find the lowest rates.
Analysis of coverages
The coverage information below highlights detailed analysis of insurance premium costs for Nissan Pathfinder models. Being able to understand how insurance prices are calculated is important for drivers to make decisions when shopping around.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder S 2WD | $340 | $472 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,598 | $133 |
| Pathfinder S 4WD | $390 | $472 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,648 | $137 |
| Pathfinder SE 2WD | $390 | $472 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,648 | $137 |
| Pathfinder SE 4WD | $390 | $472 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,648 | $137 |
| Pathfinder LE 2WD | $440 | $576 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,802 | $150 |
| Pathfinder LE 4WD | $440 | $576 | $578 | $34 | $174 | $1,802 | $150 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data variables include single male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, multi-vehicle, multi-policy, and homeowner. Price estimates do not factor in San Francisco location which can lower or raise coverage prices significantly.
Deductible analysis
A question often asked by San Francisco drivers is where should you set your physical damage deductibles. The rates below may aid in understanding the difference in cost when you buy lower versus higher deductibles. The first rate quote example uses a $250 physical damage coverage deductible and the second set of rates uses a $1,000 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder S 2WD | $298 | $472 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,395 | $116 |
| Pathfinder S 4WD | $342 | $472 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,439 | $120 |
| Pathfinder SE 2WD | $342 | $472 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,439 | $120 |
| Pathfinder SE 4WD | $342 | $472 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,439 | $120 |
| Pathfinder LE 2WD | $386 | $576 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,587 | $132 |
| Pathfinder LE 4WD | $386 | $576 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,587 | $132 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathfinder S 2WD | $184 | $298 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,082 | $90 |
| Pathfinder S 4WD | $210 | $298 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,108 | $92 |
| Pathfinder SE 2WD | $210 | $298 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,108 | $92 |
| Pathfinder SE 4WD | $210 | $298 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,108 | $92 |
| Pathfinder LE 2WD | $238 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,200 | $100 |
| Pathfinder LE 4WD | $238 | $362 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,200 | $100 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Prices based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, claim-free, safe-driver, multi-policy, and multi-vehicle. Information does not factor in specific location information which can affect insurance rates considerably.
Based on this data, using a $250 deductible would cost the average driver about $29 more each month or $348 a year across all Nissan Pathfinder models than selecting the higher $1,000 deductible. Since you would have to pay $750 more if you turn in a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you tend to go more than 26 months between claims, you would save more money by going with a higher deductible.
How to calculate deductible break even point
| Average monthly premium for $250 deductibles: | $123 |
| Average monthly premium for $1,000 deductibles (subtract): | – $94 |
| Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $29 |
| Difference between deductibles ($1,000 – $250): | $750 |
| Divide difference by monthly savings: | $750 / $29 |
| Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 26 months |
Impact of violations and accidents on rates
The chart below demonstrates how speeding tickets and accidents raise Nissan Pathfinder auto insurance rates for each different age group. The data assumes a married male driver, full coverage, $500 deductibles, and no discounts are factored in.
Auto insurance is unique, just like you
When quoting and choosing insurance from an agent or online, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Everyone’s situation is a little different so your insurance should reflect that
For example, these questions might point out whether or not you might need professional guidance.
- Do I have coverage if I rent a car in Mexico?
- When should I remove comp and collision on my Nissan Pathfinder?
- What is an umbrella policy?
- Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
- Do I have coverage for damage caused while driving under the influence?
- Is a new car covered when I drive it off the dealer lot?
- Why is insurance for a teen driver so high in San Francisco?
- Do I have ACV or replacement cost coverage?
- Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
- When should I not file a claim?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but you know they apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.
Compare prices but buy from a neighborhood San Francisco auto insurance agent
Many drivers still prefer to buy from a licensed agent and there is nothing wrong with that. An additional benefit of comparing car insurance online is you may find cheap car insurance rates and still have a local agent. Buying insurance from local agencies is important especially in San Francisco.
After filling out this form (opens in new window), your insurance data is transmitted to agents in your area that give free quotes for your coverage. It’s much easier because you don’t need to drive around due to the fact that quote results will go directly to you. You can get cheaper car insurance rates without requiring a lot of work. If for some reason you want to get a price quote from one company in particular, feel free to jump over to their website and fill out the quote form the provide.
Exclusive or Independent: There is a difference
If you need to find a local insurance agency, you must know there are a couple types of insurance agents and how they work. San Francisco agents are either exclusive or independent.
Independent Car Insurance Agencies or Brokers
These agents do not sell for just one brand and that gives them the ability to insure with an assortment of companies and get the cheapest rates. If your premiums go up, your agent can switch companies which is easy for the insured.
When searching for an agent, it’s a good idea to include rate quotes from a few independent agents to get the most accurate price comparison.
The following is a partial list of independent agents in San Francisco that can give you price quotes.
Blum-Blackfield Insurance Agency
2 Twin Peaks Blvd – San Francisco, CA 94114 – (415) 665-1440 – View Map
Nationwide Insurance: Anita Daisy Lo Agency
6037 Geary Blvd – San Francisco, CA 94121 – (415) 592-8388 – View Map
Express Service Insurance
2085 Van Ness Ave – San Francisco, CA 94109 – (415) 440-5136 – View Map
Exclusive Agents
Agents that elect to be exclusive write business for a single company like Farmers Insurance, Allstate, or State Farm. These agents are unable to provide other company’s prices so if the price isn’t competitive there isn’t much they can do. Exclusive agents are usually well trained on the products they sell which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
Below are San Francisco exclusive agencies who can help you get rate quotes.
Sandy Lee – State Farm Insurance Agent
188 S Park St #4 – San Francisco, CA 94107 – (415) 227-9833 – View Map
Kiet Nguyen – State Farm Insurance Agent
4198 Mission St – San Francisco, CA 94112 – (415) 587-1880 – View Map
Fillia Fransisca – State Farm Insurance Agent
2315 Noriega St – San Francisco, CA 94122 – (415) 661-3726 – View Map
Selecting a insurance agency requires more thought than just the premium amount. Any agent in San Francisco should be willing to answer these questions.
- How much experience to they have in personal lines coverages?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Who is covered by the car insurance policy?
- Do you work with a CSR or direct with the agent?
- Is there a Errors and Omissions policy in force?
- Will they take your side in the event of a claim?
Persistent drivers can save
Affordable Nissan Pathfinder insurance in San Francisco can be bought online and with local San Francisco insurance agents, so you need to shop San Francisco car insurance with both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some companies don’t offer online rate quotes and usually these smaller providers prefer to sell through independent insurance agencies.
When trying to cut insurance costs, do not skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced full coverage only to regret at claim time that they should have had better coverage. Your focus should be to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price while not skimping on critical coverages.
More information
- Uninsured Motorists: Threats on the Road (Insurance Information Institute)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance for Nurses in San Francisco? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest San Francisco Car Insurance Quotes for a Chevrolet Silverado? (FAQ)
- Preventing Carjacking and Theft (Insurance Information Institute)
- Get the Right Protection (InsureUonline.org)