How many times have you told yourself it’s time to shop around for more competitive car insurance rates in San Francisco, CA? San Francisco drivers have a choice when trying to find low-cost Scion iQ insurance. You can either waste hours driving around to compare prices or use the internet to compare rates. There are more efficient ways to buy car insurance and you need to know the absolute fastest way to get price quotes on a Scion and find the cheapest rates from both online companies and San Francisco agents.
We don’t have to point out that fact that auto insurance companies want to keep you from comparing prices. People who rate shop once a year are likely to move their business because there is a significant possibility of getting low-cost coverage. A study discovered that consumers who shopped around saved $3,450 over four years compared to policyholders who never shopped around for better prices.
If finding budget-friendly rates on insurance is why you’re here, then having an understanding of the best way to quote and compare insurance coverage can save money and time.
If you have a current insurance policy or just want cheaper rates, use these techniques to save money and still get good coverage. This information will help you learn how to effectively get price quotes and also pocket some savings Consumers just need to understand the best way to compare insurance rates using one simple form.
Earn discounts on San Francisco car insurance
Car insurance companies don’t necessarily list all possible discounts in an easy-to-find place, so the list below gives a summary of some of the more common and also the more inconspicuous credits that may apply to you. If you don’t get every credit you deserve, you are paying more than you should be.
- Active Service Discounts – Having a deployed family member may lower your rates slightly.
- Accident Waiver – This one isn’t a discount, but a few companies such as Liberty Mutual, GEICO and Allstate may permit one accident before hitting you with a surcharge as long as you don’t have any claims for a specific time period.
- Student Discounts – Maintaining excellent grades may save you up to 25%. This discount can apply up to age 25.
- Discount for Home Ownership – Owning your own home or condo can save a few bucks because it demonstrates responsibility.
- Bundled Policy Discount – If you have multiple policies with the same company you may earn up to 20% and get you cheaper iQ insurance.
- Defensive Driver Discount – Successfully completing a defensive driving course could cut 5% off your bill and easily pay for the cost of the class.
- Senior Citizen Rates – Older drivers can possibly qualify for lower premium rates.
Don’t be shocked that some credits don’t apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. Just because it seems like all the discounts add up to a free policy, nobody gets a free ride.
Large car insurance companies and a summarized list of policyholder discounts can be read below.
- American Family may include discounts for mySafetyValet, bundled insurance, multi-vehicle, early bird, and good student.
- Farm Bureau policyholders can earn discounts including good student, youthful driver, safe driver, renewal discount, multi-vehicle, multi-policy, and driver training.
- State Farm may offer discounts for student away at school, passive restraint, driver’s education, safe vehicle, anti-theft, Steer Clear safe driver discount, and defensive driving training.
- Travelers has savings for home ownership, good student, continuous insurance, student away at school, multi-policy, save driver, and payment discounts.
- The Hartford offers premium reductions for defensive driver, bundle, air bag, driver training, vehicle fuel type, and anti-theft.
- GEICO may have discounts that include military active duty, air bags, multi-vehicle, defensive driver, anti-theft, and multi-policy.
- Progressive offers discounts for good student, online signing, online quote discount, multi-vehicle, homeowner, multi-policy, and continuous coverage.
It’s a good idea to ask each company or agent which discounts can lower your rates. Some discounts listed above may not apply to policies everywhere. To view car insurance companies that offer multiple discounts in California, click here.
The companies shown below can provide price comparisons in California. If more than one company is shown, we recommend you compare several of them to get the most affordable price.
When should I discuss my situation with an agent?
Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage, there really isn’t a perfect coverage plan. Everyone’s situation is a little different and your policy should reflect that.
For example, these questions may help highlight if your insurance needs will benefit from professional help.
- If my pet gets injured in an accident are they covered?
- What is high-risk coverage and where do I buy it?
- What is GAP insurance?
- Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in San Francisco?
- Am I covered by my spouse’s policy after a separation?
- When should I buy a commercial auto policy?
- Do I need PIP coverage since I have good health insurance?
- How much liability insurance is required?
- Can I get by with minimal medical coverage if I have good health insurance?
- Do I need replacement cost coverage on my Scion iQ?
If you can’t answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to an agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and can help protect your family.
Can’t I compare rates from local San Francisco insurance agencies?
Some consumers still like to have an agent’s advice and that is just fine! Insurance agents are trained risk managers and will help you if you have claims. The best thing about getting online price quotes is that you can obtain the lowest rates and still choose a local agent.
Upon completion of this short form, your insurance data gets sent to agents in your area who will give competitive quotes for your business. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to visit any agencies since price quotes are sent to you directly. If you have a need to get a rate quote from a specific insurance company, you can always visit that company’s website to submit a rate quote request.
Finding the right provider needs to be determined by more than just a cheap quote. Any agent in San Francisco should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Is the agency active in community causes in San Francisco?
- If your car is in the repair shop, do you have coverage for a rental car?
- Do they offer claims assistance after hours?
- Where would your vehicle be repaired?
- What is the financial rating for the quoted company?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- Will they make sure you get an adequate claim settlement?
- Is the agent CPCU or CIC certified?
Multiple types of auto insurance agents in San Francisco
If you want to use a local insurance agency, it’s helpful to know the different types of agents from which to choose. Agents in San Francisco are considered either independent or exclusive depending on the company they work for. Both types of agents can provide auto insurance policies, but it is important to understand the difference between them because it can influence the type of agent you choose.
Exclusive Agencies
Agents that elect to be exclusive can only write with one company and some examples include AAA, Allstate, and State Farm. They generally cannot compare other company’s rates so if the price isn’t competitive there isn’t much they can do. Exclusive agencies are usually quite knowledgeable on their company’s products which helps them compete with independent agents. Consumers frequently use the same agent mainly due to the brand legacy instead of buying on price only.
The following is a list of exclusive insurance agents in San Francisco willing to provide comparison quotes.
- Jake Ng – State Farm Insurance Agent
1643 Noriega St – San Francisco, CA 94122 – (415) 564-0333 – View Map - Anita M Merrihew – State Farm Insurance Agent
3801 3rd St #585 – San Francisco, CA 94124 – (415) 285-2021 – View Map - Fillia Fransisca – State Farm Insurance Agent
2315 Noriega St – San Francisco, CA 94122 – (415) 661-3726 – View Map
View more San Francisco agents
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents often have many company appointments and that enables them to quote your coverage with a variety of different insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, they can switch companies in-house and you don’t have to switch agencies.
When searching for an agent, we highly recommend that you get insurance quotes from multiple independent agents for maximum quote selection. Most also write with lesser-known insurance companies which can save you money.
The following is a short list of independent agents in San Francisco willing to provide price quote information.
- John A. Morton Insurance Agency
3372 22nd St – San Francisco, CA 94110 – (415) 282-5888 – View Map - Sam and Associates Insurance Agency
2225 Taraval St – San Francisco, CA 94116 – (415) 665-0181 – View Map - Blum-Blackfield Insurance Agency
2 Twin Peaks Blvd – San Francisco, CA 94114 – (415) 665-1440 – View Map
View more San Francisco agents
What car insurance coverages do you need?
Knowing the specifics of a car insurance policy can be of help when determining the right coverages for your vehicles. The coverage terms in a policy can be difficult to understand and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. Listed below are typical coverage types offered by car insurance companies.
Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)
This pays to fix your vehicle from damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive coverage protects against things like a tree branch falling on your vehicle, a broken windshield and damage from flooding. The highest amount your car insurance company will pay is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider dropping full coverage.
Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance
This coverage protects you and your vehicle from other drivers when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. This coverage pays for injuries to you and your family as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Since a lot of drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (15/30/5 in California), their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is a good idea.
Auto liability insurance
This protects you from damage that occurs to people or other property by causing an accident. It protects YOU from legal claims by others. Liability doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.
It consists of three limits, bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. Your policy might show policy limits of 15/30/5 which stand for a $15,000 limit per person for injuries, a total of $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a total limit of $5,000 for damage to vehicles and property.
Liability coverage protects against claims such as structural damage, legal defense fees and emergency aid. How much coverage you buy is a decision to put some thought into, but consider buying as high a limit as you can afford. California requires minimum liability limits of 15/30/5 but you should consider buying better liability coverage.
The chart below demonstrates why low liability limits may not be adequate.
Insurance for medical payments
Med pay and PIP coverage kick in for short-term medical expenses for things like doctor visits, funeral costs, EMT expenses, pain medications and hospital visits. The coverages can be utilized in addition to your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. They cover all vehicle occupants in addition to any family member struck as a pedestrian. Personal injury protection coverage is not an option in every state and may carry a deductible
Coverage for collisions
Collision coverage will pay to fix damage to your iQ resulting from a collision with another car or object. You will need to pay your deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.
Collision insurance covers things such as crashing into a building, damaging your car on a curb, hitting a parking meter, scraping a guard rail and driving through your garage door. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider removing coverage from lower value vehicles. You can also bump up the deductible on your iQ to bring the cost down.
In the end, you can save money
When searching for affordable Scion iQ insurance quotes, it’s not a good idea to reduce coverage to reduce premium. Too many times, drivers have reduced full coverage and learned later that the savings was not a smart move. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford, but do not skimp to save money.
Cheaper Scion iQ insurance in San Francisco can be bought from both online companies as well as from independent agents in San Francisco, so get free San Francisco car insurance quotes from both of them to get a complete price analysis. Some companies don’t offer rates over the internet and usually these regional insurance providers prefer to sell through independent insurance agents.
Steps to finding more affordable Scion iQ insurance in San Francisco
The best way we recommend to get cheaper Scion iQ insurance is to annually compare prices from different companies in San Francisco. You can compare rates by following these steps.
- Get an understanding of how companies set rates and the modifications you can make to prevent high rates. Many rating factors that cause rate increases such as high-risk driving behaviors and a negative credit rating can be rectified by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility.
- Obtain price quotes from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct and exclusive agents can only quote rates from one company like Progressive or Farmers Insurance, while independent agents can provide price quotes for a wide range of insurance providers.
- Compare the new rate quotes to your existing coverage to see if a cheaper price is available. If you find better rates, make sure there is no lapse in coverage.
- Give notification to your current company to cancel your current auto insurance policy and submit any necessary down payment along with the completed application to the new company. As soon as you receive it, put the new certificate verifying coverage in your glove compartment.
The most important part of shopping around is to try to use the same deductibles and limits on each price quote and and to get price estimates from every insurance company. Doing this ensures a level playing field and a complete price analysis.
For more information, feel free to browse the resources below:
- What is Gap Insurance? (Insurance Information Institute)
- How Much are Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers with Bad Credit in San Francisco? (FAQ)
- How Much is San Francisco Auto Insurance for a 20 Year Old Female? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap San Francisco Car Insurance Rates for Government Employees? (FAQ)
- How Much are Car Insurance Quotes for Seniors in San Francisco? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance for Postal Workers in San Francisco? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest San Francisco Auto Insurance Quotes for a Toyota Highlander? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance Rates for State Employees in San Francisco? (FAQ)
- All About Airbag Safety (State Farm)
- Teen Driver Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)