Texas buyers have lots of choices when searching for the best price on Dodge Journey insurance. You can either waste hours calling around trying to get quotes or save time using the internet to get rate quotes.
There are both good and bad ways to compare car insurance rates so we’re going to tell you the proper way to quote coverages for a Dodge and locate the cheapest rates either online or from Texas insurance agents.
The purpose of this article is to familiarize you with how car insurance quotes work and some tricks to saving. If you have car insurance now, you should be able to lower your premiums substantially using these techniques. Texas consumers only need an understanding of the proper methods to shop on the web.
Factors that can influence Dodge Journey insurance rates
It’s important that you understand the different types of things that play a part in calculating the rates you pay for car insurance. Having a good understanding of what controls the rates you pay helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.
Shown below are a few of the “ingredients” that factor into rates.
- Being married can save on car insurance – Having a wife or husband actually saves money on your car insurance policy. Marriage translates into being more responsible and it’s proven that drivers who are married are more cautious.
- Where you live – Being located in small towns and rural areas is a positive aspect when insuring your vehicles. Urban drivers have more traffic problems and a longer drive to work. Fewer drivers means fewer accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
- Do you know your deductibles? – Physical damage deductibles define the amount you are willing to pay out-of-pocket before a claim is paid by your company. Physical damage insurance, also known as collision and other-than-collision, covers damage that occurs to your car. A few examples of covered claims would be running into the backend of another car, damage from fire, or theft. The more you have to pay, the lower your rates will be on Journey insurance.
- Lower rates come with age – More mature drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets. Teenage drivers tend to be careless and easily distracted when driving and because of this, their car insurance rates are much higher.
Car Insurance Prices in Texas
Finding a better price on car insurance can be relatively painless. You just have to take a few minutes to compare quotes from different insurance companies. This can be done using a couple different methods.
- One of the best ways to find the lowest comparison rates is a comparison rater form click to view form in new window. This easy form saves time by eliminating multiple quote forms to each individual car insurance company. One simple form gets you price quotes from all major companies. Just one form and you’re done.
- A more difficult way to shop for car insurance online is to manually visit each company’s website to request a price quote. For examples sake, let’s assume you want rates from Liberty Mutual, Progressive and GMAC. To find out each rate you need to take the time to go to each site and enter your information, which is why most consumers use the first method. To view a list of companies in your area, click here.
- The least recommended way of comparing rate quotes is driving around to different agent offices. Shopping for car insurance online has reduced the need for local agents unless you prefer the personal advice that only a license agent can provide. Drivers can find lower rates online but still have the advice of a local agent and you’ll learn how to do that later.
Whichever way you use, make sure you use exactly the same coverage information for each comparison quote. If you compare unequal deductibles or liability limits you can’t possibly decipher which rate is best.
Don’t be fooled by advertising claims
Consumers get pounded daily by advertisements for car insurance savings by companies like 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm. They all seem to make an identical promise of big savings if you change to them.
How do they all make the same claim? It’s all in the numbers.
All the different companies have a preferred profile for the driver that makes them money. For example, a desirable insured could be between the ages of 30 and 50, owns a home, and has a high credit rating. A propective insured who meets those qualifications will get the preferred rates and as a result will probably save when they switch companies.
Drivers who do not match the requirements will have to pay a higher premium and ends up with the customer not buying. The ads state “people who switch” not “everyone that quotes” save that kind of money. That’s the way companies can make the claims of big savings.
Because of the profiling, you absolutely need to get as many comparisons as possible. It’s not possible to predict the company that will fit your personal profile best.
These discounts can lower your rates
The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but you may find discounts that you may not even be aware of. A few discounts will automatically apply when you quote, but lesser-known reductions have to be specially asked for before they will apply. If you’re not getting every credit possible, you’re paying more than you need to.
- Low Mileage – Fewer annual miles on your Dodge could be rewarded with lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
- Resident Student – Any of your kids who attend school more than 100 miles from home and don’t have a car may qualify for this discount.
- Military Discounts – Being on active duty in the military could mean lower rates.
- Accident Waiver – A few companies permit an accident before raising your premiums so long as you haven’t had any claims prior to the accident.
- Federal Government Employee – Active or retired federal employment can save as much as 8% on Journey insurance depending on your company.
- Bundle and Save – If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you may save at least 10% off all policies.
- Good Students Pay Less – Performing well in school can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts up to age 25.
- No Claims – Drivers who don’t have accidents can earn big discounts when compared with frequent claim filers.
- Anti-lock Brake System – Anti-lock brake equipped vehicles can avoid accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Drivers should understand that most of the big mark downs will not be given the the whole policy. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like medical payments or collision. So when the math indicates all those discounts means the company will pay you, it just doesn’t work that way. Any amount of discount will reduce your premiums.
To see a list of companies who offer car insurance discounts in Texas, click this link.
Do I need a local agent?
Some consumers would prefer to visit with an insurance agent. Professional agents can point out coverage gaps and help in the event of a claim. The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the best rates but still work with a licensed agent. And supporting local businesses is especially important if you live in a smaller city or town.
Upon completion of this short form, the quote information is submitted to companies who will compete to get your business. You won’t need to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go straight to your inbox. Now that’s easy!
Two types of insurance agencies
When finding a local agent, you need to know there are two different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies in Texas are categorized either independent or captive. Both do a good job, but it’s good to learn how they differ because it can influence the selection process.
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent agents are not required to write business for one company so they can insure your vehicles with lots of companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and that require little work on your part. When comparing rates, we recommend you include price quotes from multiple independent agents to have the most options to choose from.Many can place coverage with lesser-known insurance companies which can save you money.
Agency Captives
These agents can only write with one company and examples are Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm and AAA. These agents are not able to give you multiple price quotes so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. These agents are usually quite knowledgeable on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Consumers sometimes purchase coverage from captives mainly due to the prominence of the brand and solid financial strength.
For a full directory of agents in Texas, click here.
Picking an insurance agency requires more thought than just a low price. Any agent should be forthright in answering these questions:
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
- What insurance companies do they work with?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Did they already check your driving record and credit reports?
- If your car is totalled, how to they determine the replacement cost?
Once you have satisfactory answers to all your questions and a good coverage price, you have narrowed it down to an insurance agency that will properly insure your vehicles.
How to know if you need help
When buying adequate coverage for your vehicles, there isn’t really a perfect coverage plan. Each situation is unique.
These are some specific questions can aid in determining whether you may require specific advice.
- Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
- Does my car insurance cover rental cars?
- What can I do if my company denied a claim?
- Will my rates increase for filing one claim?
- Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?
- Do I have coverage if my license is suspended?
If you can’t answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can help protect your family.
Additional car insurance information is located on the Texas Department of Insurance website through this link. Texas drivers can file complaints about a company, file complaints about an insurance agent or broker, and find a variety of consumer forms.
Quote often and quote early
Drivers switch companies for a number of reasons such as policy cancellation, delays in paying claims, not issuing a premium refund and extreme rates for teen drivers. No matter why you want to switch, finding a new company is actually quite simple.
As you restructure your insurance plan, don’t be tempted to sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There are many occasions where drivers have reduced full coverage only to find out that it was a big error on their part. Your strategy should be to buy the best coverage you can find for the lowest price while still protecting your assets.
The cheapest Dodge Journey insurance is possible online and also from your neighborhood Texas agents, so you should compare both so you have a total pricing picture. Some companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agents.