Anyone knows that auto insurance companies don’t want their policyholders to compare prices. Drivers who rate shop once a year will most likely switch to a new company because of the high probability of getting low-cost coverage. Surprisingly, a recent survey revealed that consumers who faithfully checked for cheaper rates saved about $3,400 over four years compared to policyholders who don’t make a habit of comparing rates.
If finding the cheapest price for auto insurance in Boston is why you’re reading this, then having some knowledge of how to quote prices and compare insurance coverage can make the process less intimidating.
The best way we recommend to get discount Lexus SC 430 insurance is to make a habit of comparing prices annually from different companies who sell insurance in Boston. Price quotes can be compared by following these guidelines.
- It will benefit you to learn about auto insurance and the measures you can control to prevent expensive coverage. Many things that increase rates such as traffic citations, accidents, and an imperfect credit rating can be eliminated by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes.
- Request rate estimates from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can give quotes from one company like Progressive or Farmers Insurance, while agents who are independent can quote rates from many different companies.
- Compare the new rates to the premium of your current policy to see if a cheaper rate is available in Boston. If you can save some money and decide to switch, make sure the effective date of the new policy is the same as the expiration date of the old one.
- Provide written notification to your current company to cancel the current policy and submit the completed application along with a down payment to your new insurance company. Once coverage is bound, put the new certificate verifying proof of insurance along with the vehicle’s registration papers.
A crucial key to this process is to try to compare the same liability limits and deductibles on every price quote and and to get quotes from all possible companies. This provides a fair rate comparison and a thorough selection of prices.
The intent of this article is to instruct you on the best methods to compare rates and some tips to save money. If you are already insured, you will definitely be able to get lower rates using the concepts you’re about to learn. Vehicle owners only have to learn the proper methods to shop using one simple form.
The companies shown below have been selected to offer free quotes in Massachusetts. If your goal is to find the best auto insurance in MA, it’s a good idea that you get price quotes from several of them to get a more complete price comparison.
Coverage statistics and figures
The table displayed next outlines a range of coverage prices for Lexus SC 430 models. Being able to understand how prices are formulated can be of help when making decisions on the best policy to buy.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SC 430 2-Dr Convertible | $382 | $900 | $370 | $22 | $110 | $1,784 | $149 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Prices above based on single female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and Massachusetts minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, claim-free, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, and multi-policy. Rates do not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can alter coverage rates significantly.
Analysis of deductible levels
One of the hardest decisions when shopping for auto insurance is how high should the physical damage coverage deductibles be. The rates shown below help summarize the costs and benefits when you buy lower versus higher insurance deductibles. The first rate comparisons uses a $100 physical damage coverage deductible and the second price grid uses a $1,000 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SC 430 2-Dr Convertible | $398 | $798 | $284 | $16 | $86 | $1,607 | $134 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SC 430 2-Dr Convertible | $222 | $420 | $284 | $16 | $86 | $1,028 | $86 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Prices above based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Massachusetts minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, claim-free, safe-driver, multi-policy, and homeowner. Estimates do not factor in Boston location which can affect coverage rates considerably.
Based on this data, using a $100 deductible would cost the average driver about $48 more each month or $576 every year than choosing the higher $1,000 deductible. Because you would pay $900 more if you file a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you normally average more than 19 months between claim filings, you would probably be better off by selecting a higher deductible.
Calculate savings of higher deductibles
Average monthly premium for $100 deductibles: | $134 |
Average monthly premium for $1,000 deductibles (subtract): | – $86 |
Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $48 |
Difference between deductibles ($1,000 – $100): | $900 |
Divide difference by monthly savings: | $900 / $48 |
Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 19 months |
One thing to be aware of is that increasing deductibles to save money results in more money out-of-pocket when you have a physical damage claim. That will require enough extra savings in order to pay the higher deductible.
Driving violations and accidents
The example below highlights how speeding tickets and at-fault collisions influence Lexus SC 430 car insurance rates for different age categories. Data assumes a married female driver, comp and collision included, $100 deductibles, and no policy discounts are applied.
Auto insurance premiums based on gender
The example below compares Lexus SC 430 auto insurance rates for male and female drivers. The premiums assume no violations or accidents, full coverage, $250 deductibles, single status, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
Get cheaper Lexus SC 430 insurance rates in Boston
Some insurers don’t always list every possible discount very clearly, so the next list breaks down both well-publicized in addition to some of the lesser obvious discounts that you may qualify for.
- Discounts for Federal Employees – Having worked for a branch of the government could provide a small rate reduction with a few car insurance companies.
- Sign Early and Save – Some larger companies provide a discount for switching to them before your current expiration date. You may see this discount when you get Boston car insurance quotes online.
- Low Mileage Discounts – Low mileage vehicles can earn substantially lower prices.
- Professional Memberships – Participating in a qualifying organization is a simple method to lower premiums when shopping for car insurance.
- E-sign Discounts – Some of the larger companies provide a small discount get Boston car insurance digitally online.
- Discount for Life Insurance – If the company offers life insurance, you could get a lower premium rate if you buy a life policy as well.
- One Accident Forgiven – Not really a discount, but companies like Allstate, Progressive, and GEICO will let one accident slide before raising your premiums if you are claim-free prior to the accident.
- Discount for Multiple Policies – If you can combine your auto and homeowners policy and insure them both with the same insurance company you could get a discount of 10% to 20% off each policy.
- Anti-lock Brake System – Vehicles with ABS braking systems or traction control can reduce accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
Remember that most credits do not apply to the whole policy. A few only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. So even though you would think you would end up receiving a 100% discount, insurance companies wouldn’t stay in business.
The information below shows the comparison of Lexus SC 430 yearly insurance costs with and without discounts being applied to the rates. The premium estimates are based on a female driver, no claims or driving citations, Massachusetts state minimum liability limits, full coverage, and $500 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with homeowner, safe-driver, multi-car, multi-policy, claim-free, and marriage discounts applied.
To see providers that can offer you the previously mentioned discounts in Boston, click here to view.
Car insurance does more than just repair your car
Even though it’s not necessarily cheap to insure a Lexus in Boston, paying for car insurance is mandatory in Massachusetts but it also protects more than you think.
- Most states have minimum liability requirements which means it is punishable by state law to not carry a specific level of liability insurance coverage in order to drive the car. In Massachusetts these limits are 20/40/5 which means you must have $20,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $40,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 of property damage coverage.
- If you took out a loan on your SC 430, almost every bank will have a requirement that you buy insurance to guarantee payment of the loan. If you let the policy lapse, the bank may insure your Lexus at an extremely high rate and force you to pay for the much more expensive policy.
- Car insurance preserves not only your Lexus but also your assets. It also can pay for medical expenses for both you and anyone you injure as the result of an accident. One policy coverage, liability insurance, will also pay for a defense attorney in the event you are sued. If your vehicle suffers damage from an accident or hail, your policy will cover the damage repairs after a deductible is paid.
The benefits of insuring your SC 430 definitely exceed the price paid, specifically if you ever have a liability claim. According to a 2015 survey, the average American driver is currently overpaying as much as $865 each year so it’s important to compare rates once a year at a minimum to ensure rates are inline.
Tailor your car insurance coverage to you
Always keep in mind that when comparing proper insurance coverage, there really isn’t a perfect coverage plan. Every situation is different.
For instance, these questions might help in determining whether or not you will benefit from professional help.
- Can my babysitter drive my car?
- Do I need motorclub coverage?
- Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
- How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in Massachusetts?
- Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
- Am I covered if my car is in a flood?
- What is an umbrella policy?
- What states are considered no-fault?
- Are all vehicle passengers covered by medical payments coverage?
- Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?
If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.
Compare rate quotes but buy from a local Boston insurance agent
Many drivers would prefer to go talk to an agent and we recommend doing that Professional agents can make sure you are properly covered and help submit paperwork. A nice benefit of comparing rates online is the fact that you can find lower rates but also keep your business local. Buying from neighborhood insurance agencies is especially important in Boston.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information gets sent to participating agents in Boston who will give you bids for your car insurance coverage. There is no reason to find an agent due to the fact that quote results will go to you instantly. If you need to get a rate quote from one company in particular, feel free to find their quoting web page and fill out their quote form.
Pick the best car insurance agent in Boston for you
If you are wanting to find a reliable insurance agency, you should know the types of agencies and how they are distinctly different. Car insurance agencies are categorized either independent or exclusive depending on the company they work for. Either type can sell car insurance policies, but we need to point out the subtle differences because it may have an impact on the type of agent you choose.
Independent Car Insurance Agents (or Brokers)
Agents of this type can sell policies from many different companies and that is an advantage because they can write policies through many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If they find a lower price, they simply move your policy to a different company which makes it simple for you.
When comparison shopping, you will definitely want to include rate quotes from a couple of independent agencies to get the best comparison. Most also have access to small mutual carriers that may provide cheaper car insurance rates.
Featured below is a list of independent agents in Boston that can possibly get you competitive price quotes.
- Baltic Insurance Agency
597 E Broadway – South Boston, MA 02127 – (617) 268-6030 – View Map - Richard Soohoo Insurance
1148 Washington St – Boston, MA 02118 – (617) 338-8168 – View Map - Walter Kwan – Prudential Financial
72 Kneeland St Suite 301 – Boston, MA 02111 – (617) 482-6918 – View Map
Exclusive Agents
These type of agents generally can only insure with one company and examples are AAA, Allstate, and State Farm. Exclusive agents cannot give you multiple price quotes so always compare other rates. Exclusive insurance agents are well trained on sales techniques and that can be a competitive advantage. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents partially due to the brand name and solid financial strength.
Below are exclusive insurance agencies in Boston who can help you get price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance: Abner Joseph
571 Dudley St Ste A – Boston, MA 02125 – (617) 442-9490 – View Map - AAA Boston
125 High St – Boston, MA 02110 – (617) 443-9300 – View Map
Picking the best insurance agency is decision based upon more than just the quoted price. These are valid questions to ask:
- Do they specialize in personal lines coverage in Boston?
- Where would your vehicle be repaired?
- Is the coverage adequate for your vehicle?
- How experienced are they in personal risk management?
- Do the companies they represent have a solid financial rating?
If you get satisfactory answers to these questions and a good coverage price, it’s possible that you found an insurance agency that is reputable and can insure your vehicles.