If saving the most money is your goal, then the best way to find cheaper car insurance rates in Boston is to start doing a yearly price comparison from different companies who provide car insurance in Massachusetts. Prices can be compared by completing these steps.
- Gain an understanding of how insurance works and the measures you can control to prevent expensive coverage. Many rating criteria that increase rates like traffic tickets, fender benders, and a not-so-good credit rating can be improved by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes.
- Compare prices from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can provide rates from a single company like GEICO or State Farm, while independent agents can provide prices from multiple companies.
- Compare the price quotes to your existing coverage to see if switching to a new carrier will save money. If you find a lower rate quote and buy the policy, ensure there is no coverage lapse between policies.
- Give proper notification to your current agent or company of your decision to cancel your current policy and submit a completed policy application and payment to the newly selected company. Be sure to place your new certificate verifying proof of insurance in your vehicle’s glove compartment or console.
The most important part of this process is to compare identical limits and deductibles on each quote request and and to analyze as many different insurance providers as possible. This enables an accurate price comparison and maximum price selection.
A study showed that almost 70% of insureds in Massachusetts renewed their policy with the same company for more than four years, and 38% of customers have never compared quotes from other companies. American drivers could pocket about $859 a year, but they don’t want to spend time to compare rate quotes.
When comparison shopping, there are several ways to obtain and compare prices from many available auto insurance companies in Massachusetts. The quickest method to do a complete rate comparison is to perform an online rate comparison. When comparing auto insurance rates, know that comparing more rates from different companies will increase your chances of finding the best rates. Not every company allows you to get Boston RX-8 insurance quotes online, so you should also compare prices on coverage from those companies, too.
The auto insurance companies shown below have been selected to offer price quotes in Boston, MA. In order to find cheaper car insurance in Boston, we suggest you compare several of them in order to get a fair rate comparison.
Facts and figures for Mazda RX-8 insurance
The table displayed next showcases detailed analysis of insurance coverage prices for Mazda RX-8 models. Being able to understand how policy premiums are calculated can help you make informed decisions.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX-8 Sport 4-Dr Coupe | $362 | $612 | $334 | $20 | $100 | $1,428 | $119 |
| RX-8 Grand Touring 4-Dr Coupe | $362 | $704 | $334 | $20 | $100 | $1,520 | $127 |
| RX-8 R3 4-Dr Coupe | $362 | $704 | $334 | $20 | $100 | $1,520 | $127 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and Massachusetts minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, safe-driver, claim-free, multi-policy, and multi-vehicle. Rate information does not factor in vehicle location which can increase or decrease auto insurance rates substantially.
Deductible analysis
The hardest decision when buying coverage is where should you set your physical damage deductibles. The rates shown below can help you understand the premium difference of buying low and high coverage deductibles. The first pricing table uses a $250 physical damage coverage deductible and the second rate chart uses a $500 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX-8 Sport 4-Dr Coupe | $324 | $512 | $334 | $20 | $100 | $1,315 | $110 |
| RX-8 Grand Touring 4-Dr Coupe | $324 | $590 | $334 | $20 | $100 | $1,393 | $116 |
| RX-8 R3 4-Dr Coupe | $324 | $590 | $334 | $20 | $100 | $1,393 | $116 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RX-8 Sport 4-Dr Coupe | $264 | $414 | $334 | $20 | $100 | $1,132 | $94 |
| RX-8 Grand Touring 4-Dr Coupe | $264 | $476 | $334 | $20 | $100 | $1,194 | $100 |
| RX-8 R3 4-Dr Coupe | $264 | $476 | $334 | $20 | $100 | $1,194 | $100 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Cost estimates assume married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Massachusetts minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, claim-free, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and safe-driver. Premium costs do not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can increase or decrease premiums noticeably.
Based on the data above, we can derive that using a $250 deductible could cost the average driver approximately $16 more each month or $192 a year across all Mazda RX-8 models than requesting the higher $500 deductible. Since you would have to pay $250 more out-of-pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you tend to average at least 16 months between claim filings, you would more than likely save some money if you elect the higher deductible.
Bad driving habits will cost you more
The diagram below demonstrates how citations and at-fault accidents can raise Mazda RX-8 premium costs for different insured age categories. Data assumes a single female driver, full coverage, $100 deductibles, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Cost of full coverage in Boston
The diagram below compares Mazda RX-8 insurance costs when comparing full coverage to liability only. The price estimates are based on no violations or claims, $250 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no discounts are applied.
When to drop comprehensive and collision
There isn’t a written rule to eliminate full coverage on your policy, but there is a guideline you can consider. If the annual cost of coverage is more than 10% of the vehicle’s replacement cost less your deductible, the it may be a good time to stop paying for full coverage.
For example, let’s assume your Mazda RX-8 replacement cost is $4,000 and you have $1,000 full coverage deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled, the most you would get paid by your company is $3,000 after paying the physical damage deductible. If you are paying more than $300 a year for full coverage, then you might consider buying liability only.
There are a few situations where eliminating full coverage is not in your best interest. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you must maintain physical damage coverage as part of the loan conditions. Also, if your savings is not enough to buy a different vehicle if your current one is in an accident, you should not drop full coverage.
Three reasons to insure your RX-8
Even though it can be expensive, paying for insurance serves an important purpose.
- Most states have compulsory liability insurance requirements which means it is punishable by state law to not carry a specific level of liability insurance coverage in order to license the vehicle. 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 have a lien on your Mazda, almost every bank will make it mandatory that you have full coverage to ensure loan repayment if the vehicle is totaled. If the policy lapses, the bank or lender will purchase a policy for your Mazda for a much higher rate and make you pay for the expensive policy.
- Insurance preserves both your Mazda RX-8 and your personal assets. It will also pay for medical bills incurred in an accident. Liability coverage, the one required by state law, also covers legal expenses if you are sued as the result of your driving. If your car is damaged in a storm or accident, collision and comprehensive coverages will pay to repair the damage minus the deductible amount.
The benefits of carrying enough insurance are definitely more than the cost, especially when you need to use it. According to a recent study, the average American driver is wasting up to $869 every year so it’s very important to do a rate comparison each time the policy renews to help ensure money is not being wasted.
Lower-cost Mazda RX-8 insurance rates in Boston
Companies that sell car insurance don’t list every possible discount very clearly, so the list below gives a summary of a few of the more common in addition to some of the lesser obvious ways to save on insurance.
- Professional Organizations – Joining a qualifying organization could qualify you for a break on insurance.
- Multi-car Discount – Buying a policy with primary and secondary vehicles with the same insurance company could earn a price break for each car.
- Boston Homeowners Discount – Simply owning a home can get you a discount due to the fact that maintaining a home is proof of financial responsibility.
- Safety Restraint Discount – Drivers who always wear seat belts and also require passengers to wear their seat belts can save up to 10 percent (depending on the company) off the personal injury premium cost.
- Telematics Data – People who choose to allow driving data submission to track driving patterns by using a small device installed in their vehicle such as Progressive’s Snapshot might see lower rates if they exhibit good driving behavior.
- Sign Online – Many larger companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application on their website.
- Anti-lock Brakes – Cars with anti-lock braking systems are much safer to drive and the ABS can save up to 10%.
- Anti-theft System – Cars, trucks, and SUVs optioned with advanced anti-theft systems prevent vehicle theft and will qualify for a discount on a Boston auto insurance quote.
Drivers should understand that most credits do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as collision or personal injury protection. Despite the appearance that adding up those discounts means a free policy, you’re out of luck. Any amount of discount will reduce your policy premiums.
The diagram below illustrates the difference between Mazda RX-8 yearly insurance costs with and without policy discounts. The rate quotes are based on a female driver, no violations or accidents, Massachusetts state minimum liability limits, full coverage, and $250 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with homeowner, safe-driver, marriage, multi-policy, claim-free, and multi-car discounts applied.
To find insurance companies with discount insurance rates in Massachusetts, click this link.
Which policy gives me the best coverage?
When buying coverage online or from an agent, there really isn’t a cookie cutter policy. You are unique so this has to be addressed.
These are some specific questions can aid in determining if your insurance needs might need an agent’s assistance.
- What is the ISO rating for a Mazda RX-8?
- I have a DUI can I still get coverage?
- Does my policy cover me if I wreck while driving under the influence?
- Does having multiple vehicles earn me a discount?
- How can I force my company to pay a claim?
- Do I have coverage when pulling a U-Haul trailer?
- Are combined or split liability limits better?
If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply, you may need to chat with an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area.
Insurance agencies can help
Some people just want to buy from a licensed agent and that is a personal choice. An additional benefit of comparing car insurance online is the fact that drivers can get lower rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your insurance data is submitted to companies in Boston that give free quotes to get your business. There is no need to visit any agencies due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. You can find the lowest rates and work with a local agent. If for some reason you want to compare prices from a specific car insurance provider, feel free to jump over to their website to submit a rate quote request.
Finding the right insurance company requires you to look at more than just a cheap price. You should also get answers to these questions.
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Can you get a list of referrals?
- If you raise deductibles, how much can you save?
- Can you contact them at any time?
- Who are their largest clients?
- How does the company pay claims for a total loss?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Are they paid to recommend certain coverages?
Independent or Exclusive: It’s your choice
If you are wanting to purchase car insurance from a reputable insurance agent or broker, you must know there are a couple different agency structures and how they can write your policy. Agents in Boston are classified as either independent or exclusive.
Exclusive Insurance Agents
Agents that choose to be exclusive generally can only insure with one company like Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Exclusive agents cannot compare other company’s rates so they really need to provide good service. Exclusive agents are very knowledgeable on sales techniques which helps overcome the inability to quote other rates. Many people purchase coverage from exclusives mainly due to the brand legacy rather than having the cheapest rates.
Below are exclusive insurance agents in Boston that are able to give rate quotes.
- AAA Boston
125 High St – Boston, MA 02110 – (617) 443-9300 – View Map - Allstate Insurance: Abner Joseph
571 Dudley St Ste A – Boston, MA 02125 – (617) 442-9490 – View Map
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents do not have single company limitations and that enables them to quote your coverage through many different car insurance companies and get the cheapest rates. If you want to switch companies, an independent agent can move your coverage which is easy for the insured. If you are comparing rate quotes, you definitely need to compare prices from several independent agencies to get the best comparison. Most also write with lesser-known insurance companies which could offer lower prices.
Shown below is a short list of independent insurance agents in Boston willing to provide price quote information.
- Metro Boston Insurance Agency
78 Bennington St – Boston, MA 02128 – (617) 561-3191 – View Map - H. Levenbaum Insurance Agency
1534 Dorchester Ave – Dorchester, MA 02122 – (617) 825-3900 – View Map - Cecil N Marchionne Insurance Agency, Inc
506 Main St – Medford, MA 02155 – (781) 391-7100 – View Map
Educate yourself about auto insurance coverages
Having a good grasp of your policy can help you determine which coverages you need and proper limits and deductibles. The coverage terms in a policy can be ambiguous and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. These are the usual coverages found on most auto insurance policies.
Liability
This coverage will cover injuries or damage you cause to people or other property by causing an accident. It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have limits of 20/40/5 which stand for $20,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, $40,000 for the entire accident, and a total limit of $5,000 for damage to vehicles and property.
Liability coverage pays for claims such as repair bills for other people’s vehicles, court costs, funeral expenses, emergency aid and legal defense fees. How much liability should you purchase? That is up to you, but consider buying as high a limit as you can afford. Massachusetts state minimum liability requirements are 20/40/5 but you should consider buying higher limits.
The next chart shows why the minimum limit may not be adequate.
Comprehensive (Other than Collision)
This will pay to fix damage from a wide range of events other than collision. A deductible will apply and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive insurance covers claims such as falling objects, hitting a deer, damage from a tornado or hurricane and damage from flooding. The most your auto insurance company will pay is the actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible it’s not worth carrying full coverage.
Auto collision coverage
Collision coverage pays for damage to your RX-8 from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You will need to pay your deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.
Collision can pay for things such as colliding with another moving vehicle, sustaining damage from a pot hole, colliding with a tree, sideswiping another vehicle and hitting a mailbox. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so consider removing coverage from older vehicles. Another option is to choose a higher deductible on your RX-8 to get cheaper collision coverage.
Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers
Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other motorists when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. This coverage pays for injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and damage to your Mazda RX-8.
Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (20/40/5), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage should not be overlooked.
Medical expense insurance
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage pay for bills for surgery, chiropractic care and hospital visits. They are often used in conjunction with a health insurance program or if you lack health insurance entirely. Coverage applies to all vehicle occupants in addition to being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP is not an option in every state and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Ratings for Boston car insurance companies
Insuring your vehicle with a good quality insurance company can be challenging considering how many companies sell insurance in Massachusetts. The company information below could help you decide which car insurance companies to look at when comparing rates.
Top 10 Boston Car Insurance Companies Overall
- The General
- Mercury Insurance
- Titan Insurance
- The Hartford
- Progressive
- Travelers
- State Farm
- Farmers Insurance
- Safeco Insurance
- USAA
Top 10 Boston Car Insurance Companies by A.M. Best Rank
- USAA – A++
- GEICO – A++
- Travelers – A++
- State Farm – A++
- Allstate – A+
- Nationwide – A+
- Esurance – A+
- Progressive – A+
- The Hartford – A+
- Mercury Insurance – A+
Shop around and save
As you shop your coverage around, do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are too many instances where an insured dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. The goal is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best cost, but don’t skip important coverages to save money.
Some insurance companies do not provide online price quotes and many times these regional carriers provide coverage only through independent agencies. Lower-priced car insurance in Boston is attainable both online and also from your neighborhood Boston agents, so compare prices from both in order to have the best chance of saving money.
We’ve covered some good ideas how to compare Mazda RX-8 insurance rates in Boston. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote Boston auto insurance, the better your chances of lowering your auto insurance rates. Drivers may even discover the lowest rates come from some of the lesser-known companies. Some small companies can often insure niche markets at a lower cost as compared to the big name companies such as Allstate and Progressive.
Other resources
- Electronic Stability Control FAQ (iihs.org)
- Who Has Cheap Boston Car Insurance Rates for Retired Military? (FAQ)
- What Insurance is Cheapest for First-time Drivers in Boston? (FAQ)
- How Much are Auto Insurance Quotes for Homeowners in Boston? (FAQ)
- How Much are Auto Insurance Quotes for a Hyundai Elantra in Boston? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance for a Ford Explorer in Boston? (FAQ)
- Senior Drivers (Insurance Information Institute)
- Vehicle Size and Weight FAQ (iihs.org)