Are you kicking yourself for buying an under-performing, overpriced car insurance policy? Don’t sweat it because many Bakersfield drivers have buyer’s remorse.
A recent NerdWallet.com study revealed that the majority of drivers have remained with the same car insurance company for over three years, and nearly half have never shopped around. With the average car insurance premium being $1,400, Bakersfield drivers can save approximately 35% each year just by getting comparison quotes, but they just don’t understand the actual amount they would save if they swap their current policy for a cheaper one.
How to find discount Mazda 2 insurance in Bakersfield
Really, the only way to find cheaper prices for Mazda 2 insurance is to regularly compare price quotes from insurers in Bakersfield. Prices can be compared by completing these steps.
- Step 1: Take a few minutes and learn about coverages and the measures you can take to prevent rate increases. Many policy risk factors that cause rate increases such as accidents, traffic violations, and a bad credit score can be amended by paying attention to minor details. This article provides ideas to help reduce premium rates and find overlooked discounts.
- Step 2: Get rate quotes from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Exclusive and direct companies can only provide price estimates from a single company like Progressive and State Farm, while agents who are independent can quote prices for a wide range of companies.
- Step 3: Compare the new rates to the price on your current policy and determine if cheaper 2 coverage is available. If you find better rates and buy the policy, verify that coverage does not lapse between policies.
- Step 4: Give proper notification to your current agent or company to cancel your current car insurance policy. Submit the application along with any required down payment to your new company or agent. Don’t forget to put the proof of insurance paperwork in an easily accessible location.
The key thing to remember is that you’ll want to compare identical limits and deductibles on each quote and to quote with as many carriers as you can. Doing this helps ensure an accurate price comparison and the best rate selection.
Due to the large number of companies to choose from that have cheaper insurance for a Mazda 2 in Bakersfield, it can be impossible to find the lowest price insurer.
It is always a good idea to check car insurance prices yearly because rates trend upward over time. Just because you found the best deal on Mazda 2 insurance in Bakersfield on your last policy you can probably find a lower rate today. Block out anything you think you know about car insurance because we’re going to show you how to quote online to lower your annual insurance bill.
The companies in the list below are our best choices to provide price comparisons in California. If multiple companies are shown, we suggest you get prices from several of them in order to get a fair rate comparison.
Why you need quality insurance for your Mazda 2
Even though Bakersfield 2 insurance rates can get expensive, maintaining insurance is mandatory in California but it also protects more than you think.
First, just about all states have mandatory liability insurance requirements which means it is punishable by state law to not carry a specific level of liability coverage in order to drive the car. In California these limits are 15/30/5 which means you must have $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 of property damage coverage.
Second, if your vehicle has a loan, most lenders will make it a condition of the loan that you have comprehensive coverage to ensure loan repayment if the vehicle is totaled. If you do not pay your insurance premiums, the lender will be forced to insure your Mazda at a much higher rate and force you to pay for it.
Third, insurance safeguards not only your vehicle but also your assets. It will also cover medical transport and hospital expenses for you, any passengers, and anyone injured in an accident. Liability coverage, the one required by state law, also pays expenses related to your legal defense if you are named as a defendant in an auto accident. If your Mazda gets damaged, collision and comprehensive coverages will pay to restore your vehicle to like-new condition.
The benefits of buying enough insurance are without a doubt worth the cost, specifically if you ever have a liability claim. Unknowingly, the average driver is currently overpaying as much as $869 every year so it’s recommended you shop around once a year at a minimum to ensure rates are inline.
Specific coverages for a Mazda 2
Understanding the coverages of your policy can be of help when determining the best coverages at the best deductibles and correct limits. The terms used in a policy can be confusing and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Shown next are the usual coverages found on most auto insurance policies.
Comprehensive or Other Than Collision
Comprehensive insurance coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply then your comprehensive coverage will pay.
Comprehensive coverage protects against claims like hitting a deer, a tree branch falling on your vehicle, rock chips in glass, damage from a tornado or hurricane and hitting a bird. The maximum payout you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value consider dropping full coverage.
Auto collision coverage
Collision insurance pays for damage to your 2 caused by collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision coverage protects against claims such as backing into a parked car, damaging your car on a curb and colliding with a tree. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so you might think about dropping it from lower value vehicles. Another option is to raise the deductible on your 2 to get cheaper collision coverage.
Medical costs insurance
Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for bills for ambulance fees, EMT expenses, surgery and nursing services. The coverages can be used in conjunction with a health insurance program or if there is no health insurance coverage. It covers not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and will also cover if you are hit as a while walking down the street. PIP coverage is not an option in every state but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage
Liability auto insurance
Liability insurance will cover damage that occurs to people or other property in an accident. Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. You might see liability limits of 15/30/5 which stand for $15,000 bodily injury coverage, a per accident bodily injury limit of $30,000, and a limit of $5,000 paid for damaged property. Occasionally you may see one number which is a combined single limit which provides one coverage limit with no separate limits for injury or property damage.
Liability coverage protects against claims such as pain and suffering, funeral expenses, loss of income and medical expenses. How much liability should you purchase? That is a personal decision, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as large an amount as possible. California state minimum liability requirements are 15/30/5 but you should think about purchasing better liability coverage.
The next chart shows why minimum state limits may not be adequate coverage.
UM/UIM Coverage
This coverage provides protection when the “other guys” either have no liability insurance or not enough. This coverage pays for injuries to you and your family as well as damage to your Mazda 2.
Due to the fact that many California drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (California limits are 15/30/5), their limits can quickly be used up. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is a good idea. Frequently these coverages are identical to your policy’s liability coverage.