Lower Your 2004 Dodge Durango Insurance Rates

Finding lower rates for insurance can seem to be a challenge for people who are new to shopping for insurance online. Drivers have so many options available that it can quickly become more work than you anticipated to find lower rates.

You should take the time to get comparison quotes before your policy renews since insurance rates change regularly. Despite the fact that you may have had the lowest rates for Durango insurance last year a different company probably has better rates today. Starting now, block out anything you think you know about insurance because you’re about to learn the quickest way to save on insurance.

If you are paying for car insurance now, you stand a good chance to be able to lower your premiums substantially using this strategy. This article will instruct you on the best way to quote coverages. But consumers should learn how insurance companies determine prices and apply this information to your search.

Why your Dodge Durango might be costing you more

Smart consumers have a good feel for the rating factors that help determine auto insurance rates. Understanding what determines base rates helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to better auto insurance rates.

The following are some of the factors that factor into prices.

  • Frequent auto insurance claims increase rates – If you are a frequent claim filer, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Auto insurance companies provide discounts to policyholders who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Insurance coverage is meant to be used in the event of major claims that would cause financial hardship.
  • Add-on coverages can add up – There are quite a few extra bells and whistles you can purchase when buying auto insurance. Coverages for roadside assistance, better glass coverage and membership fees are examples of these. They may seem good at first, but your needs may have changed so eliminate them to save money.
  • Cautious drivers pay less – Your driving citation history has a big impact on rates. Drivers with clean records receive lower rates than bad drivers. Only having one moving violation may increase your cost forty percent or more. Drivers who have serious citations such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) to the state department of motor vehicles in order to continue driving.
  • How your age affects price – Older insureds are viewed as being more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents and get fewer tickets. Young drivers have a tendency to be careless and easily distracted when behind the wheel and because of this, their auto insurance rates are much higher.
  • Your auto insurance rates can be influenced by your job – Did you know your job can affect your rates? Occupations such as real estate brokers, social workers and financial analysts tend to have higher average rates because of job stress and long work days. Conversely, professions such as pilots, engineers and performers receive lower rates for Durango insurance.
  • Discounts for multiple policies – Many insurers will award you with lower prices to policyholders who have multiple policies with them. It’s known as a multi-policy discount. Discounts can add up to five, ten or even twenty percent. If you currently are using one company, it’s still a good idea to shop around to verify if the discount is saving money. You may still find a better deal by buying auto insurance from a different company.
  • Battle of the sexes – The statistics show women tend to be less risk to insure than men. However, don’t assume that men are worse drivers. They both cause accidents at about the same rate, but men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also have more aggressive citations such as DWI and reckless driving.
  • High credit ratings translate to low rates – A driver’s credit rating is a big factor in your rate calculation. Drivers with excellent credit tend to file fewer claims and have better driving records as compared to drivers with lower ratings. If your credit history can use some improvement, you could be paying less to insure your 2004 Dodge Durango by improving your rating.

Compare the Market for Car Insurance

There are a variety of methods to shop for 2004 Dodge Durango car insurance, but some are less labor-intensive and much quicker. You could spend your day discussing policy coverages with agents in your area, or you can stay home and use the internet to quickly compare rates.

Many of the larger companies participate in a marketplace that enables customers to complete one form, and at least one company then returns a price quote determined by their information. This prevents consumers from doing repetitive form submissions to each individual car insurance company.

To fill out one form to compare multiple rates now click here to open in new window.

One minor caviat to getting quotes like this is that consumers can’t choose which providers you will receive quotes from. So if you want to choose specific insurance companies for rate comparison, we have a page of the cheapest car insurance companies in your area. Click to view list.

It’s up to you which method you use, but double check that you are using exactly the same deductibles and coverage limits with every price quote. If the quotes have differing limits it will be very difficult to determine the best price for your Dodge Durango. Quoting even small variations in coverage limits may result in large price differences. Just keep in mind that comparing more company’s prices helps you find the best price.

Save $395 a year. For real?

Insurance coverage companies such as Allstate, Geico and Progressive consistently run ads on TV and radio. They all seem to have a common claim that you can save if you change to them. How does each company make the same claim? This is how they do it.

All companies have a certain “appetite” for the driver that is profitable for them. For instance, a desirable insured might be over the age of 40, has no tickets, and has a high credit rating. A propective insured who fits that profile will get the preferred rates and as a result will probably save when switching.

Potential insureds who don’t qualify for the “perfect” profile will be quoted higher rates which leads to business not being written. Company advertisements say “drivers who switch” not “everybody who quotes” save that kind of money. That’s why insurance companies can confidently claim big savings. This emphasizes why you need to get as many quotes as possible. Because you never know the company that will provide you with the cheapest Dodge Durango insurance rates.

Pay less by taking advantage of discounts

Companies don’t necessarily list all available discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so we took the time to find both the well known as well as the least known ways to save on auto insurance.

  • Anti-lock Brakes – Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can avoid accidents and qualify for as much as a 10% discount.
  • Student Driver Training – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to enroll in driver’s education if offered at their school.
  • Government Employees – Simply working for the federal government can save as much as 8% for Durango insurance with certain companies.
  • Safe Drivers – Safe drivers can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates for Durango insurance than drivers with accidents.
  • Passive Restraints – Cars that have air bags or motorized seat belts may earn rate discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • Discount for Life Insurance – Select insurance companies reward you with better rates if you take out life insurance.

Consumers should know that many deductions do not apply the the whole policy. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears all those discounts means the company will pay you, you’re out of luck.

Insurance companies that possibly offer these discounts include:

Before buying, ask all companies you are considering how you can save money. Some discounts may not apply in your area.

Your coverage should be tailored to you

When buying proper insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s.

For example, these questions may help highlight whether you would benefit from an agent’s advice.

  • Can my babysitter drive my car?
  • How much liability coverage do I need in my state?
  • How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in my state?
  • Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
  • How do I insure my teen driver?
  • Is my vehicle covered by my employer’s policy when using it for work?
  • Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?

If you can’t answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form.

Auto insurance 101

Knowing the specifics of your policy aids in choosing which coverages you need for your vehicles. The coverage terms in a policy can be impossible to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage

This coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other drivers when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered claims include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and also any damage incurred to your Dodge Durango.

Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits, their limits can quickly be used up. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family.

Comprehensive coverage

This will pay to fix damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.

Comprehensive coverage pays for things like damage from getting keyed, hitting a bird, falling objects and fire damage. The maximum amount your car insurance company will pay is the market value of your vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider dropping full coverage.

Medical payments coverage and PIP

Med pay and PIP coverage provide coverage for immediate expenses for things like ambulance fees, dental work and rehabilitation expenses. They can be utilized in addition to your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. Medical payments and PIP cover both the driver and occupants and also covers if you are hit as a while walking down the street. PIP is not universally available and may carry a deductible

Liability auto insurance

Liability insurance protects you from damage or injury you incur to a person or their property that is your fault. This insurance protects YOU from claims by other people. Liability doesn’t cover damage to your own property or vehicle.

Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. Your policy might show limits of 25/50/25 that means you have a limit of $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $25,000.

Liability coverage protects against claims like repair bills for other people’s vehicles, repair costs for stationary objects, court costs and medical services. How much coverage you buy is a decision to put some thought into, but you should buy as large an amount as possible.

Coverage for collisions

Collision insurance pays for damage to your Durango from colliding with another car or object. You first must pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.

Collision can pay for claims like crashing into a ditch, backing into a parked car and driving through your garage door. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from older vehicles. It’s also possible to choose a higher deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.

Quote more, save more

As you shop your coverage around, you should never buy less coverage just to save a little money. There are too many instances where drivers have reduced physical damage coverage only to regret that they should have had better coverage. Your focus should be to buy the best coverage you can find at the best price while still protecting your assets.

People leave their current company for a variety of reasons including lack of trust in their agent, denial of a claim, being labeled a high risk driver or high prices. Whatever your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is pretty easy and you might even save some money in the process.

Cost effective 2004 Dodge Durango insurance is attainable on the web and also from your neighborhood agents, and you should be comparing both to have the best chance of lowering rates. Some insurance companies may not provide you the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these small, regional companies sell through independent agents.

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