Best Ways to Save on Baltimore Buick LaCrosse Insurance

The best way we recommend to find more affordable Buick LaCrosse insurance is to compare prices annually from insurance carriers who sell insurance in Baltimore. Drivers can shop around by following these guidelines.

1. Spend some time learning about how your policy works and the steps you can take to keep rates down. Many risk factors that are responsible for high rates like traffic violations and poor credit history can be eliminated by making lifestyle changes or driving safer. Later in this article we will cover additional ideas to get low prices and find overlooked discounts.
2. Quote rates from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive agents and direct companies can only provide price estimates from a single company like Progressive and State Farm, while agents who are independent can quote rates for a wide range of companies.
3. Compare the new rates to the premium of your current policy and see if you can save money. If you find a lower rate quote and change companies, make sure there is no coverage gap between policies.

One thing to remember is to try to compare similar deductibles and liability limits on every quote and and to get rates from every company you can. This ensures the most accurate price comparison and the best price selection.

It’s an obvious assumption that auto insurance companies don’t want you to compare rates. Drivers who get comparison quotes at least once a year are very likely to switch to a new company because the odds are good of finding more affordable rates. A study showed that people who did price comparisons regularly saved about $865 a year compared to those who never compared prices.

If finding the lowest price on Buick LaCrosse insurance is your ultimate objective, then learning about the best way to quote and compare car insurance can help you succeed in saving money.

First Step: Get free Buick LaCrosse insurance quotes

To find the best insurance prices, there are several ways of comparing price quotes from companies that offer insurance in Maryland. The fastest way to find cheaper rates is simply to get online rate quotes.

Getting rate quotes online is very simple and it replaces the need to physically go to insurance agencies in your area. The ability to get quotes online eliminates this option unless you have a need for the trained guidance of an agent trained in personal lines coverage. Although, it is possible comparison shop online but have a local agent actually write the policy.

Keep in mind that comparing more prices increases your odds of finding a lower rate than you’re paying now. Not every company does price estimates online, so it’s important to also get prices on coverage from those companies, too.

The companies shown below have been selected to offer price comparisons in Baltimore, MD. To find cheap car insurance in Baltimore, it’s highly recommended you get rates from several of them in order to get a fair rate comparison.

Cheap Buick LaCrosse insurance in Baltimore

Car insurance companies don’t necessarily list all possible discounts very clearly, so we took the time to find both the well known and the harder-to-find discounts that you can inquire about if you buy Baltimore auto insurance online.

• Accident-Free Discounts – Baltimore drivers who stay claim-free can earn big discounts when compared to bad drivers.
• Student Discounts – Being a good student may save you up to 25%. This discount can apply until age 25.
• Professional Organizations – Belonging to qualifying employment or professional organizations is a good way to get lower rates on your bill.
• Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Factory air bags can get savings of 25 to 30%.
• E-sign Discounts – Some companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks shop Baltimore auto insurance on the internet.
• Accident Forgiveness – Not a discount per se, but certain companies will forgive one accident without raising rates so long as you are claim-free for a set time period.

A little note about advertised discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given to the entire cost. Most only reduce individual premiums such as physical damage coverage or medical payments. So even though it sounds like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies wouldn’t make money that way.

The illustration below shows the difference between Buick LaCrosse auto insurance costs with and without discounts applied to the policy premium. The rates are based on a female driver, no claims, a clean driving record, Maryland state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $1,000 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-car, homeowner, claim-free, multi-policy, safe-driver, and marriage discounts applied.

To view car insurance companies that offer discounts in Maryland, click this link.

Insurance coverage analysis

The rate information displayed next covers a range of insurance coverage prices for Buick LaCrosse models. Being able to understand how rate quotes are figured can be of help when making smart choices when selecting a policy.

Cost estimates assume married female driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and Maryland minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, claim-free, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and safe-driver. Table data does not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can revise rates considerably.

Deductible comparison

When comparing insurance rates, the most common question is how high should your deductibles be. The tables below may aid in understanding the cost difference when you buy lower versus higher insurance deductibles. The first data table uses a $100 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage and the second data table uses a $500 deductible.

Above prices assume married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Maryland minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, safe-driver, homeowner, claim-free, and multi-vehicle. Premium costs do not factor in specific Baltimore garaging location which can impact premiums considerably.

Using the premium rates above, we can conclude that using a $100 deductible will cost you roughly $31 more each month or $372 a year than requesting the higher $500 deductible. Since the policyholder would be required to pay $400 more out-of-pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you usually have at a minimum 13 months between claims, you would save money if you opt for a higher deductible.

One important note is that increasing deductibles to lower your rates means you will have to pay more out-of-pocket when you do file a claim. That will require enough disposable savings in the event you have to pay the higher deductible in order to repair your vehicle.

The illustration below illustrates how your deductible choice and can influence Buick LaCrosse insurance costs for each different age group. Data assumes a single male driver, full coverage, and no additional discounts are factored in.

Insurance rates are higher with tickets and accidents

The illustration below illustrates how traffic citations and fender-benders can raise Buick LaCrosse insurance prices for different age groups. Data assumes a married female driver, comp and collision included, $500 deductibles, and no policy discounts are applied.

Comparison of insurance rates by age and gender in Baltimore

The example below visualizes the comparison of Buick LaCrosse annual premium costs for male and female drivers. The information is based on no accidents, no driving violations, full physical damage coverage, $500 deductibles, drivers are single, and no discounts are applied.

Local Baltimore insurance agencies

A small number of people prefer to buy from a local agent and that is a smart decision One of the benefits of getting free rate quotes online is that you can find better rates and still have a local agent.

By using this quick form, the coverage information is sent to participating agents in Baltimore that give free quotes for your insurance coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to visit any agencies since rate quotes are delivered instantly to you. It’s the lowest rates and work with a local agent. If you have a need to get a comparison quote from a specific auto insurance provider, you would need to visit that company’s website and submit a quote form there.

Finding the right provider should depend on more than just a low price. A good agent in Baltimore will have answers to these questions.

• Is there a local claims center in Baltimore?
• What will you get paid if your car is a total loss? How is that amount determined?
• What are their preferred companies if they are an independent agency?
• Does the quote include credit and driving reports?
• Does their agency support local causes in Baltimore?
• What insurance companies do they work with in Baltimore?
• If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
• Will the agent help in case of a claim?

Exclusive or Independent: There is a difference

When narrowing the list to find a local Baltimore insurance agency, it’s helpful to know the types of agencies from which to choose. Auto insurance agents in Baltimore can be classified as either independent agents or exclusive agents depending on their employer.

Exclusive Insurance Agents

Agents that elect to be exclusive can only write with one company and some examples include Allstate, AAA, Farmers Insurance, and State Farm. Exclusive agents cannot provide other company’s prices so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Exclusive agents are trained well in insurance sales which helps them sell on service rather than price.

The following are Baltimore exclusive insurance agencies who can help you get price quote information.

View more Baltimore agents

Independent Agents

These type of agents are not employed by any specific company so as a result can place your coverage through many companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If they find a lower price, your agent can just switch to a different company and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparison shopping, you should always get several quotes from a few independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.

Shown below is a short list of independent agents in Baltimore that are able to give price quote information.

View more Baltimore agents

Why You Might Pay Increased Rates in Baltimore

A large part of saving on auto insurance is knowing some of the factors that aid in calculating your premiums. If you understand what controls the rates you pay, this allows you to make educated decisions that could help you find cheaper rates. Lots of things are used in the calculation when you quote your car insurance policy. Some of the criteria are obvious like your driving record, but some are less obvious such as your marital status and annual miles driven.

The following are some of the most rate-impacting factors used by insurance companies to determine your rates.

Your employer may affect rates – Jobs like real estate brokers, airline pilots, and emergency personnel tend to pay higher rates than the rest of us because of intense work-related stress and incredibly demanding work hours. Conversely, occupations like farmers, engineers and the unemployed have lower than average premiums.

Never let your auto insurance expire – Driving without insurance is against the law and any future policy may cost more because you let your insurance expire. Not only will you pay higher rates, not being able to provide proof of insurance could earn you a license revocation or jail time.

Bundle policies and save – Some companies will award discounts to insureds who consolidate policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. The discount can be ten or even up to twenty percent in some cases. Even if you’re getting this discount you may still want to comparison shop to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Liability coverage limits are a factor – Liability coverage will provide protection when you are ruled to be at fault for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It provides legal defense coverage which can be incredibly expensive. Liability insurance is quite affordable compared to other policy coverages, so do not cut corners here.

Higher comp and collision deductibles are cheaper – Protection for physical damage, also called comprehensive and collision insurance, insures against damage to your Buick. Some instances where coverage would apply are a broken windshield, hail damage, and rolling your vehicle. Comprehensive and collision coverage deductibles define how much you are required to spend if a covered claim is submitted. The higher the amount you have to pay, the bigger discount you will receive.

Buick LaCrosse claim statistics – Car insurance companies include the past claim trends for vehicles to help set a rate to offset losses. Models that the statistics show to have increased losses will have higher rates. The table shown below demonstrates the loss history for Buick LaCrosse vehicles.

For each policy coverage type, the loss probability for all vehicles, regardless of make, model or trim level, is a value of 100. Numbers under 100 are indicative of better than average losses, while numbers above 100 point to more claims or larger claims.

Buying the right Buick LaCrosse insurance in Maryland is an important decision

Despite the high insurance cost for a Buick LaCrosse in Baltimore, maintaining insurance is not optional due to several reasons.

• The majority of states have mandatory insurance requirements which means state laws require a minimum amount of liability in order to get the vehicle licensed. In Maryland these limits are 30/60/15 which means you must have $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $15,000 of property damage coverage.
• If your vehicle has a lienholder, more than likely the lender will have a requirement that you buy full coverage to protect their interest in the vehicle. If you do not keep the policy in force, the bank will be required to insure your Buick at a significantly higher premium and require you to reimburse them the higher price.
• Auto insurance preserves both your Buick LaCrosse and your personal assets. It will also pay for hospital and medical expenses incurred in an accident. One of the most valuable coverages, liability insurance, will also pay attorney fees if you are sued as the result of your driving. If you receive damage to your vehicle caused by a storm or accident, collision and comprehensive coverages will cover the damage repairs after a deductible is paid.

The benefits of insuring your LaCrosse are definitely more than the cost, particularly for liability claims. As of last year, the average driver in Maryland is wasting up to $850 per year so compare quotes from several companies once a year at a minimum to be sure current rates are still competitive.

Persistence pays off

There are still a few companies who do not provide price quotes online and many times these regional insurance providers sell through independent insurance agents. Budget-friendly car insurance in Baltimore can be found on the web and from local agencies, so you need to compare both to have the best selection.

When trying to cut insurance costs, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In many instances, someone sacrificed physical damage coverage and discovered at claim time that the small savings ended up costing them much more. Your objective should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the lowest possible cost but still have enough coverage for asset protection.

Additional detailed information is available by following these links:

• State Car Insurance Guides (GEICO)
• Who Has the Cheapest Baltimore Auto Insurance for Single Moms? (FAQ)
• What Car Insurance is Cheapest for a 20 Year Old Male in Baltimore? (FAQ)
• What Insurance is Cheapest for a Jeep Wrangler in Baltimore? (FAQ)
• Should I Buy a New or Used Car? (Allstate)
• Auto Insurance Basics (Insurance Information Institute)
• Vehicle Insurance (Wikipedia)
• How to Avoid Common Accidents (State Farm)