It’s an obvious statement that insurance companies don’t want their policyholders to compare prices. Consumers who compare rates once a year are inclined to switch to a new company because there is a great chance of finding a lower rate. A study showed that consumers who routinely compared rates saved as much as $3,500 over four years compared to those who don’t make a habit of comparing rates.
If saving money on insurance is why you’re reading this, then having some insight into how to shop and compare insurance premiums can help you be more efficient.
If you want to find the absolute lowest rates, then the best way to get budget auto insurance rates in Columbus is to start comparing rates regularly from insurers in Ohio.
Step 1: Read and learn about how insurance companies determine prices and the measures you can control to drop your rates. Many policy risk factors that drive up the price such as getting speeding tickets and a less-than-favorable credit history can be amended by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes. Keep reading for instructions to help prevent high rates and earn a bigger discount.
Step 2: Quote rates from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Exclusive and direct companies can provide rates from one company like Progressive and State Farm, while agents who are independent can provide rate quotes from multiple insurance companies.
Step 3: Compare the new quotes to your current policy to see if you can save by switching companies. If you can save some money and buy the policy, make sure there is no lapse in coverage.
Step 4: Tell your current agent or company of your intention to cancel your current car insurance policy. Submit the application along with any required down payment to your new company or agent. When you receive it, place the new proof of insurance paperwork somewhere easily accessible.
A good tip to remember is to try to compare identical coverages on every quote and to quote with as many companies as feasibly possible. Doing this provides an apples-to-apples comparison and the best price selection.
If you have a policy now or just want a better rate, you will benefit by learning to find better prices without reducing protection. Buying the cheapest car insurance in Columbus is not that difficult as long as you know where to start. Drivers just need to use the proper methods to compare rate quotes from multiple carriers.
The quickest method we recommend to compare policy rates for Toyota Prius insurance in Columbus is to understand almost all companies participate in a system to give free rates quotes. To get started, all you need to do is provide a small amount of information like if the vehicle is leased, any included safety features, whether you have decent credit, and if you are currently licensed. That rating data gets sent immediately to many highly-rated insurers and they return quotes within a short period of time.
To start a rate quote now, click here and enter the information requested.
The car insurance companies shown below provide free rate quotes in Ohio. If more than one company is shown, we recommend you visit two to three different companies in order to get a fair rate comparison.
Analysis of coverages
The information shown next outlines detailed analysis of prices for Toyota Prius models. Understanding how prices are formulated can be valuable when making smart choices when comparing insurance rates.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prius | $252 | $352 | $252 | $14 | $76 | $946 | $79 |
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Table data assumes single male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and Ohio minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, multi-policy, and claim-free. Price estimates do not factor in specific zip code location which can affect auto insurance rates significantly.
Car insurance deductibles
One of the more difficult decisions when buying car insurance is how high should your deductibles be. The comparisons below may help to conceptualize the difference in cost when you select higher and lower physical damage coverage deductibles. The first rate comparisons uses a $100 deductible for physical damage and the second set of rates uses a $1,000 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prius | $220 | $352 | $192 | $12 | $58 | $859 | $72 |
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Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Prius | $122 | $186 | $192 | $12 | $58 | $570 | $48 |
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Data based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Ohio minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, claim-free, safe-driver, multi-vehicle, and homeowner. Table data does not factor in specific location which can decrease or increase auto insurance rates substantially.
Based on the above data, using a $100 deductible will cost you roughly $24 more each month or $288 every year than requesting the higher $1,000 deductible. Because you would pay $900 more if you turn in a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to go at a minimum 38 months between claim filings, you would probably come out ahead if you decide on a higher deductible. Below is the way this calculation is made.
Average monthly premium for $100 deductibles: | $72 |
Average monthly premium for $1,000 deductibles (subtract): | – $48 |
Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $24 |
Difference between deductibles ($1,000 – $100): | $900 |
Divide difference by monthly savings: | $900 / $24 |
Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 38 months |
An important thing to remember is that raising deductibles to get cheaper rates means you will have to cover more of the damage yourself when you have a physical damage claim. You need to make sure you have some non-essential savings in the event you have to pay more for the deductible.
The example below shows how different deductible levels and can influence Toyota Prius yearly insurance costs for each different age category. The information is based on a married female driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
Price comparison of only insuring for liability
The example below illustrates the comparison of Toyota Prius car insurance rates when comparing full coverage to liability only. The rates are based on no driving violations, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no discounts are applied.
Should you be buying full coverage?
There is no set rule of when to exclude physical damage coverage on your policy, but there is a guideline you can use. If the yearly cost for physical damage coverage is more than about 10% of the replacement cost minus the deductible, then it’s probably a good time to buy liability coverage only.
For example, let’s assume your Toyota Prius claim settlement value is $8,000 and you have $1,000 full coverage deductibles. If your vehicle is destroyed, the most you would get paid by your company is $7,000 after paying your deductible. If it’s costing you more than $700 a year for full coverage, then you might consider buying liability only.
There are some circumstances where dropping physical damage coverage is not a good plan. If you still owe a portion of the original loan, you must maintain physical damage coverage as part of the loan requirements. Also, if your savings is not enough to buy a different vehicle if your current one is damaged, you should keep full coverage.
Different people need different insurance coverages
When choosing coverage online or from an agent for your vehicles, there isn’t really a one-size-fits-all type of policy. Everyone’s situation is a little different.
For example, these questions may help you determine whether you could use an agent’s help.
- Are rock chip repairs covered?
- Am I better off with higher deductibles on my Toyota Prius?
- When can I cancel my policy?
- Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
- Do I have coverage if I rent a car in Mexico?
- Does having multiple vehicles earn me a discount?
- What is an adequate liability insurance limit?
If you’re not sure about those questions, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, complete this form. It only takes a few minutes and can provide invaluable advice.
Compare rate quotes but work with a local neighborhood Columbus car insurance agent
Certain consumers just want to have an agent’s advice and that is a smart decision Experienced insurance agents can help you choose the best coverages and help you file claims. An additional benefit of comparing insurance prices online is you can get cheap rate quotes and still choose a local agent.
After filling out this form (opens in new window), your information gets sent to local insurance agents in Columbus that provide free Columbus auto insurance quotes and help you find cheaper coverage. You don’t have to search for any insurance agencies due to the fact that quote results will go to you instantly. If you need to compare rates from a specific company, you would need to go to their quote page to submit a rate quote request.
Finding the right insurance company should include more criteria than just the price. The questions below may impact your decision as well.
- Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
- How long has their agency been in business in Columbus?
- Does the company allow you to choose your own collision repair facility?
- Is there a Errors and Omissions policy in force?
- What kind of financial rating does the company have?
Below are Columbus insurers willing to provide price quotes for Toyota Prius insurance in Columbus.
Larry Noll – State Farm Insurance Agent
2648 Billingsley Rd – Columbus, OH 43235 – (614) 889-1156 – View Map
Jerry Doherty – State Farm Insurance Agent
21 W Broad St #100 – Columbus, OH 43215 – (614) 461-7833 – View Map
State Farm: Matt Simonds
2986 N High St – Columbus, OH 43202 – (614) 262-6700 – View Map
Keystone Insurance Agency LLC
5640 Groveport Rd #2 – Groveport, OH 43125 – (614) 295-8816 – View Map
After talking to the agent and getting good feedback for all questions you ask and a low price estimate, you have narrowed it down to an insurer that is professional and can adequately provide insurance.