If saving the most money is your goal, then the best way to get budget auto insurance rates in Portland is to compare quotes annually from different companies that sell auto insurance in Oregon.
Step 1: Try to understand how insurance works and the things you can control to prevent expensive coverage. Many rating criteria that cause rate increases like traffic tickets, fender benders, and a poor credit rating can be rectified by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes.
Step 2: Obtain price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Direct and exclusive agents can give quotes from a single company like GEICO and State Farm, while agents who are independent can quote prices from multiple companies.
Step 3: Compare the price quotes to your existing policy to see if a cheaper rate is available in Portland. If you find a lower rate, make sure there is no lapse in coverage.
Step 4: Give proper notification to your current agent or company to cancel your current car insurance policy. Submit the completed application along with a down payment for the new policy. When you receive it, place your new proof of insurance certificate above your visor, in the console, or in the glove compartment.
An important bit of advice to remember is that you’ll want to compare similar deductibles and liability limits on each quote and and to get price quotes from as many companies as feasibly possible. Doing this enables the most accurate price comparison and and a good selection of different prices.
It’s safe to assume that insurance companies don’t want you to look for cheaper rates. Drivers who shop around are inclined to switch auto insurance companies because there is a high probability of finding a lower-priced policy. A recent survey revealed that drivers who compared rate quotes regularly saved about $850 each year compared to those who don’t regularly compare prices.
If finding the most affordable auto insurance in Portland is your objective, then having some knowledge of how to get free comparison quotes and analyze coverage rates can make it easier to find better rates.
Lower Your Portland Insurance Prices
One of the most helpful ways to save on car insurance is to to have a grasp of the different types of things that help calculate the price you pay for car insurance. When you understand what influences your rates, this helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to cheaper rates. Lots of factors are used when you quote your car insurance policy. Most are fairly basic such as your driving record, but some are more transparent such as whether you are married or how financially stable you are.
The following are some of the most rate-impacting factors used by your company to calculate your prices.
- Guys are more aggressive – Over the last 50 years, statistics have shown females are less aggressive when driving. It does not mean men are worse drivers. Men and women tend to get into at-fault accidents in similar numbers, but the men cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also get cited for more serious violations such as driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving recklessly.
- Cars with good safety ratings are cheaper to insure – Vehicles that have high safety ratings tend to have lower insurance rates. Vehicles built for safety have better occupant injury protection and fewer serious injuries means lower claim amounts which can mean better rates for you.
- Avoid policy lapses – Driving without insurance coverage in place is a misdemeanor and you will pay a penalty because you let your coverage cancel without a new policy in place. And not only will your rates increase, the inability to provide proof of insurance may earn you fines and jail time.
- With age comes responsibility – Teen drivers in Oregon have been known to be less responsible in a vehicle therefore car insurance rates are much higher. Adding a beginning driver onto a policy can cause a big jump in price. Older drivers are more responsible, cost insurance companies less in claims, and are generally more financially stable.
The most recommended method to compare car insurance company rates for Lexus RC F insurance in Portland is to know the fact most insurance companies pay for the opportunity to give you rate quotes. All consumers are required to do is give the companies some data like which vehicles you own, marital status, your credit rating estimate, and if you require a SR-22. Those rating factors is then submitted to many highly-rated insurers and you get price estimates instantly to find the best rate.
To start a rate quote now, click here and complete the form.
The providers in the list below are ready to provide free quotes in Oregon. If you want the best auto insurance in Portland, OR, we suggest you visit several of them in order to get a fair rate comparison.
Auto insurance in Oregon serves several purposes
Despite the high cost, buying auto insurance is mandatory in Oregon but it also protects more than you think.
- Most states have compulsory liability insurance requirements which means it is punishable by state law to not carry a specific minimum amount of liability protection in order to drive the car. In Oregon these limits are 25/50/20 which means you must have $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $20,000 of property damage coverage.
- If your vehicle has a lienholder, it’s guaranteed your bank will force you to have insurance to guarantee loan repayment. If you do not keep the policy in force, the bank may buy a policy for your Lexus for a lot more money and require you to fork over for it.
- Insurance safeguards both your car and your assets. Insurance will also pay for many types of medical costs for yourself as well as anyone injured by you. Liability coverage, the one required by state law, will also pay attorney fees in the event you are sued. If your vehicle suffers damage from an accident or hail, your auto insurance policy will pay to repair the damage.
The benefits of having auto insurance more than offset the price you pay, particularly when you have a large claim. According to a recent study, the average American driver is overpaying over $820 a year so you should quote and compare rates at every policy renewal to be sure current rates are still competitive.
Discount Portland auto insurance quotes
Some companies don’t necessarily list every available discount very clearly, so the list below details some of the more common and the more hidden credits that may apply to you.
- Discount for Life Insurance – Some auto insurance companies give lower auto insurance rates if you buy life insurance.
- Discount for Low Mileage – Fewer annual miles on your Lexus can earn substantially lower rates.
- Paper-free Discount – Many companies will give you a small discount for signing up on your computer.
- Safety Course Discount – Completing a driver safety class is a good idea and can lower rates and easily pay for the cost of the class.
- Accident Waiver – This one is not really a discount per se, but a handful of insurance companies may permit one accident without the usual rate increase with the catch being you have to be claim-free prior to the accident.
- Multi-policy Discount – If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you could save at least 10% off all policies.
- Save with More Vehicles Insured – Buying insurance for several vehicles with the same company could earn a price break for each car.
- Good Student Discount – Being a good student can save 20 to 25%. Many companies even apply the discount to college students up until you turn 25.
- Lower Rates for Military – Being on active deployment in the military could trigger a small discount.
Discounts lower rates, but most credits do not apply to the entire policy premium. Some only apply to the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. Even though the math looks like it’s possible to get free car insurance, company stockholders wouldn’t be very happy.
A partial list of companies that may include some of the above discounts include:
If you want inexpensive Portland car insurance quotes, ask each insurance company which discounts they offer. Some of the discounts discussed earlier might not be offered on policies in your state. If you would like to see a list of companies that provide some of the discounts listed above in Portland, click this link.
You may want advice from an insurance agency
A lot of people prefer to sit down with an agent and that is recommended in a lot of cases Agents will help you protect your assets and help in the event of a claim. One of the best bonuses of getting free rate quotes online is you may find cheap rate quotes and also buy local.
By using this form (opens in new window), your coverage information is transmitted to insurance agents in Portland who can give free rate quotes to get your business. There is no need to search for any insurance agencies as quotes are delivered to you directly. If you have a need to compare prices from a specific company, you would need to navigate to their website and submit a quote form there.
Selecting a company should include more criteria than just the premium amount. Ask your prospective agent these questions:
- Are they in the agency full-time?
- Who are their largest clients?
- Do they regularly work with personal auto policies in Portland?
- Is vehicle mileage a factor when determining depreciation for repairs?
- Are they paid to recommend certain coverages?
If you need to find a local Portland insurance agent, there are a couple of different agency structures and how they can service your needs differently. Car insurance policy providers can be described as either exclusive or independent (non-exclusive). Both types can provide car insurance policies, but we need to point out the differences since it may influence the kind of agent you use.
Exclusive Insurance Agents
These type of agents can usually just insure with one company and examples are Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They usually cannot compare rates from other companies so keep that in mind. Exclusive insurance agents are well schooled on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage.
The following are Portland exclusive insurance agencies who can help you get comparison quotes.
Allstate Insurance: Dick Hannah Insurance Agency
12345 E Burnside St – Portland, OR 97233 – (360) 816-8439 – View Map
Allstate Insurance: Damian Gobel
1511 SE 122nd Ave – Portland, OR 97233 – (503) 255-3490 – View Map
Larry Rodman – State Farm Insurance Agent
7850 SW Barbur Blvd – Portland, OR 97219 – (503) 246-7753 – View Map
Independent Car Insurance Agencies
Agents that choose to be independent are appointed with more than one company so they can write business with lots of companies and get the cheapest rates. If they find a lower price, your agent can just switch to a different company and you can keep the same agent.
If you need cheaper car insurance rates, we recommend you include price quotes from a few independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices.
Listed below are independent agencies in Portland that are able to give rate quotes.
Hecht and Hecht Insurance Agency Inc.
425 NE Hancock St – Portland, OR 97212 – (503) 542-1130 – View Map
Cundari Insurance
8309 SW 22nd Ave – Portland, OR 97219 – (503) 292-0075 – View Map
Stamm Stuart Bybee Insurance
16455 SE Division St – Portland, OR 97236 – (971) 254-1148 – View Map
Upon getting good responses to all your questions and cheaper RC F insurance quotes, you’ve probably found an insurance agency that meets the criteria to provide car insurance coverage.
Will just any policy work for me?
Always keep in mind that when comparing your policy for your vehicles, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Everyone’s needs are different.
These are some specific questions might point out if your situation could use an agent’s help.
- Do I have coverage if I rent a car in Mexico?
- Am I covered if I break a side mirror?
- Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
- Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Portland?
- Which companies will insure high-risk drivers?
- Why do I need rental car insurance?
- Are my company tools covered if they get stolen?
If you can’t answer these questions, you may need to chat with an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form. It only takes a few minutes and may give you better protection.
Don’t give up on affordable coverage
Consumers switch companies for a number of reasons such as unfair underwriting practices, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, policy non-renewal or even delays in responding to claim requests. Regardless of your reason, finding a new company can be less work than you think.
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, never sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There are many occasions where an insured cut collision coverage and learned later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your aim should be to buy the best coverage you can find at the best cost, but do not sacrifice coverage to save money.
Lower-priced Lexus RC F insurance in Portland can be found both online as well as from insurance agents, so you need to quote Portland car insurance with both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. A few companies don’t offer online price quotes and most of the time these small insurance companies prefer to sell through independent agents.
More tips and info about car insurance can be found at these sites:
- Pickups fall short in headlight tests (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- How Much are Portland Car Insurance Rates for Good Drivers? (FAQ)
- How Much is Auto Insurance for 18 Year Olds in Portland? (FAQ)
- How Much is Portland Car Insurance for Young Drivers? (FAQ)
- Electronic Stability Control FAQ (iihs.org)
- Rearview cameras reduce backing crashes (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Understanding your Policy (NAIC.org)