2003 Mazda Tribute Insurance Rates – 5 Discounts for Cheaper Quotes

Finding budget-priced car insurance can be challenging for people that are not comfortable with quoting and comparison shopping online. With dozens of companies, how can drivers be able to compare the different rates to find cheaper car insurance rates?

It is always a good idea to compare rates occasionally since insurance prices fluctuate regularly. Even if you got the lowest quotes for Tribute coverage six months ago you will most likely find a better rate today. Forget all the misinformation about car insurance because you’re about to find out one of the quickest ways to save money, get proper deductibles and limits, all at the lowest rate.

This information will teach you how car insurance quotes work and some money-saving tips. If you have car insurance now, you will most likely be able to lower your premiums substantially using these methods. But consumers do need to understand the way companies compete online and apply this information to your search.

Lower rates by qualifying for these five discounts

Auto insurance companies don’t always publicize every discount they offer in a way that’s easy to find, so the list below contains both well-publicized as well as some of the hidden credits available to you. If you check and find you aren’t receiving every discount you deserve, you may be paying too high a price.

• One Accident Forgiven – Not really a discount, but some companies like Liberty Mutual and Geico will allow you to have one accident before your rates go up as long as you don’t have any claims for a certain period of time.
• Anti-lock Brake Discount – Cars with ABS braking systems or traction control can stop better under adverse conditions so you can save 10 percent or more.
• Renewal Discounts – Some companies reward drivers for switching policies prior to your current policy expiring. Ten percent is about the average savings.
• Own a Home and Save – Owning a house can save you money since owning and maintaining a home demonstrates responsibility.
• Discounts for Seat Belt Usage – Drivers who require all occupants to use their safety belts could save 15% off the PIP or medical payment premium.

Policy discounts save money, but most credits do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. Even though the math looks like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, it doesn’t quite work that way. Any qualifying discounts should help lower the cost of your policy.

Larger insurance companies and the discounts they provide are outlined below.

• The Hartford has savings for anti-theft, driver training, air bag, good student, vehicle fuel type, and bundle.
• American Family has discounts for TimeAway discount, early bird, defensive driver, multi-vehicle, and good driver.
• Progressive may offer discounts for multi-policy, homeowner, online signing, multi-vehicle, and continuous coverage.
• Travelers includes discounts for hybrid/electric vehicle, multi-car, early quote, student away at school, new car, and good student.
• Farmers Insurance discounts include alternative fuel, pay in full, youthful driver, teen driver, and switch companies.
• USAA may have discounts that include annual mileage, defensive driver, driver training, safe driver, and loyalty savings.
• Liberty Mutual offers discounts for good student, preferred payment discount, safety features, newly retired, and teen driver discount.

Check with all the companies which discounts you qualify for. Some of the discounts discussed earlier may not apply in your area.

Insurance coverage is unique, just like you

When it comes to buying proper insurance coverage, there is no one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s.

For instance, these questions may help you determine if your situation would benefit from an agent’s advice.

• Does my policy pay for OEM or aftermarket parts?
• Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
• Am I covered if I hit my neighbor’s mailbox?
• What if I total my 2003 Mazda Tribute and owe more than it’s worth?
• Does my medical payments coverage pay my health insurance deductible?
• Are my friends covered when driving my 2003 Mazda Tribute?

If you can’t answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an agent. To find an agent in your area, fill out this quick form.

Auto insurance coverage considerations

Having a good grasp of your auto insurance policy can be of help when determining the best coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. The coverage terms in a policy can be impossible to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy.

Auto liability insurance – This will cover injuries or damage you cause to a person or their property that is your fault. It protects YOU from claims by other people. Liability doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.

Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. As an example, you may have liability limits of 50/100/50 that means you have $50,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a total of $100,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a total limit of $50,000 for damage to vehicles and property. Some companies may use a combined single limit or CSL which combines the three limits into one amount rather than limiting it on a per person basis.

Liability coverage pays for claims such as bail bonds, pain and suffering and repair costs for stationary objects. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is your choice, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as large an amount as possible.

Collision coverages – This covers damage to your Tribute resulting from colliding with an object or car. A deductible applies then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.

Collision insurance covers things like driving through your garage door, rolling your car and hitting a mailbox. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from vehicles that are older. It’s also possible to raise the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Coverage for medical payments – Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for immediate expenses such as nursing services, ambulance fees and doctor visits. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. Medical payments and PIP cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP coverage is not available in all states but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage

Uninsured and underinsured coverage – Your UM/UIM coverage gives you protection from other drivers when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Covered losses include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and also any damage incurred to your Mazda Tribute.

Due to the fact that many drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is a good idea. Normally these limits do not exceed the liability coverage limits.

Comprehensive coverages – This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You need to pay your deductible first then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage pays for claims such as fire damage, damage from getting keyed and hitting a bird. The highest amount your auto insurance company will pay is the market value of your vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Quote often and quote early

Consumers switch companies for a number of reasons such as policy cancellation, policy non-renewal, unfair underwriting practices and an unsatisfactory settlement offer. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding a new company is less work than it seems.

We’ve covered a lot of tips how to compare 2003 Mazda Tribute insurance prices online. It’s most important to understand that the more quotes you get, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may be surprised to find that the best prices are with a small local company.

As you prepare to switch companies, never buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many situations where an accident victim reduced physical damage coverage only to discover later that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage at the lowest possible cost while not skimping on critical coverages.

Other information

• Auto Insurance FAQ (Farmers Insurance)
• Auto Insurance Basics (Insurance Information Insitute)
• Young Drivers: The High Risk Years Video (iihs.org)
• When is the Right Time to Switch Car Insurance Companies? (Allstate)