2012 Toyota RAV4 EV Car Insurance Cost – 9 Ideas for Cheaper Prices

There isn’t anyone who likes buying auto insurance, in particular when they are paying too much.

Many auto insurance companies vie for your hard-earned dollar, and it can be difficult to compare rates to find the cheapest price

If you currently have a car insurance policy, you will most likely be able to reduce your rates substantially using these techniques. Buying car insurance is easy if you know what you’re doing. But drivers must understand the way insurance companies compete online and take advantage of how the system works.

Auto insurance companies offer many types of discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don’t list all available discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so the next list breaks down both well-publicized and also the more inconspicuous ways to save on auto insurance.

• Paperless Signup – A handful of auto insurance companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for completing your application over the internet.
• Anti-lock Brakes – Cars, trucks, and SUVs with ABS and/or traction control can avoid accidents and the ABS can save up to 10%.
• Discounts for Multiple Vehicles – Purchasing coverage when you have several vehicles on one policy can reduce rates for all insured vehicles.
• Buy New and Save – Insuring a vehicle that is new may earn a small discount since newer vehicles have better safety ratings.
• Low Mileage Discounts – Driving less may enable drivers to earn cheaper prices.
• Senior Citizen Rates – Drivers that qualify as senior citizens can get better auto insurance rates on RAV4 EV insurance.
• Passive Restraints – Factory air bags or automatic seat belts could see savings of 25 to 30%.
• Bundle and Save – If you can combine your auto and home policy with the same insurance company you may earn nearly 15% which can help you find the cheapest auto insurance.
• Good Student Discount – Maintaining excellent grades can get you a discount of up to 25%. This discount can apply until age 25.

A little note about advertised discounts, some of the credits will not apply to all coverage premiums. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears all those discounts means the company will pay you, companies don’t profit that way.

Large auto insurance companies and a partial list of their discounts can be read below.

• State Farm may include discounts for accident-free, good student, driver’s education, Drive Safe & Save, Steer Clear safe driver discount, and multiple policy.
• Geico has discounts for air bags, driver training, defensive driver, emergency military deployment, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft, and military active duty.
• SAFECO includes discounts for bundle discounts, drive less, teen safe driver, anti-lock brakes, and safe driver.
• Farmers Insurance has savings for alternative fuel, bundle discounts, multi-car, early shopping, homeowner, good student, and mature driver.
• AAA offers discounts for good student, education and occupation, pay-in-full, multi-policy, good driver, multi-car, and anti-theft.
• USAA policyholders can earn discounts including safe driver, multi-vehicle, new vehicle, military installation, family discount, loyalty savings, and annual mileage.

When getting a coverage quote, ask every company which discounts you may be entitled to. Some of the discounts discussed earlier might not be offered on policies in your area. If you would like to choose from a list of providers who offer discounts, click this link.

Do I just need basic coverages?

When it comes to buying adequate coverage, there really is no cookie cutter policy. Every situation is different so your insurance should reflect that Here are some questions about coverages that can help discover if you may require specific advice.

• Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
• How much can I save by bundling my policies?
• Will filing a claim cost me more?
• What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
• Is my custom paint covered by insurance?
• Why am I required to buy high-risk coverage?
• How much liability coverage do I need in my state?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions but you know they apply to you, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, take a second and complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies.

Auto insurance coverages 101

Understanding the coverages of your policy can help you determine appropriate coverage for your vehicles. Policy terminology can be confusing and coverage can change by endorsement. Shown next are the normal coverages found on most auto insurance policies.

Collision insurance

This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies and then insurance will cover the remainder.

Collision coverage pays for things such as sustaining damage from a pot hole, hitting a mailbox, crashing into a ditch, rolling your car and driving through your garage door. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from older vehicles. Drivers also have the option to bump up the deductible to bring the cost down.

Uninsured or underinsured coverage

This coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other drivers when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. This coverage pays for injuries to you and your family as well as your vehicle’s damage.

Due to the fact that many drivers carry very low liability coverage limits, it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is very important.

Liability coverages

Liability coverage protects you from injuries or damage you cause to other’s property or people in an accident. It protects you against claims from other people. It does not cover your injuries or vehicle damage.

Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. You might see limits of 100/300/100 that translate to $100,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, $300,000 for the entire accident, and a total limit of $100,000 for damage to vehicles and property.

Liability coverage protects against things such as emergency aid, medical services and loss of income. How much liability should you purchase? That is up to you, but buy higher limits if possible.

Medical expense coverage

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage pay for bills for rehabilitation expenses, funeral costs, chiropractic care, doctor visits and dental work. They are used in conjunction with a health insurance program or if you are not covered by health insurance. It covers you and your occupants in addition to being hit by a car walking across the street. Personal injury protection coverage is not an option in every state but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage

Comprehensive protection

This pays for damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first must pay your deductible then your comprehensive coverage will pay.

Comprehensive insurance covers claims like damage from getting keyed, theft and rock chips in glass. The maximum amount your auto insurance company will pay is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Affordable insurance is out there

Some insurance coverage companies do not provide price quotes online and most of the time these smaller providers provide coverage only through independent agencies. Cheaper insurance coverage can be purchased both online as well as from independent agents, so compare prices from both to have the best chance of lowering rates.

While you’re price shopping online, it’s not a good idea to sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. In many cases, drivers have reduced collision coverage only to discover later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your focus should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at the best cost, but don’t skip important coverages to save money.

To learn more, feel free to visit the following helpful articles:

• Five Mistakes to Avoid (Insurance Information Insitute)
• How Much are Auto Insurance Rates for a Toyota RAV4 in Virginia Beach? (VBInsure.com)
• Steps to Take After an Auto Accident (Insurance Information Insitute)
• What is Covered by GAP Insurance? (Allstate)
• What is Covered by an Auto Insurance Policy? (Insurance Information Insitute)
• Safety Belts FAQ (iihs.org)
• Rental Car Insurance Tips (Insurance Information Insitute)