1997 Ford Five Hundred Car Insurance Rates – 7 Savings Tips

Wish you could get out of an expensive insurance policy? Believe me, many consumers are in the same pinch.

Due to the large number of insurance companies to choose from, it can be challenging to choose a more affordable insurance company.

How much is auto insurance?

When looking for inexpensive auto insurance quotes, there are a couple ways to compare quotes from many different insurance companies. The quickest method to comparison shop is to use the internet to compare rates. This is quite simple and can be completed in a couple of different ways.

Experts agree that the best way consumers can analyze rates is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This quick form prevents you from having to do repetitive form entry for each price estimate. Taking the time to complete one form gets rate comparisons from many national carriers.

A harder way to find better pricing requires a trip to the website for every company you want to comare and fill out their own quote form. For instance, let’s assume you want to view quotes from Liberty Mutual, Progressive and Travelers. In order to compare rates, you need to spend time on each company’s site and repeatedly type in your coverage information, which is why the first method is more popular.

To view a list of companies in your area, click here.

Which method you use is up to you, but make sure you use the same coverage data on every quote you get. If you compare mixed coverages it will be impossible to make an equal comparison. Just a small difference in limits could mean much higher rates. And when comparison shopping, having more price comparisons gives you a better chance of getting the best offered rates. Some regional insurers cannot provide price estimates online, so it’s important to also get prices from them as well.

Take these seven policy discounts and save

Some insurance providers don’t necessarily list the entire discount list very clearly, so the following list contains a few of the more common and the harder-to-find discounts that you can inquire about if you buy auto insurance online.

  • Theft Deterent Discount – Cars equipped with tracking devices and advanced anti-theft systems help deter theft so companies will give you a small discount.
  • Home Ownership Discount – Owning your own home or condo can help you save on insurance coverage because maintaining a house means you have a higher level of financial diligence.
  • Distant College Student Discount – who attend college more than 100 miles from home and leave their car at home could get you a discount.
  • Data Collection Discounts – Policyholders that allow their insurance company to spy on their driving habits through the use of a telematics system such as Progressive’s Snapshot and State Farm’s In-Drive could possibly reduce rates if they are good drivers.
  • Braking Control Discount – Vehicles that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can avoid accidents and the ABS can save up to 10%.
  • Air Bag Discount – Factory air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can get savings of 25 to 30%.
  • Full Payment Discount – If you pay your bill all at once instead of paying each month you may reduce your total bill.

Just know that most discount credits are not given to all coverage premiums. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. Despite the fact that it seems like you could get a free insurance coverage policy, company stockholders wouldn’t be very happy.

A few companies that may offer most of the discounts above may include but are not limited to:

Double check with each company or agent what discounts are available to you. Depending on the company, some discounts may not be available in your area. To choose insurers with the best discounts, click here to view.

Which policy gives me the best coverage?

When buying coverage, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. Here are some questions about coverages that can aid in determining whether you may require specific advice.

  • Does having multiple vehicles earn me a discount?
  • When should I drop full coverage on my 1997 Ford Five Hundred?
  • I have health insurance so do I need medical payments coverage?
  • Why am I required to buy liability insurance?
  • Do I need added coverage for expensive stereo equipment?
  • Am I covered when driving someone else’s vehicle?

If you can’t answer these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier

Insurance coverage specifics

Understanding the coverages of your insurance policy aids in choosing which coverages you need and the correct deductibles and limits. Policy terminology can be impossible to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy. These are typical coverage types found on the average insurance policy.

Collision protection

Collision coverage covers damage to your Five Hundred caused by collision with another car or object. You will need to pay your deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision coverage pays for claims like sustaining damage from a pot hole, crashing into a ditch, colliding with a tree, damaging your car on a curb and crashing into a building. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so consider removing coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Another option is to increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Uninsured and underinsured coverage

Your UM/UIM coverage gives you protection when other motorists do not carry enough liability coverage. This coverage pays for hospital bills for your injuries and damage to your Ford Five Hundred.

Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is a good idea.

Comprehensive coverages

Comprehensive insurance coverage will pay to fix damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. A deductible will apply then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage pays for claims like damage from getting keyed, theft, vandalism and a broken windshield. The maximum amount you’ll receive from a claim is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Coverage for medical payments

Medical payments and Personal Injury Protection insurance kick in for short-term medical expenses for ambulance fees, chiropractic care, surgery and rehabilitation expenses. They can be used in conjunction with a health insurance plan or if you lack health insurance entirely. They cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and will also cover being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP coverage is not available in all states and may carry a deductible

Liability

This provides protection from damages or injuries you inflict on people or other property that is your fault. This insurance protects YOU against claims from other people. Liability doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.

Coverage consists of three different limits, per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. Your policy might show limits of 25/50/25 which stand for a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and property damage coverage for $25,000.

Liability can pay for things such as structural damage, attorney fees and court costs. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is a personal decision, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase higher limits if possible.