Compare 1998 Suzuki Esteem Insurance Cost

Did you come to the realization that you have an overpriced car insurance policy? Believe me, there are many drivers thinking the same thing. Since you have so many car insurance companies to choose from, it’s difficult to locate the most affordable insurer.

It’s important to check car insurance prices yearly because prices tend to go up over time. Just because you found the best rate for Esteem insurance a couple years back there is a good chance you can find better premium rates now. Block out anything you think you know about car insurance because I’m going to let you in on the secrets to the proper way to lower your rates without sacrificing coverage.

How to shop car insurance online

Lowering your 1998 Suzuki Esteem car insurance rates is not a difficult process. All you need to do is take time comparing rate quotes from some recommended companies. This can be done by using one of the methods below.

One of the best ways to get quotes for comparison is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This style of form prevents you from having to do separate quote forms to each individual car insurance company. One simple form gets you coverage quotes from many national carriers.
A different way to compare prices is to take the time to go to the website for every company you want to comare and fill out a new quote form. For sake of this example, we’ll pretend you want to compare Farmers, 21st Century and Progressive. You would be required to visit each site and punch in your information repeatedly, and that’s why the first method is more popular. For a list of companies in your area, click here.

The approach you take is up to you, just double check that you are using apples-to-apples coverage limits and deductibles for every quote you compare. If the quotes have different liability limits it’s impossible to determine the best price for your Suzuki Esteem.

Cut your insurance rates with discounts

The cost of insuring your cars can be expensive, but you can get discounts to help offset the cost. Most are applied at the time you complete a quote, but once in a while a discount must be inquired about before you get the savings.

Save with a New Car – Putting insurance coverage on a new car is cheaper since new model year vehicles are generally safer.
Safe Drivers – Drivers without accidents may save up to 50% more for Esteem insurance compared to accident prone drivers.
Driver’s Education for Students – Have your child participate in a local driver’s education class if offered at their school.
No Charge for an Accident – This one isn’t a discount, but certain companies will allow you to have one accident without getting socked with a rate hike so long as you are claim-free for a set time period.
Sign Online – Many insurance companies may give you up to $50 just for signing your application digitally online.
Homeowners Savings – Being a homeowner can help you save on insurance because of the fact that having a home demonstrates responsibility.

Don’t be surprised that most of the big mark downs will not be given to all coverage premiums. Most only apply to specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. So even though you would think it’s possible to get free car insurance, insurance companies aren’t that generous. But all discounts will lower your policy premiums.

A few popular companies and a summarized list of policyholder discounts are:

Farmers Insurance includes discounts for alternative fuel, bundle discounts, good student, electronic funds transfer, homeowner, mature driver, and pay in full.
State Farm discounts include anti-theft, defensive driving training, accident-free, good student, driver’s education, passive restraint, and multiple autos.
Liberty Mutual may have discounts that include preferred payment discount, hybrid vehicle, new vehicle discount, newly married, safety features, multi-policy, and newly retired.
MetLife policyholders can earn discounts including multi-policy, defensive driver, accident-free, good student, and claim-free.
Progressive offers discounts for online signing, continuous coverage, good student, multi-vehicle, and homeowner.

Double check with every prospective company what discounts are available to you. Some of the earlier mentioned discounts might not apply in your area. To locate insurers that provide some of the discounts listed above, click here.

You are unique and your insurance should be too

When choosing proper insurance coverage, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Everyone’s needs are different and your policy should reflect that. For instance, these questions might point out if your insurance needs would benefit from an agent’s advice.

Who is covered when they drive my 1998 Suzuki Esteem?
Are my tools covered if they get stolen from my vehicle?
Is borrowed equipment or tools covered if stolen or damaged?
What are the financial responsibility laws in my state?
Where can I find DUI or SR-22 insurance?
Are split liability limits better than a combined single limit?
Is pleasure use cheaper than using my 1998 Suzuki Esteem to commute?
What is the difference between comprehensive and collision coverage?
Can I afford low physical damage deductibles?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but one or more may apply to you, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and can provide invaluable advice.

Auto insurance coverages

Knowing the specifics of your policy helps when choosing appropriate coverage and the correct deductibles and limits. Policy terminology can be confusing and reading a policy is terribly boring. These are typical coverage types offered by car insurance companies.

Coverage for liability

This can cover damage that occurs to people or other property by causing an accident. This insurance protects YOU from legal claims by others. Liability doesn’t cover damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.

Coverage consists of three different limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have limits of 100/300/100 that translate to a limit of $100,000 per injured person, $300,000 for the entire accident, and property damage coverage for $100,000. Alternatively, you may have a combined single limit or CSL which provides one coverage limit rather than limiting it on a per person basis.

Liability coverage protects against claims like repair bills for other people’s vehicles, medical expenses, pain and suffering, bail bonds and funeral expenses. How much liability coverage do you need? That is your choice, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase higher limits if possible.

Collision coverage

This pays for damage to your Esteem resulting from a 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 insurance covers things like hitting a mailbox, backing into a parked car, colliding with another moving vehicle, hitting a parking meter and colliding with a tree. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from lower value vehicles. Drivers also have the option to choose a higher deductible in order to get cheaper collision rates.

Medical expense coverage

Med pay and PIP coverage pay for immediate expenses such as surgery, ambulance fees, dental work and funeral costs. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance plan or if there is no health insurance coverage. It covers all vehicle occupants and will also cover any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP coverage is only offered in select states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage

Uninsured or underinsured coverage

Your UM/UIM coverage provides protection from other drivers when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered claims include injuries to you and your family and damage to your Suzuki Esteem.

Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is a good idea. Frequently these limits are set the same as your liablity limits.

Comprehensive protection

This coverage covers 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, hitting a bird, damage from a tornado or hurricane, rock chips in glass and damage from flooding. The maximum payout you’ll receive from a claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider removing comprehensive coverage.