2005 Toyota RAV4 Insurance Quotes – 9 Tips for Cheaper Rates

Looking for cheaper car insurance rates for your Toyota RAV4? No one in their right mind is fond of buying car insurance, especially knowing the price is too high. Because there are so many car insurance companies to choose from, it is very difficult to choose the most cost effective car insurance company.

It’s a good idea to compare premium rates occasionally because prices are usually higher with each renewal. If you had the lowest rate for RAV4 insurance last year there may be better deals available now. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because you’re about to find out the proper way to find great coverage at a great price.

Are you getting every discount?

Auto insurance companies don’t always list all disounts very clearly, so the following list contains both well-publicized and the harder-to-find credits that may apply to you. If you’re not getting every credit available, you are throwing money away.

  • Responsible Drivers – Safe drivers may save up to 50% more for RAV4 insurance than less cautious drivers.
  • Paper-free Discount – Certain larger companies provide a small discount shop car insurance on your computer.
  • Distant College Student Discount – Any of your kids who are enrolled in higher education away from home and do not have a car may qualify for this discount.
  • Defensive Driver – Completing a course in driver safety could save 5% or more if you qualify.
  • Clubs and Organizations – Affiliation with qualifying clubs or civic groups may earn a discount on your next renewal.
  • Multi-line Discount – Not every insurance company offers life insurance, but if they do you may earn a small discount if you purchase auto and life insurance together.
  • Low Mileage – Driving fewer miles can earn lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
  • Passive Restraint Discount – Factory options such as air bags can qualify for discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • Discount for New Cars – Buying coverage on a new vehicle can get you a discount due to better safety requirements for newer vehicles.

Discounts save money, but please remember that most discounts do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most cut the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like adding up those discounts means a free policy, nobody gets a free ride. But all discounts will reduce your overall premium however.

For a list of insurers who offer free insurance coverage quotes, click here.

When in doubt talk to an agent

When buying the right insurance coverage, there isn’t really a one size fits all plan. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs so your insurance needs to address that. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out if your insurance needs would benefit from professional advice.

  • Does my personal policy cover me when driving out-of-state?
  • What are the financial responsibility laws in my state?
  • Will I be non-renewed for getting a DUI or other conviction?
  • Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
  • Where can I find DUI or SR-22 insurance?
  • Which is better, split liability limits or combined limits?
  • Am I covered if I break a side mirror?
  • Do I need medical payments coverage since I have good health insurance?
  • How high should my uninsured/underinsured coverage be in my state?
  • Should I rate my 2005 Toyota RAV4 as pleasure use or commute?

If you can’t answer these questions but a few of them apply, you might consider talking to 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 is quick, free and can help protect your family.

Specific coverages for a 2005 Toyota RAV4

Having a good grasp of a auto insurance policy can be of help when determining appropriate coverage and proper limits and deductibles. Policy terminology can be difficult to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring. These are typical coverage types found on most auto insurance policies.

Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance

Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle when the “other guys” either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. This coverage pays for injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and also any damage incurred to your Toyota RAV4.

Since a lot of drivers only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family.

Liability auto insurance

Liability insurance will cover damage or injury you incur to other people or property. It protects you from claims by other people. Liability doesn’t cover damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.

Coverage consists of three different limits, per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. You might see limits of 25/50/25 that translate to a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and a limit of $25,000 paid for damaged property.

Liability coverage pays for things such as bail bonds, legal defense fees, loss of income and structural damage. How much liability coverage do you need? That is a personal decision, but buy as much as you can afford.

Collision coverage protection

This covers damage to your RAV4 resulting from a collision with an object or car. You first must pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision coverage pays for things like rolling your car, crashing into a building and sustaining damage from a pot hole. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from lower value vehicles. Drivers also have the option to increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Insurance for medical payments

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP reimburse you for immediate expenses for things like dental work, X-ray expenses and nursing services. They are often utilized in addition to your health insurance program or if you do not have health coverage. Coverage applies to you and your occupants and will also cover if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal Injury Protection is not universally available but can be used in place of medical payments coverage

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)

This covers damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first have to pay a deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage pays for claims such as a tree branch falling on your vehicle, a broken windshield, vandalism, falling objects and damage from getting keyed. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low consider removing comprehensive coverage.

In conclusion

We just covered some good ideas how to save on 2005 Toyota RAV4 insurance. The key concept to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the better likelihood of getting low cost car insurance. Consumers may even find the lowest priced car insurance comes from a small local company. These smaller insurers often have lower premium rates on specific markets than their larger competitors like Allstate or State Farm.

More affordable car insurance can be found online in addition to many insurance agents, so you need to quote car insurance with both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some car insurance companies may not provide the ability to get quotes online and many times these small insurance companies prefer to sell through independent agents.

Additional articles