If you want to save the most money, the best way to find affordable Saab 9-3 insurance is to start doing a yearly price comparison from insurers who provide car insurance in Durham.
- First, spend some time learning about how companies price auto insurance and the modifications you can make to keep rates low. Many things that increase rates like at-fault accidents and a less-than-favorable credit history can be controlled by making minor changes in your lifestyle.
- Second, request price quotes from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Direct and exclusive agents can only give rate quotes from a single company like Progressive or Allstate, while agents who are independent can provide price quotes for many different companies.
- Third, compare the new rate quotes to the premium of your current policy and see if you can save money. If you can save money, verify that coverage does not lapse between policies.
A good piece of advice is to try to use similar deductibles and liability limits on each quote and and to get rate quotes from as many carriers as you can. Doing this provides a fair rate comparison and a better comparison of the market.
Smart shoppers know that auto insurance companies want to keep you from comparing rates. People who compare rates once a year will, in all likelihood, buy a different policy because they stand a good chance of finding more affordable rates. A recent survey found that people who compared price quotes annually saved $860 a year compared to drivers who never shopped around for lower prices.
If saving money on Saab 9-3 insurance in Durham is your objective, knowing how to find and compare car insurance can make the process less intimidating.
How do Insurance Companies Determine Saab 9-3 Insurance Rates?
Lots of factors are part of the calculation when you get a price on insurance. Most are fairly basic like a motor vehicle report, but some are more obscure like your vehicle usage or your commute time. It’s important that you understand some of the elements that are used to determine your policy premiums. If you have some idea of what impacts premium levels, this empowers consumers to make smart changes that can earn you big savings.
The list below includes some of the items that factor into your prices.
- Lower premiums with alarm systems – Choosing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can earn a premium discount. Anti-theft features such as LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system can thwart car theft and help bring rates down.
- Annual mileage impacts costs – The more miles you rack up on your Saab in a year the higher your rates will be. A lot of insurance companies apply a rate based upon how much you drive. Vehicles that do not get driven very much can get a lower rate than those that get driven frequently. Improper usage on your 9-3 can cost quite a bit. Double check that your vehicle rating shows how each vehicle is driven, because improper ratings can cost you money.
- Consolidate and save – The majority of insurers allow a discount to insureds that have more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. This can amount to as much as ten percent or more If you currently are using one company, it’s always a smart idea to get quotes from other companies to guarantee you are still saving the most.
-
Tickets drive up prices – A bad driving record has a big impact on rates. Attentive drivers pay less for auto insurance than people who have multiple driving citations. Even a single speeding ticket or other violation can increase the cost of insurance by twenty percent. Drivers who have received multiple violations such as DUI, reckless driving or excessive speeding may face state-mandated requirements to maintain a SR-22 with their state’s licensing department in order to continue driving.
The information below illustrates how traffic citations and at-fault claims can influence Saab 9-3 insurance costs for different age groups of insureds. The rate quotes are based on a single female driver, full physical damage coverage, $100 deductibles, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
- Save by staying claim free – Insurance companies in North Carolina give the lowest premiums to policyholders who are claim-free. If you frequently file small claims, you can look forward to either policy cancellation or increased premiums. Your insurance policy is intended for more catastrophic claims.
- Always keep your coverage in force – Driving without insurance can get your license suspended and any future policy may cost more because you let your insurance expire. Not only will rates go up, being ticketed for driving with no insurance might get you a fine, jail time, or a revoked license.
Premium rates and analysis
The rate table displayed next outlines estimates of insurance prices for Saab 9-3 models. Understanding how insurance policy premiums are calculated can be of help when making decisions when choosing a new policy provider.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9-3 2.0T 4-Dr Sedan | $152 | $318 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $796 | $66 |
9-3 2.0T Station Wagon | $152 | $318 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $796 | $66 |
9-3 2.0T XWD 4-Dr Sedan | $152 | $318 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $796 | $66 |
9-3 Aero 4-Dr Sedan | $170 | $366 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $862 | $72 |
9-3 2.0T 2-Dr Convertible | $170 | $366 | $282 | $16 | $84 | $918 | $77 |
9-3 2.0T XWD Station Wagon | $170 | $366 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $862 | $72 |
9-3 Aero Station Wagon | $170 | $366 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $862 | $72 |
9-3 Aero XWD 4-Dr Sedan | $170 | $366 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $862 | $72 |
9-3 Aero 2-Dr Convertible | $186 | $414 | $282 | $16 | $84 | $982 | $82 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Table data represents single male driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and North Carolina minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, homeowner, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, and claim-free. Rate information does not factor in vehicle garaging location which can affect rates substantially.
Rate comparison for different deductibles
The hardest decision when buying coverage is how high should the deductibles for physical damage be. The premium rates below may aid in understanding how much more rates are between high and low insurance deductibles. The first rate estimation uses a $250 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage and the second pricing table uses a $500 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9-3 2.0T 4-Dr Sedan | $218 | $382 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $913 | $76 |
9-3 2.0T Station Wagon | $218 | $382 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $913 | $76 |
9-3 2.0T XWD 4-Dr Sedan | $218 | $382 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $913 | $76 |
9-3 Aero 4-Dr Sedan | $242 | $440 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $995 | $83 |
9-3 2.0T 2-Dr Convertible | $242 | $440 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,045 | $87 |
9-3 2.0T XWD Station Wagon | $242 | $440 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $995 | $83 |
9-3 Aero Station Wagon | $242 | $440 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $995 | $83 |
9-3 Aero XWD 4-Dr Sedan | $242 | $440 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $995 | $83 |
9-3 Aero 2-Dr Convertible | $266 | $498 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,127 | $94 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9-3 2.0T 4-Dr Sedan | $176 | $308 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $772 | $64 |
9-3 2.0T Station Wagon | $176 | $308 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $772 | $64 |
9-3 2.0T XWD 4-Dr Sedan | $176 | $308 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $772 | $64 |
9-3 Aero 4-Dr Sedan | $196 | $354 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $838 | $70 |
9-3 2.0T 2-Dr Convertible | $196 | $354 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $888 | $74 |
9-3 2.0T XWD Station Wagon | $196 | $354 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $838 | $70 |
9-3 Aero Station Wagon | $196 | $354 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $838 | $70 |
9-3 Aero XWD 4-Dr Sedan | $196 | $354 | $212 | $12 | $64 | $838 | $70 |
9-3 Aero 2-Dr Convertible | $216 | $402 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $956 | $80 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Premium data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and North Carolina minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-policy, claim-free, multi-vehicle, and safe-driver. Rate quotes do not factor in specific location which can revise price quotes significantly.
We can estimate from the data above that using a $250 deductible costs an average of $12 more each month or $144 annually than quoting the higher $500 deductible. Due to the fact that you would have to pay $250 more to settle a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you tend to average more than 21 months between claim filings, you would probably come out ahead if you choose a higher deductible.
How to determine when to raise your deductibles
Average monthly premium for $250 deductibles: | $82 |
Average monthly premium for $500 deductibles (subtract): | – $70 |
Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $12 |
Difference between deductibles ($500 – $250): | $250 |
Divide difference by monthly savings: | $250 / $12 |
Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 21 months |
An important sidenote is that increasing deductibles to save money results in having to pay to pay more out-of-pocket when you have a claim. You must have some money saved in the event you need to pay the higher deductible.
The diagram below shows how choosing a deductible and can affect Saab 9-3 insurance costs for different age categories. Data assumes a married female driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, and no discounts are factored in.
Cheaper rates with these discounts
Car insurance is easily one of your largest bills, but companies offer discounts that may help make it more affordable. Larger premium reductions will be automatically applied at the time of purchase, but some may not be applied and must be specifically requested before being credited.
- Memberships – Being a member of qualifying clubs or civic groups may earn a discount when shopping for car insurance.
- ABS Brakes – Cars with ABS and/or traction control are much safer to drive and the ABS can save up to 10%.
- Defensive Driver Discount – Participating in a safe driver course can save you 5% or more depending on where you live.
- Early Payment Discounts – By paying your entire bill at once as opposed to paying monthly you could save 5% or more.
- Switch and Save Discount – Select insurance companies give a discount for buying a new policy prior to the expiration date on your current 9-3 insurance policy. This discount can save up to 10%.
- Accident Forgiveness – This isn’t a discount exactly, but some companies like State Farm and Allstate may permit one accident without getting socked with a rate hike if you have no claims for a set time period.
- Student Driver Training – Have your child successfully complete driver’s ed class as it will make them better drivers and lower rates.
- Own a Home and Save – Just owning your own home may earn you a small savings because of the fact that having a home shows financial diligence.
- Service Members Pay Less – Having an actively deployed family member could be rewarded with lower prices.
- Multi-policy Discount – If you have multiple policies and insure them both with the same insurance company you may earn nearly 15% which can help you find the cheapest Saab 9-3 insurance in Durham.
One thing to note about discounts is that some credits don’t apply to the entire cost. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. Even though it may seem like adding up those discounts means a free policy, that’s just not realistic.
The example below visualizes the comparison of Saab 9-3 yearly insurance costs with and without policy discounts. The data assumes a male driver, no violations or claims, North Carolina state minimum liability limits, full physical damage coverage, and $1,000 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-car, marriage, claim-free, homeowner, multi-policy, and safe-driver discounts applied.
A few of the larger companies and a partial list of their discounts are outlined below.
- State Farm includes discounts for safe vehicle, good student, multiple autos, driver’s education, multiple policy, and anti-theft.
- Farmers Insurance may have discounts that include good student, pay in full, switch companies, business and professional, and mature driver.
- GEICO has savings for emergency military deployment, five-year accident-free, anti-theft, defensive driver, multi-vehicle, and good student.
- American Family offers discounts for Steer into Savings, accident-free, bundled insurance, multi-vehicle, good driver, and early bird.
- Nationwide offers discounts including defensive driving, accident-free, business or organization, Farm Bureau membership, anti-theft, and good student.
- Progressive offers premium reductions for good student, continuous coverage, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, online signing, online quote discount, and homeowner.
Double check with each insurance company how many discounts you can get. Some discounts may not apply to policyholders in Durham. To find companies who offer free Saab 9-3 insurance quotes in North Carolina, click here to view.
Best car insurance in North Carolina
Picking a good quality company is hard considering how many choices drivers have in Durham. The company ratings displayed below could help you pick which auto insurance companies you want to consider shopping prices with.
Top 10 Durham Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Value
- Travelers
- American Family
- AAA Insurance
- Safeco Insurance
- Progressive
- The Hartford
- The General
- 21st Century
- Esurance
- Titan Insurance
Top 10 Durham Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Customer Satisfaction
- USAA – 91%
- AAA Insurance – 90%
- Esurance – 90%
- Nationwide – 89%
- Travelers – 88%
- Progressive – 88%
- Safeco Insurance – 88%
- State Farm – 88%
- Allstate – 88%
- The Hartford – 87%
More quotes mean more car insurance savings
We just presented some good ideas how to get a better price on Saab 9-3 insurance in Durham. The key concept to understand is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your comparison will be. You may even find the biggest savings come from a small local company. Regional companies may often insure only within specific states and give better rates as compared to the big name companies such as GEICO and State Farm.
When searching for inexpensive Durham car insurance quotes, it’s very important that you do not skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many situations where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits only to discover later that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your focus should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the lowest possible cost.
Additional car insurance information is available at these links:
- Child Safety FAQ (iihs.org)
- How Much is Durham Car Insurance for Young Drivers? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Car Insurance for First-time Drivers in Durham? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates for a Honda Accord in Durham? (FAQ)
- What is a Telematics Device? (Allstate)
- Safety Belts FAQ (iihs.org)
- Automakers compete to add autobraking (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Rental Car Insurance Tips (Insurance Information Institute)