Car Insurance Quotes for a Volkswagen Jetta in Baltimore

Volkswagen Jetta insurance image courtesy of QuoteInspector.com

It takes a little time, but the best way to get more affordable car insurance rates is to regularly compare quotes from different companies who provide auto insurance in Baltimore.

1. Get an understanding of the different coverages in a policy and the things you can control to prevent high rates. Many rating factors that result in higher rates like your driving record and poor credit history can be controlled by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes.
2. Request rate estimates from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Exclusive agents and direct companies can only provide price estimates from a single company like GEICO or State Farm, while independent agencies can provide prices for many different companies.
3. Compare the price quotes to your existing rates and determine if there is any savings. If you find better rates and make a switch, make sure the effective date of the new policy is the same as the expiration date of the old one.

An essential thing to point out is that you'll want to compare identical deductibles and limits on each quote request and and to analyze as many different insurance providers as possible. This ensures a fair rate comparison and a better comparison of the market.

We don't have to tell you that car insurance companies don't want you to look for cheaper rates. People who compare rates once a year are very likely to switch companies because of the high probability of getting low-cost coverage. A study showed that consumers who faithfully checked for cheaper rates saved an average of $865 annually compared to people who don't regularly compare prices.

If finding the cheapest price for insurance in Baltimore is your target objective, understanding how to quote prices and compare car insurance can save time, money, and frustration.

Finding the cheapest auto insurance coverage in Baltimore is easy if you know what you're doing. If you have a policy now, you will most likely be able to reduce the price you pay using the concepts you're about to learn. Smart shoppers just have to understand how to compare different rates instantly.

Best companies for Volkswagen Jetta insurance

The following companies can provide free quotes in Maryland. To locate cheaper auto insurance in Baltimore, MD, it's a good idea that you visit as many as you can to find the most affordable auto insurance rates.

Coverage analysis

The coverage information displayed next covers detailed analysis of insurance costs for Volkswagen Jetta models. Having a better idea how rate quotes are formulated can help you make decisions on which coverage to buy.

Data assumes married female driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and Maryland minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, safe-driver, homeowner, claim-free, and multi-policy. Table data does not factor in specific garaging location which can raise or lower auto insurance rates substantially.

Should you raise deductibles?

When comparing car insurance rates, the most common question is what deductibles to buy. The following insurance rates can help show the differences in premium rates when you buy lower versus higher insurance deductibles. The first data table uses a $100 deductible and the second data table uses a $500 deductible.

Data based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Maryland minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, homeowner, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, and claim-free. Price estimates do not factor in specific zip code location which can influence premium rates greatly.

We can derive from the above data that using a $100 deductible will cost in the ballpark of $30 more each month or $360 annually across all Volkswagen Jetta models than opting for the higher $500 deductible. Since the policyholder would be required to pay $400 more if you turn in a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to go more than 13 months between claims, you would more than likely save some money if you decide on a higher deductible.

Impact of violations and accidents on rates

The diagram below demonstrates how speeding tickets and at-fault accidents can impact Volkswagen Jetta auto insurance costs for different age groups of insureds. The price estimates are based on a married male driver, full physical damage coverage, $100 deductibles, and no discounts are factored in.

Rate comparison of males versus females in Baltimore

The illustration below compares Volkswagen Jetta car insurance costs for male and female drivers. The rates are based on no accidents or driving violations, full physical damage coverage, $1,000 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are factored in.

Get cheaper Volkswagen Jetta insurance in Baltimore with discounts

Car insurance companies don't always list all possible discounts very clearly, so the list below details some of the more common as well as the least known credits that may apply to you.

• Safety Course Discount - Taking time to complete a defensive driving course could save 5% or more and easily recoup the cost of the course.
• Policy Bundle Discount - If you insure your home and vehicles with one company you will save over 10 percent off each policy depending on the company.
• Active Military Service - Having a family member in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
• Accident Free - Drivers who don't have accidents can earn big discounts in comparison to accident-prone drivers.
• Club Memberships - Having an affiliation with a professional or civic organization is a good way to get lower rates on your next car insurance statement.
• Waiver for an Accident - Not a discount per se, but a handful of insurance companies will allow you to have one accident before raising your premiums with the catch being you have to be claim-free for a set time period.
• Payment Method - If you pay your bill all at once instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.
• Discount for Passive Restraints - Vehicles equipped with air bags or motorized seat belts may qualify for discounts up to 30%.
• Auto/Life Discount - Not all car insurance companies offer life insurance, but some may give you a small discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.

Drivers should understand that many deductions do not apply to the whole policy. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like collision or personal injury protection. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, car insurance companies aren't that generous.

The information below compares Volkswagen Jetta insurance costs with and without some available policy discounts. The premiums are based on a male driver, no claims or driving citations, Maryland state minimum liability limits, full physical damage coverage, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with safe-driver, multi-policy, homeowner, marriage, claim-free, and multi-car discounts applied.

A list of car insurance companies and their offered discounts are:

• GEICO may offer discounts for five-year accident-free, seat belt use, daytime running lights, anti-theft, defensive driver, and good student.
• MetLife may have discounts that include accident-free, good student, claim-free, multi-policy, defensive driver, good driver
• State Farm offers discounts including Drive Safe & Save, multiple policy, good student, passive restraint, multiple autos, and good driver.
• Progressive includes discounts for multi-policy, online quote discount, online signing, homeowner, continuous coverage, good student, and multi-vehicle.
• Mercury Insurance discounts include multi-car, type of vehicle, anti-theft, annual mileage, and ease of repair.
• 21st Century has savings for defensive driver, automatic seat belts, air bags, early bird, and anti-lock brakes.
• Allstate has discounts for good payer, farm vehicle, passive restraint, early signing, good student, and premier discount.

It's a good idea to ask each insurance company which discounts can lower your rates. Some of the earlier mentioned discounts may not apply in Baltimore.

Local Baltimore insurance agencies

A lot of people prefer to buy from a licensed agent and there is nothing wrong with that. Most agents are very good at helping people manage risk and give you someone to call. An additional benefit of comparing rate quotes online is you can get the best rates and still choose a local agent.

For easy comparison, once you complete this form (opens in new window), your information is transmitted to participating agents in Baltimore that give free quotes for your insurance coverage. You never need to search for an agent because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. In the event you want to get a price quote from a particular provider, you would need to navigate to their website and fill out the quote form the provide.

Choosing an insurance company should depend on more than just a low price. A good agent in Baltimore will have answers to these questions.

• Has the agent ever had any license suspensions?
• Do they specialize in personal lines coverage in Baltimore?
• Are there any discounts for paying up front?
• What is the agency's Better Business Bureau rating?
• Are they involved in claim handling?

When in doubt talk to an agent

Always keep in mind that when comparing the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really isn't a one-size-fits-all type of policy. Your financial needs are unique and a cookie cutter policy won't apply. For example, these questions could help you determine if your situation might need an agent's assistance.

• Can I still get insurance after a DUI?
• What discounts do I qualify for?
• Is my Volkswagen Jetta covered if I use it for business?
• Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my Volkswagen Jetta is totaled?
• What is GAP insurance?
• Is my custom paint covered by insurance?

If it's difficult to answer those questions but one or more may apply to you then you might want to talk to an agent. If you don't have a local agent, simply complete this short form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It only takes a few minutes and may give you better protection.

Educate yourself about insurance coverages

Knowing the specifics of your insurance policy can be of help when determining the right coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. The terms used in a policy can be impossible to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring. These are the normal coverages offered by insurance companies.

Collision coverage - This coverage pays for damage to your Jetta from colliding with a stationary object or other vehicle. You have to pay a deductible and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.

Collision coverage pays for things such as colliding with a tree, rolling your car, scraping a guard rail, damaging your car on a curb and colliding with another moving vehicle. This coverage can be expensive, so consider dropping it from lower value vehicles. Drivers also have the option to increase the deductible on your Jetta to get cheaper collision coverage.

Auto liability - Liability insurance provides protection from damage or injury you incur to other's property or people in an accident. It protects YOU from claims by other people. Liability doesn't cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.

It consists of three limits, per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have policy limits of 30/60/15 that translate to a $30,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $60,000, and property damage coverage for $15,000.

Liability can pay for things such as attorney fees, bail bonds, medical services, legal defense fees and structural damage. How much liability should you purchase? That is a personal decision, but consider buying as much as you can afford. Maryland state minimum liability requirements are 30/60/15 but you should consider buying better liability coverage.

The illustration below demonstrates why the minimum limit may not be enough.

Comprehensive (Other than Collision) - This covers 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 insurance covers claims such as a broken windshield, hail damage, damage from a tornado or hurricane and hitting a deer. The maximum payout you'll receive from a claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider dropping full coverage.

Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers - Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle's occupants from other motorists when they either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Covered claims include medical payments for you and your occupants and damage to your Volkswagen Jetta.

Since many Maryland drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (30/60/15 in Maryland), their limits can quickly be used up. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is very important.

Medical expense insurance - Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage kick in for expenses like nursing services, dental work and rehabilitation expenses. They are often used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if you are not covered by health insurance. It covers both the driver and occupants and also covers being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP is not universally available but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage

One last thing about your coverage

As you restructure your insurance plan, it's very important that you do not skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. In many cases, an insured cut uninsured motorist or liability limits and learned later that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The goal is to find the BEST coverage at the lowest possible cost, not the least amount of coverage.

Cheap Volkswagen Jetta insurance in Baltimore can be bought from both online companies in addition to many Baltimore insurance agents, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best chance of saving money. There are still a few companies who may not offer online rate quotes and these regional insurance providers prefer to sell through independent insurance agencies.

We just covered many ideas to get a better price on Volkswagen Jetta insurance in Baltimore. The most important thing to understand is the more quotes you get, the better chance you'll have of finding low cost Baltimore car insurance quotes. Drivers may even discover the best price on insurance is with some of the lesser-known companies. Smaller companies can often insure niche markets at a lower cost as compared to the big name companies such as Allstate, GEICO and Progressive.

More resources

• Side Impact Crash Tests (iihs.org)
• How Much are Car Insurance Quotes After a Speeding Ticket in Baltimore? (FAQ)
• Who Has Affordable Car Insurance Rates for a Nissan Sentra in Baltimore? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance for High Mileage Drivers in Baltimore? (FAQ)
• Keeping Children Safe in Crashes Video (iihs.org)
• Things to Know Before you Cancel Insurance (Allstate)
• Senior Drivers (Insurance Information Institute)