Remarkably, a study showed that almost 70% of insureds have bought car insurance from the same company for at least the last four years, and roughly 40% of drivers have never even compared rates from other companies. Most drivers in California could save approximately $500 a year just by getting comparison quotes, but they underestimate the amount of money they would save if they replace their high priced policy.
Really, the only way to get more affordable car insurance rates is to do an annual price comparison from insurers that insure vehicles in Oakland. You can compare rates by following these guidelines.
First, gain an understanding of what is in your policy and the measures you can take to drop your rates. Many things that result in higher rates like speeding tickets, accidents and a not-so-good credit score can be improved by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility.
Second, obtain price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can provide rates from one company like GEICO or State Farm, while independent agencies can provide rate quotes from multiple insurance companies.
Third, compare the price quotes to your current policy to see if a cheaper rate is available. If you find better rates and decide to switch, make sure there is no coverage gap between policies.
Fourth, tell your current company to cancel your current coverage and submit the required down payment along with the signed application for the new policy. Once received, put the proof of insurance certificate in an easily accessible location in your vehicle.
One key aspect when comparing rates is to use identical coverage information on every quote and and to get rates from all possible companies. This ensures the most accurate price comparison and plenty of rates choose from.
Buying affordable insurance in Oakland is really not that difficult. Virtually every vehicle owner who comparison shops for insurance should be able to find lower rates. Although California car owners benefit from understanding the way insurance companies price insurance differently because rates are impacted by many factors.
Low cost Chevy Uplander insurance prices in Oakland, California
To find low cost Oakland car insurance quotes, there are several ways of comparing price quotes from all the different companies. The fastest way to find competitive insurance rates is to jump online and get quotes. When price shopping your coverage, more quotes helps you find the best price.
The auto insurance companies shown below provide comparison quotes in California. If you want cheap car insurance in California, we suggest you visit several of them to get the most affordable price.
Compare rates but buy from a local Oakland insurance agency
Many people still like to get advice from a local agent and often times that is recommended One of the great benefits of price shopping on the web is that you can obtain cheap rate quotes and also buy local.
To find an agent, once you fill out this short form, your information is transmitted to insurance agents in Oakland who will gladly provide quotes to get your business. You never need to contact any insurance agencies as quotes are delivered to your email. You can find better rates and an insurance agent to talk to. In the event you want to get a comparison quote from a specific insurance provider, you would need to find their quoting web page and complete a quote there.
Finding the right provider should depend on more than just the bottom line cost. Here are some questions to ask:
- How does the company pay claims for a total loss?
- How experienced are they in personal risk management?
- Can you get a list of referrals?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Are there any discounts that you might be missing?
- What kind of financial rating does the company have?
If you want to buy insurance from a reliable insurance agency, there are two different types of agents and how they differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies can be described as either exclusive agents or independent agents.
Exclusive Agents
These type of agents can only place business with one company and examples are Farmers Insurance, Allstate, or State Farm. These agents are not able to give you multiple price quotes so keep that in mind. Exclusive insurance agents are usually well trained on their products and sales techniques which can be an advantage. Consumers frequently choose to use a exclusive agent mostly because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.
Listed below are exclusive insurance agents in Oakland who may provide you with price quote information.
- Farmers Insurance – Kim McGuire Reid
4323 Piedmont Ave – Oakland, CA 94611 – (510) 428-2016 – View Map - Fernando Valenzuela – State Farm Insurance
1236 30th Ave – Oakland, CA 94601 – (510) 533-9712 – View Map - Farmers Insurance – Pamela Spikes
3410 Lakeshore Ave #204 – Oakland, CA 94610 – (510) 832-1005 – View Map
Independent Agents
These type of agents are not employed by any specific company so they can quote policies with many different companies and get the cheapest rates. If they find a cheaper price, your agent can just switch to a different company and you don’t have to do anything.
If you are comparing rate quotes, you absolutely need to check rates from a few independent agents to get the best comparison. Many write coverage with companies you’ve never heard of which may have better rates.
The following are independent insurance agencies in Oakland that are able to give price quote information.
- Travel Insurance Agency
610 16th St #508 – Oakland, CA 94612 – (510) 452-3366 – View Map - Fred Loya Insurance
1620 High St STE B – Oakland, CA 94601 – (510) 434-1801 – View Map - Film Casualty Insurance Agency
3246 Ettie St #23 – Oakland, CA 94608 – (619) 578-3048 – View Map