If you want to save money, the best way to save on Ford Escape insurance in San Jose is to regularly compare quotes from different companies that insure vehicles in California.
- Step 1: Read and learn about what is in your policy and the steps you can take to prevent expensive coverage. Many things that result in higher rates such as speeding tickets, accidents and an unacceptable credit score can be controlled by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes.
- Step 2: Request price quotes from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Exclusive and direct companies can only provide price estimates from one company like GEICO and State Farm, while independent agents can give you price quotes from multiple insurance companies.
- Step 3: Compare the new rate quotes to your current policy premium and see if there is a cheaper rate. If you can save money and switch companies, make sure there is no coverage gap between policies.
- Step 4: Provide proper notification to your current company of your decision to cancel your current coverage. Submit a completed application and payment for the new policy. Once received, put the new proof of insurance paperwork in an accessible location in your vehicle.
An essential thing to point out is that you’ll want to make sure you compare the same deductibles and limits on every quote and and to get rates from as many different companies as possible. This ensures a fair price comparison and the best price selection.
Unfortunately, nearly 70% of drivers renewed their policy with the same company for more than four years, and practically 40% of insurance customers have never quoted insurance rates at all. Consumers in California could save as much as $470 each year by just comparing quotes, but they just assume it’s a time-consuming process to save money by comparing rate quotes.
If you already have coverage or need new coverage, you can follow these tips to get lower rates without sacrificing coverage. Finding and comparing affordable coverage in San Jose is not as confusing as people think. Drivers just need to learn the quickest way to compare price quotes instantly.
How Your Escape Insurance Costs are Determined
Part of the insurance buying process is learning some of the elements that go into determining the level of your policy premiums. If you have a feel for what determines premiums, this empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get lower insurance prices.
The list below includes some of the major factors utilized by car insurance companies to help set your rates.
Marriage is a factor – Being married helps lower the price on insurance. It translates into being more mature and insurance companies like that married drivers tend to file fewer claims.
Cheaper rates for prior coverage – Going without insurance is a quick way to drive up your policy premiums. And not only will insurance be more expensive, failure to provide proof of insurance may result in a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.
Save by driving less – The more you drive annually the more you’ll pay to insure it. Many insurance companies rate vehicles determined by how the vehicle is used. Vehicles that do not get driven very much receive lower rates compared to those used for work or business. Double check that your insurance coverage shows the right rating data. Having an incorrect usage rating on your Escape may be wasting your money.
Cheaper insurance rates with safer cars – Vehicles that have high safety ratings tend to be cheaper to insure. These vehicles reduce injuries and better occupant protection translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims and thus lower rates.
Do men or women drive better? – Statistics have proven women are more cautious behind the wheel. This data doesn’t prove that men are worse drivers. Both genders cause auto accidents at a similar rate, but men have costlier accidents. Not only that, but men also get ticketed for serious violations such as reckless driving.
The chart below illustrates the difference between Ford Escape annual premium costs for male and female drivers. The premiums assume no claims or driving violations, full coverage, $100 deductibles, single marital status, and no discounts are applied.
Ford Escape insurance loss probability – Insurance companies include the past claim history for a vehicle when they file their rates in each state. Vehicles that have increased claim numbers or amounts will cost more for coverage. The information below illustrates the collected loss data for Ford Escape vehicles.
For each policy coverage type, the claim probability for all vehicles, without regard to make or model, is a value of 100. Percentages below 100 are indicative of better than average losses, while values that are above 100 point to more claims or larger claims.
| Make and Model | Collision | Property Damage | Comp | Personal Injury | Medical Payment | Bodily Injury |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Escape 4dr 2WD | 80 | 91 | 83 | 94 | 94 | 92 |
| Ford Escape 4dr 4WD | 81 | 84 | 94 | 85 | 90 | 77 |
Data Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Reducing your Ford Escape insurance rates can be quick and easy. All you need to do is spend a few minutes comparing free San Jose auto insurance quotes online from several insurance companies.
The companies shown below offer quotes in San Jose, CA. If multiple companies are listed, we suggest you visit as many as you can to get the best price comparison.
Ford Escape insurance rate analysis
The coverage table displayed next showcases a range of insurance premium costs for Ford Escape models. Understanding how insurance rates are established can be valuable when making smart buying decisions.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape XLS 2WD | $332 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,406 | $117 |
| Escape XLS 4WD | $332 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,406 | $117 |
| Escape XLT 2WD | $332 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,406 | $117 |
| Escape Limited 2WD | $380 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,454 | $121 |
| Escape XLT 4WD | $380 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,454 | $121 |
| Escape Limited 4WD | $380 | $686 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,576 | $131 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Prices based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-policy, homeowner, multi-vehicle, and safe-driver. Table data does not factor in vehicle garaging location which can decrease or increase insurance rates substantially.
Can higher deductibles save money?
A question often asked by San Jose drivers is what deductibles to buy. The figures shown below lay out the price difference when you buy lower versus higher physical damage coverage deductibles. The first set of rates uses a $100 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage and the second set of rates uses a $500 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape XLS 2WD | $332 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,431 | $119 |
| Escape XLS 4WD | $332 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,431 | $119 |
| Escape XLT 2WD | $332 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,431 | $119 |
| Escape Limited 2WD | $380 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,479 | $123 |
| Escape XLT 4WD | $380 | $564 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,479 | $123 |
| Escape Limited 4WD | $380 | $686 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,601 | $133 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escape XLS 2WD | $242 | $382 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,134 | $95 |
| Escape XLS 4WD | $242 | $382 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,134 | $95 |
| Escape XLT 2WD | $242 | $382 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,134 | $95 |
| Escape Limited 2WD | $278 | $382 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,170 | $98 |
| Escape XLT 4WD | $278 | $382 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,170 | $98 |
| Escape Limited 4WD | $278 | $464 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,252 | $104 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Prices above based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-policy, claim-free, multi-vehicle, and safe-driver. Price information does not factor in specific garaging location which can change insurance rates considerably.
Based on the above data, using a $100 deductible could cost the average driver approximately $25 more each month or $300 every year across all Ford Escape models than choosing the higher $500 deductible. Because you would pay $400 more if you turn in a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to have at least 16 months between claim filings, you would probably be better off if you elect the higher deductible.
Calculation for determining deductible levels
| Average monthly premium for $100 deductibles: | $123 |
| Average monthly premium for $500 deductibles (subtract): | – $98 |
| Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $25 |
| Difference between deductibles ($500 – $100): | $400 |
| Divide difference by monthly savings: | $400 / $25 |
| Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 16 months |
The information below shows how choosing a deductible and can raise or lower Ford Escape insurance costs for different age categories. Data assumes a single female driver, full physical damage coverage, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
Auto insurance is not optional but you don’t have to overpay
Even though it can be expensive, maintaining insurance is most likely required but also gives you several important benefits.
- The majority of states have minimum liability requirements which means you are required to carry specific minimum amounts of liability protection if you don’t want to risk a ticket. In California these limits are 15/30/5 which means you must have $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 of property damage coverage.
- If your Ford has a lienholder, it’s most likely the lender will stipulate that you carry insurance to ensure they get paid if you total the vehicle. If you do not pay your insurance premiums, the lender will be forced to insure your Ford at a more expensive rate and force you to reimburse them a much higher amount than you were paying before.
- Auto insurance protects both your Ford and your assets. It will also cover hospital and medical expenses for you, any passengers, and anyone injured in an accident. Liability coverage, the one required by state law, also covers all legal expenses up to the policy limit if you are sued as the result of your driving. If you have damage to your Ford as the result of the weather or an accident, comprehensive and collision coverage will pay to restore your vehicle to like-new condition.
The benefits of insuring your car more than cancel out the cost, particularly if you ever have a claim. The average driver in California is wasting up to $855 a year so you should quote your policy with other companies every year to save money.
These discounts can reduce Ford Escape insurance rates
Some providers do not list the entire discount list very well, so the list below gives a summary of a few of the more common and also the lesser-known discounts that you may qualify for. If you are not receiving all the discounts you deserve, you are throwing money away.
- Own a Home and Save – Just being a homeowner can save you money because it is proof of financial responsibility.
- Defensive Driver – Participating in a class that teaches defensive driving techniques could possibly earn you a 5% discount depending on where you live.
- Use Seat Belts – Drivers who always wear seat belts and also require passengers to buckle up can save 10% or more on the premium charged for medical payments and/or PIP.
- Accident Free – Insureds who avoid accidents and claims are rewarded with significantly better rates on San Jose auto insurance quote when compared to drivers with a long claim history.
- Driving Data Discount – Drivers who elect to allow their company to monitor where and when they drive by installing a telematics device such as Progressive’s Snapshot might see lower rates if their driving habits are good.
A little disclaimer on discounts, some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. Most cut specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. Even though the math looks like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, insurance companies wouldn’t stay in business.
The example below compares Ford Escape auto insurance rates with and without some available policy discounts. The price estimates are based on a female driver, no accidents, no driving violations, California state minimum liability limits, full coverage, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-policy, homeowner, marriage, claim-free, multi-car, and safe-driver discounts applied.
To find insurance companies with the best discounts in California, click here.
Local San Jose insurance agents and insurance
A lot of people would prefer to visit with an insurance agent and that can be a smart move Licensed agents are trained risk managers and help in the event of a claim. A good thing about comparing rate quotes online is that you can obtain cheaper car insurance rates but still work with a licensed agent.
Upon completion of this short form, your coverage information is submitted to local insurance agents who will gladly provide quotes for your insurance coverage. You never need to drive around since price quotes are sent directly to your email. If for some reason you want to compare prices for a specific company, don’t hesitate to visit that company’s website and complete a quote there.
Choosing the best insurance company is decision based upon more than just the premium amount. Any good agent in San Jose should know the answers to these questions.
- How are they compensated?
- How many years of experience in personal auto insurance do they have?
- Can you choose the body shop in case repairs are needed?
- Do they have a Better Business Bureau rating in San Jose?
- Are they actively involved in the community?
- Are they primarily personal or commercial lines agents in San Jose?
- What are their preferred companies if they are an independent agency?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
What types of car insurance agents are in San Jose?
If you are wanting to purchase insurance from a reliable agent, it can be helpful to understand the different types of agencies from which to choose. San Jose agents may be either exclusive or independent (non-exclusive). Either type can sell and service insurance coverage, but it’s important to point out why they differ because it can impact the type of agent you choose.
Exclusive Insurance Agencies
Exclusive agencies can only provide one company’s prices like Allstate and State Farm. These agents are not able to compare other company’s rates so keep that in mind. They are trained well on what they offer which helps them sell on service rather than price. Consumers sometimes use the same agent mostly because of the brand name rather than having low rates.
Listed below are exclusive insurance agencies in San Jose that are able to give rate quotes.
- Thachvu Ho – State Farm Insurance Agent
1025 Lincoln Ave – San Jose, CA 95125 – (408) 267-4100 – View Map - Reed Sparks – State Farm Insurance Agent
3119 Alum Rock Ave – San Jose, CA 95127 – (408) 923-2055 – View Map - Mike Myers – State Farm Insurance Agent
4855 Atherton Ave #150 – San Jose, CA 95130 – (408) 550-7868 – View Map
Independent Insurance Agencies
These agents can quote rates with many companies so they can insure your vehicles through many companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. If they find a lower price, your agent can just switch to a different company and you stay with the same agent.
When shopping rates, we recommend you get insurance quotes from several independent insurance agents in order to have the best price comparison. They also have the ability to place coverage with less well-known companies which can be an advantage.
Shown below is a short list of independent agents in San Jose who can help you get price quotes.
- All Solutions Insurance – San Jose
574 Blossom Hill Rd – San Jose, CA 95123 – (408) 225-4300 – View Map - Cya Insurance Agency From Sn
1271 Story Rd #50 – San Jose, CA 95122 – (408) 971-4172 – View Map - Gatewood Insurance Agency Inc
1095 Bird Ave #2 – San Jose, CA 95125 – (408) 298-1611 – View Map
What insurance coverages do I need?
Always keep in mind that when comparing the best insurance coverage, there isn’t really a cookie cutter policy. Every insured’s situation is different so this has to be addressed.
For instance, these questions might help in determining whether or not you might need professional guidance.
- Is my ex-spouse still covered by my policy?
- Does my policy cover me when driving someone else’s vehicle?
- Why do I only qualify for high-risk insurance?
- How much can I save by bundling my policies?
- Does every company file a SR-22 automatically?
- Will I lose any money if I cancel my policy before it expires?
- When should my teen driver be added to my policy?
- Is my vehicle covered by my employer’s policy when using it for work?
- What happens if I owe more than my Ford Escape is worth?
- What is an umbrella policy?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but a few of them apply, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and may give you better protection.
Affordable auto insurance premiums are out there
There are still a few companies who don’t offer internet price quotes and many times these small insurance companies provide coverage only through independent agencies. Cost effective Ford Escape insurance is attainable online and from local agencies, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best price selection to choose from.
As you restructure your insurance plan, make sure you don’t buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are many occasions where an insured dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits to discover at claim time that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. The aim is to purchase plenty of coverage at the best cost while still protecting your assets.
Additional detailed information can be found in the articles below:
- Five Steps to Filing an Auto Insurance Claim (Insurance Information Institute)
- What Car Insurance is Cheapest for Drivers Over Age 50 in San Jose? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable San Jose Auto Insurance for Ride Shares? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Nurses in San Jose? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Car Insurance Rates for a Honda Accord in San Jose? (FAQ)
- Credit Impacts Car Insurance Rates (State Farm)
- Senior Drivers (Insurance Information Institute)