It takes a little time, but the best way to get budget Lincoln Continental insurance in San Jose is to compare quotes annually from insurers that sell auto insurance in California. Rates can be compared by completing these steps.
- Step 1: Read about how companies set rates and the things you can change to lower rates. Many rating criteria that result in higher prices like speeding and a negative credit history can be remedied by making lifestyle changes or driving safer.
- Step 2: Get rate quotes from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Direct and exclusive agents can only provide price estimates from one company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while independent agents can provide prices for a wide range of insurance providers. Select a company
- Step 3: Compare the new rates to the price on your current policy to see if cheaper Continental coverage is available in San Jose. If you find a lower rate quote and change companies, make sure coverage does not lapse between policies.
The most important part of shopping around is that you use identical coverages on each quote request and and to get quotes from as many different insurance providers as possible. This ensures a level playing field and a complete selection of prices.
It goes without saying that insurance companies want to keep your business as long as possible. Drivers who get price quotes annually will presumably move their business because they have a good chance of finding coverage at a cheaper rate. A study discovered that consumers who regularly compared rates saved approximately $72 a month compared to drivers who don’t regularly compare prices.
If finding the best price on insurance in San Jose is the reason you’re here, then knowing the best way to shop and compare insurance can save time and make the process easier.
To find the best insurance prices, there are several ways to compare prices from lots of California insurance companies. By far the easiest way to compare rates is to use the internet to compare rates.
Doing online price quotes comparisons is so easy that it takes the place of having to call or drive to all the different San Jose insurance agencies. Comparing Lincoln Continental insurance rate quotes online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you require the trained guidance of a local San Jose agent. You can, however, comparison shop online but purchase the actual policy in an agency.
When quoting insurance, remember that obtaining a wide range of quotes gives you a better chance of getting the best offered rates. Some regional insurers cannot provide online rate quotes, so it’s important to compare price estimates on coverage from those companies, too.
The companies in the list below have been selected to offer price quotes in San Jose, CA. If multiple companies are shown, we recommend you visit two to three different companies to get the best price comparison.
It may be expensive, but it’s not optional
Despite the high cost, buying auto insurance may not be optional for several reasons.
- Almost all states have minimum liability requirements which means you are required to carry specific minimum amounts of liability insurance coverage in order to drive the car. 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 you took out a loan on your Lincoln Continental, more than likely the lender will require you to have comprehensive coverage to protect their interest in the vehicle. If the policy lapses, the bank may buy a policy for your Lincoln at a more expensive rate and make you pay for the expensive policy.
- Auto insurance protects not only your car but also your financial assets. It will also reimburse you for many types of medical costs for yourself as well as anyone injured by you. One of the most valuable coverages, liability insurance, also covers all legal expenses up to the policy limit if anyone sues you for causing an accident. If your vehicle suffers damage from an accident or hail, comprehensive and/or collision insurance will pay to have it repaired.
The benefits of carrying enough insurance definitely exceed the price paid, especially with large liability claims. Today the average American driver is overpaying over $750 every year so compare rate quotes once a year at a minimum to help ensure money is not being wasted.
Eight Tips to Get More Affordable San Jose Insurance Prices
The best way to find cheaper auto insurance is to take a look at some of the things that help calculate the level of your policy premiums. If you know what positively or negatively impacts your premiums, this empowers consumers to make smart changes that can help you get cheaper rates.
The list below includes some of the major factors auto insurance companies consider when setting rates.
Rural areas have lower prices – Having an address in smaller towns and rural areas of the country may provide you with better prices when it comes to auto insurance. City drivers tend to have more road rage incidents and much longer commute distances. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims.
More miles equals more premium – The more miles you rack up on your Lincoln each year the more you’ll pay to insure your vehicle. The majority of insurers charge rates based upon how the vehicle is primarily used. Autos not used for work or commuting receive lower rates than vehicles that have high annual mileage. Double check that your policy properly reflects the correct usage, because it can save money. Having the wrong rating on your Continental may be costing you.
High physical damage deductibles reduce premiums – Deductibles for physical damage are how much you are willing to pay out-of-pocket if the claim is covered. Insurance for physical damage, commonly called comprehensive (or other-than-collision) and collision coverage, protects your car from damage. Some examples of claims that would be covered could be colliding with a stationary object, damage caused by hail, and damage caused by road hazards. The higher the amount you pay before a claim is paid (deductible), the less money you will pay for auto insurance.
Lower performance equals lower insurance costs – The make and model of the car, truck or SUV you need to insure makes a substantial difference in your rates. The cheapest insurance rates tend to be for low performance passenger vehicles, but the final cost of insurance is determined by many other factors.
Liability coverage claims can be big – Liability coverage will afford coverage when you are ruled to be at fault for personal injury or accident damage. It will provide legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. This coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to comp and collision, so drivers should carry high limits.
Are you male or female? – Over time, data shows women tend to be less risk to insure than men. However, don’t assume that women are BETTER drivers than men. Females and males cause auto accidents in similar percentages, but the males cause more damage. Men also have more aggressive citations such as DWI and reckless driving.
Your occupation may affect rates – Occupational choices like doctors, air traffic controllers, and accountants tend to pay the highest rates in part from stressful work requirements and incredibly demanding work hours. On the flip side, careers such as actors, students and retirees have lower than average premiums.
Vehicle options that cut premiums – Selecting a car model that has an advanced theft prevention system can save you some money. Systems that thwart thieves like OnStar, LoJack tracking, and tamper alarms all help prevent your vehicle from being stolen.
Save a ton by taking advantage of discounts
Some providers do not list their entire list of discounts very clearly, so below is a list a few of the more common as well as some of the hidden credits available to bring down your rates. If you do not check that you are getting every discount available, you could be getting lower rates.
- Resident Student – Any of your kids living away from San Jose attending college and do not have a car could qualify for this discount.
- Multiple Cars – Having all your vehicles with the same auto insurance company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
- Passive Restraint Discount – Options like air bags or motorized seat belts can receive discounts of 25 to 30%.
- Student Discount for Driver Training – Teen drivers should take driver’s ed class as it can save substantially.
- Organization Discounts – Joining qualifying clubs or civic groups could trigger savings on auto insurance.
- 55 and Retired – Older drivers are able to get a discount up to 10%.
- Early Renewal Discounts – Some larger companies provide a discount for switching policies before your current Continental insurance policy expires. It could save around 10% when you buy San Jose auto insurance online.
Policy discounts save money, but many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Despite the appearance that having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous.
A list of auto insurance companies and some of the premium reductions they offer include:
- State Farm may offer discounts for accident-free, multiple autos, student away at school, defensive driving training, good driver, and safe vehicle.
- Progressive offers discounts including multi-vehicle, multi-policy, online signing, homeowner, and good student.
- Progressive may have discounts that include online signing, homeowner, good student, online quote discount, and multi-policy.
- MetLife has savings for multi-policy, accident-free, good driver, claim-free, good student, defensive driver
- Farm Bureau policyholders can earn discounts including multi-policy, youthful driver, multi-vehicle, good student, and 55 and retired.
- GEICO includes discounts for air bags, emergency military deployment, anti-lock brakes, multi-policy, driver training, anti-theft, and daytime running lights.
- SAFECO discounts include homeowner, teen safe driver, safe driver, multi-car, and accident prevention training.
It’s a good idea to ask each company or agent to apply every possible discount. Some of the discounts discussed earlier might not be offered on policies in every state. For a list of companies with the best Lincoln Continental insurance discounts in San Jose, follow this link.
What insurance coverages do I need?
When selecting adequate coverage, there really isn’t a “perfect” insurance plan. Every insured’s situation is different.
For example, these questions may help you determine whether or not you could use an agent’s help.
- Is my Lincoln Continental covered for flood damage?
- Is my vehicle covered by my employer’s policy when using it for work?
- Do I have coverage if I rent a car in Mexico?
- Am I insured when driving a different vehicle?
- Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in California?
- When should I have rental car coverage?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions then you might want to talk to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, fill out this quick form.
Local San Jose insurance agencies and insurance
Some consumers would rather buy from a licensed agent and that is just fine! The biggest benefit of comparing rates online is the fact that drivers can get the best rates and still have an agent to talk to. And supporting local insurance agents is still important in San Jose.
After completing this form (opens in new window), your coverage information gets sent to companies in San Jose who will gladly provide quotes to get your business. There is no need to find an agent on your own since rate quotes are delivered to your email. You can find lower rates AND a local agent. If you need to quote rates from a specific insurance provider, just visit that company’s website and fill out their quote form.
The following are agents in San Jose that can give you comparison quotes for Lincoln Continental insurance in San Jose.
Harrington Insurance Agency
6920 Santa Teresa Blvd #101 – San Jose, CA 95119 – (408) 754-9000 – View Map
Gary Sanchez – State Farm Insurance Agent
2053 Lincoln Ave a – San Jose, CA 95125 – (408) 269-5001 – View Map
Jim Edington – State Farm Insurance Agent
361 Piercy Rd – San Jose, CA 95138 – (408) 225-2463 – View Map
Oasis Insurance Agency Inc. Branch 4
1629 Alum Rock Ave – San Jose, CA 95116 – (408) 929-6111 – View Map
Finding a good provider shouldn’t rely on just a low price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
- Do clients work directly with the agent or are most inquiries handled by a CSR?
- Is there any savings for paying the full premium?
- Will you get a loaner vehicle if you car is being repaired?
- Is every driver in your family covered?
Cheaper auto insurance premiums are possible
Consumers change insurance companies for any number of reasons including being labeled a high risk driver, not issuing a premium refund, lack of trust in their agent or high prices. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding a new company is less work than it seems.
Some insurance companies may not provide rates over the internet and many times these small insurance companies only sell coverage through local independent agents. Lower-priced Lincoln Continental insurance in San Jose can be sourced both online and from local agencies, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates.
Throughout this article, we presented a lot of ways to find cheap Lincoln Continental insurance in San Jose. The key concept to understand is the more price quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding inexpensive San Jose auto insurance quotes. You may even find the biggest savings come from a small mutual company.
Even more information can be read in these articles:
- Side airbags reduce rollover fatalities (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance for a Ford Fusion in San Jose? (FAQ)
- How Much is San Jose Auto Insurance for First-time Drivers? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap San Jose Auto Insurance Quotes for Uber Drivers? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance for Homeowners in San Jose? (FAQ)
- Teen Driving and Texting (State Farm)
- Auto Crash Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
- What is Full Coverage? (Allstate)