Being forced to pay for pricey auto insurance premiums can empty your accounts, especially in this economy. Doing a rate analysis is a smart way to ensure you are getting the best deal.
It’s an obvious conclusion that auto insurance companies don’t want you to compare rates. Insureds who do rate comparisons will presumably switch auto insurance companies because of the high probability of finding a policy with better rates. A recent study showed that drivers who compared price quotes annually saved as much as $3,450 over four years compared to those who never shopped around for lower prices.
If finding discount rates on BMW X1 insurance in Miami is your ultimate target, then having a good understanding the best ways to find and compare insurance rates can make the process less intimidating.
Steps to finding affordable BMW X1 insurance in Miami
The best way we recommend to get affordable auto insurance rates is to compare quotes once a year from providers who sell auto insurance in Miami. This can be done by following these guidelines.
- Step 1: It will benefit you to learn about coverages and the things you can change to keep rates in check. Many rating factors that increase rates such as traffic violations and poor credit history can be rectified by making minor changes in your lifestyle. Continue reading for the details to get lower rates and get additional discounts.
- Step 2: Quote rates from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Exclusive and direct companies can only provide price estimates from a single company like GEICO or State Farm, while independent agencies can quote rates for a wide range of companies.
- Step 3: Compare the price quotes to your existing rates to see if a cheaper price is available. If you can save some money, make sure the effective date of the new policy is the same as the expiration date of the old one.
- Step 4: Provide adequate notice to your current company of your decision to cancel the current policy and submit payment and a completed application to your new agent or company. Once the application is submitted, keep your new certificate verifying coverage with your registration paperwork.
One piece of advice is that you’ll want to compare similar limits and deductibles on every quote request and and to get price estimates from as many carriers as you can. Doing this helps ensure an accurate price comparison and a thorough selection of prices.
Lots of auto insurance companies contend to insure your vehicles, and it can be difficult to compare rates and get the best coverage at the lowest rate on BMW X1 insurance in Miami.
If you have a current insurance policy or want to find a cheaper company, take advantage of these tips to cut your premiums without having to cut coverage. Buying the cheapest insurance in Miami is not rocket science. You just need to use the proper way to compare prices online.
Finding a lower price on insurance is not rocket science. Consumers just need to invest a little time comparing price quotes to see which company has the cheapest BMW X1 rate quotes.
Getting free quotes online is quite simple, and it makes it obsolete to call or drive to insurance agencies in your area. Shopping for car insurance online makes this unnecessary unless you’re the type of person who wants the professional advice of a local Miami agent. Although you can obtain prices from the web and have a local agent actually service the policy.
The car insurance companies shown below are our best choices to provide quotes in Miami, FL. If your goal is to find the cheapest auto insurance in FL, we recommend you compare several of them to get the lowest price.
Cheap Miami car insurance rates with discounts
Companies offering auto insurance don’t necessarily list every available discount in a way that’s easy to find, so here is a list a few of the more common and also the lesser-known credits available to lower your premiums when you buy Miami auto insurance online.
- Anti-theft System – Vehicles that have factory alarm systems and tracking devices have a lower chance of being stolen so companies will give you a small discount.
- Senior Discount – Older drivers can possibly qualify for better car insurance rates.
- Seat Belts Save more than Lives – Buckling up and requiring all passengers to fasten their seat belts can save up to 15% on the medical payments or PIP coverage costs.
- Homeowners Savings – Owning your own home or condo can earn you a little savings because maintaining a house shows financial diligence.
- Low Mileage – Fewer annual miles on your BMW could qualify for substantially lower prices.
- Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Cars that have air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can qualify for discounts of 20 to 30 percent.
- Distant College Student Discount – College-age children who are enrolled in higher education away from home and don’t have a car could qualify for this discount.
You should keep in mind that most credits do not apply to the whole policy. The majority will only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. So even though they make it sound like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies wouldn’t make money that way.
Popular car insurance companies and some of the premium reductions they offer can be read below.
- State Farm policyholders can earn discounts including anti-theft, driver’s education, student away at school, Steer Clear safe driver discount, multiple autos, passive restraint, and safe vehicle.
- Farmers Insurance has discounts for bundle discounts, switch companies, distant student, electronic funds transfer, mature driver, and early shopping.
- GEICO offers discounts including defensive driver, anti-theft, military active duty, good student, daytime running lights, and driver training.
- American Family may offer discounts for bundled insurance, Steer into Savings, good student, accident-free, and mySafetyValet.
- Nationwide may include discounts for multi-policy, defensive driving, accident-free, good student, and easy pay.
- Progressive offers discounts for continuous coverage, multi-vehicle, online quote discount, good student, homeowner, and multi-policy.
Before purchasing a policy, check with every company the best way to save money. Some of the discounts discussed earlier may not be available everywhere. To find companies that offer discounts in Florida, click here.
Compare prices but work with a local neighborhood Miami car insurance agent
Some people still prefer to get advice from a local agent and we recommend doing that Good agents can help determine the best coverages and help in the event of a claim. One of the benefits of getting online price quotes is you may find the lowest rates and still choose a local agent. Buying from neighborhood insurance agencies is important especially in Miami.
Upon completion of this quick form, your insurance data is transmitted to companies in Miami that can give you free Miami auto insurance quotes and help you find cheaper coverage. You won’t even need to drive around as quotes are delivered immediately to you. If you want to get a rate quote from a specific auto insurance provider, you just need to find their quoting web page and complete a quote there.
Miami car insurance agents come in two flavors
When looking for a reputable agency, it’s important to understand the different types of agencies from which to choose. Auto insurance agents can be classified as either independent (non-exclusive) or exclusive. Either one can insure your vehicles, but it’s a good idea to understand the difference in how they write coverage since it may influence which type of agent you select.
Independent Auto Insurance Agents
Independent agencies can quote rates with many companies so they can quote policies through many different auto insurance companies enabling the ability to shop coverage around. To move your coverage to a new company, an independent agent can move your coverage and that require little work on your part. If you are comparing auto insurance prices, we recommend you check rates from a few independent agents in order to compare the most rates.
Below is a short list of independent agencies in Miami that may be able to give you free price quotes.
Jtg Insurance Agency
9764 SW 24th St – Miami, FL 33165 – (305) 552-8808 – View Map
Estrella Insurance #114
8615 Biscayne Blvd – Miami, FL 33138 – (305) 757-5900 – View Map
Estrella Insurance #110
1201 SW 8th St – Miami, FL 33135 – (305) 859-8558 – View Map
Exclusive Insurance Agencies
Agents in the exclusive channel normally can only provide a single company’s rates and some examples include Farmers Insurance, Allstate, or State Farm. Exclusive agents cannot give you multiple price quotes so you need to shop around if the rates are high. They are usually well trained on sales techniques which helps them compete with independent agents.
Below are exclusive agents in Miami that can give you price quote information.
Clark Alvarado – State Farm Insurance Agent
5209 NW 36th St – Miami Springs, FL 33166 – (305) 887-9543 – View Map
GEICO Insurance Agent
8514 SW 8th St – Miami, FL 33144 – (305) 595-2911 – View Map
Allstate Insurance: Eduardo Ferraz
1110 Brickell Ave Ste 105 – Miami, FL 33131 – (305) 379-3666 – View Map
Choosing an auto insurance agent requires you to look at more than just the quoted price. Below are some questions you should ask.
- Will you work with the agent or an assistant?
- Are they involved in claim handling?
- When do they do a full risk review?
- Are there any hidden costs in their price quote and does it include driving and credit history?
- Do they have cheaper tiers of coverage?
- Is insurance their full-time profession?
Insurance is an important decision
Despite the potentially high cost of BMW X1 insurance, paying for insurance may be required for several reasons.
- Almost all states have compulsory liability insurance requirements which means you are required to carry a specific minimum amount of liability protection if you want to drive legally. In Florida these limits are 10/20/10 which means you must have $10,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $20,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 of property damage coverage.
- If your BMW has a loan, almost all lenders will make it mandatory that you have full coverage to guarantee their interest in the vehicle. If you cancel or allow the policy to lapse, the bank will be required to insure your BMW for a lot more money and force you to pay much more than you were paying before.
- Insurance protects not only your BMW but also your assets. Insurance will also pay for most medical and hospital costs for you, any passengers, and anyone injured in an accident. Liability insurance, one of your policy coverages, also covers legal expenses if anyone sues you for causing an accident. If your car is damaged in a storm or accident, comprehensive and/or collision insurance will pay to repair the damage.
The benefits of carrying adequate insurance are definitely more than the cost, especially for larger claims. An average driver in America is currently overpaying as much as $750 every year so compare rate quotes each time the policy renews to save money.
Specifics of your auto insurance policy
Knowing the specifics of a auto insurance policy can be of help when determining the best coverages and proper limits and deductibles. Policy terminology can be impossible to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy. Listed below are typical coverage types offered by auto insurance companies.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
This gives you protection when other motorists do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered claims include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants and damage to your BMW X1.
Due to the fact that many Florida drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (10/20/10), their limits can quickly be used up. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is very important. Most of the time these limits are similar to your liability insurance amounts.
Auto liability
This can cover damage or injury you incur to other’s property or people by causing an accident. Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. You commonly see values of 10/20/10 which means $10,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $20,000, and $10,000 of coverage for damaged property. Another option is a combined limit which combines the three limits into one amount without having the split limit caps.
Liability coverage protects against claims such as repair bills for other people’s vehicles, loss of income and emergency aid. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is up to you, but you should buy as large an amount as possible. Florida state minimum liability requirements are 10/20/10 but you should think about purchasing more coverage.
The next chart demonstrates why minimum state limits may not be adequate coverage.
Auto collision coverage
This coverage will pay to fix damage to your X1 caused by collision with an object or car. A deductible applies then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision insurance covers things such as rolling your car, colliding with another moving vehicle and driving through your garage door. This coverage can be expensive, so consider removing coverage from older vehicles. It’s also possible to increase the deductible on your X1 in order to get cheaper collision rates.
Med pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Med pay and PIP coverage provide coverage for immediate expenses like doctor visits, prosthetic devices, ambulance fees, nursing services and EMT expenses. The coverages can be used to cover expenses not covered by your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. Coverage applies to you and your occupants and will also cover if you are hit as a while walking down the street. PIP is only offered in select states and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Comprehensive insurance
This coverage will pay to fix damage caused by mother nature, theft, vandalism and other events. You first have to pay a deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for claims like damage from getting keyed, vandalism, a broken windshield, theft and falling objects. The highest amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the actual cash value, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s not worth carrying full coverage.
Which car insurance company is best in Florida?
Picking a good quality insurance company can be difficult considering how many different companies insure vehicles in Miami. The information in the next section could help you decide which car insurance providers you want to consider putting your business with.
Top 10 Miami Car Insurance Companies by A.M. Best Rank
- Travelers – A++
- USAA – A++
- GEICO – A++
- State Farm – A++
- Titan Insurance – A+
- Esurance – A+
- Progressive – A+
- The Hartford – A+
- Allstate – A+
- Nationwide – A+
Top 10 Miami Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Value
- Mercury Insurance
- Travelers
- American Family
- AAA Insurance
- Safeco Insurance
- Progressive
- The Hartford
- The General
- 21st Century
- Esurance
Don’t give up on cheap rates
Affordable BMW X1 insurance in Miami can be sourced from both online companies and from local insurance agents, so you should compare both so you have a total pricing picture. There are still a few companies who may not provide the ability to get quotes online and most of the time these small insurance companies work with independent insurance agencies.
We’ve covered a lot of ways to lower your BMW X1 insurance prices in Miami. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the higher your chance of finding affordable Miami auto insurance quotes. You may even discover the most savings is with a smaller regional carrier. These smaller insurers may often insure only within specific states and give better rates compared to the large companies like Progressive or GEICO.
How to find low-cost rates for BMW X1 insurance in Miami
It takes a little time, but the best way to get budget BMW X1 insurance is to compare prices regularly from different companies in Miami.
- First, take a little time to learn about what is in your policy and the things you can change to keep rates down. Many risk factors that result in higher prices such as accidents, careless driving, and an imperfect credit history can be amended by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes.
- Second, compare prices 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 agents who are independent can give you price quotes from multiple companies.
- Third, compare the price quotes to the price on your current policy to see if cheaper X1 coverage is available in Miami. If you find a better price and buy the policy, make sure coverage is continuous and does not lapse.
- Fourth, give notification to your current company to cancel your current car insurance policy. Submit a down payment along with a signed application for your new policy. As soon as you can, put the certificate of insurance somewhere easily accessible.
An important bit of advice to remember is to try to use the same deductibles and limits on every quote request and and to get price quotes from as many companies as you can. This guarantees an apples-to-apples comparison and the best price quote selection.
For more information, take a look at the resources below:
- Teen Driver Licensing Information (iihs.org)
- Who Has Affordable Miami Auto Insurance Rates for a Ford F-150? (FAQ)
- How Much are Car Insurance Quotes for a Jeep Wrangler in Miami? (FAQ)
- What Auto Insurance is Cheapest for Teenage Females in Miami? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance for High Mileage Drivers in Miami? (FAQ)
- How Much are Miami Car Insurance Rates for a Toyota RAV4? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Miami Auto Insurance for 17 Year Olds? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Car Insurance Quotes for Low Credit Scores in Miami? (FAQ)
- How Much are Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers Requiring a SR22 in Miami? (FAQ)
- Auto Insurance Basics (Insurance Information Institute)
- How do I File a Claim? (Insurance Information Institute)