Cheapest Quotes for Jeep Grand Cherokee Insurance in Austin

How long has it been since you shopped around for low-cost Jeep Grand Cherokee insurance in Austin? Cutting costs on Jeep Grand Cherokee insurance in Austin can be a challenge for beginners to online price comparisons. You have so many options that it can easily be a difficult mission to locate the lowest price in Texas.

It’s hard to fathom, but the vast majority of car insurance customers kept their policy with the same company for over three years, and roughly 40% of drivers have never taken the time to shop around. The average driver in Texas could save themselves nearly $1,770 a year by just shopping around, but they assume it’s a waste of time to save money by comparing rate quotes.

Low-cost companies for Jeep Grand Cherokee insurance in Texas

The providers in the list below have been selected to offer price comparisons in Texas. If multiple companies are listed, it’s highly recommended you get price quotes from several of them to get the most competitive price.

Prices above based on single male driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and Texas minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, and claim-free. Rate information does not factor in specific location information which can alter insurance rates greatly.

Difference between liability only and full coverage rates

The chart below illustrates the comparison of Jeep Grand Cherokee car insurance costs with full physical damage coverage compared to only buying liability only. The prices are based on no driving violations, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, married female driver, and no other discounts are factored in.

Are you wasting money on full coverage?

There is no exact rule to eliminate full coverage on your policy, but there is a guideline you can consider. If the annual cost of coverage is more than around 10% of the settlement you would receive from your company, then you may need to consider dropping full coverage.

For example, let’s pretend your Jeep Grand Cherokee replacement cost is $5,000 and you have $1,000 policy deductibles. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the most you would get paid by your company is $4,000 after paying your policy deductible. If you are paying more than $400 annually for full coverage, then it might be time to consider dropping full coverage.

There are some situations where only buying liability is not advised. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you are required to maintain full coverage in order to prevent your loan from defaulting. Also, if you cannot afford to purchase a different vehicle in the even your car is totaled, you should not buy liability only.

Policy deductible comparison

When comparing auto insurance rates, the most common question is which comprehensive and collision deductibles to buy. The data tables below can help you visualize the premium difference when you buy lower versus higher insurance deductibles. The first price estimate table uses a $100 deductible for physical damage and the second rate chart uses a $500 deductible.

Cost estimates assume married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Texas minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, homeowner, claim-free, multi-policy, and multi-vehicle. Rates do not factor in vehicle garaging location which can alter price quotes significantly.

Using the premium rates above, we can conclude that using a $100 deductible costs roughly $27 more each month or $324 a year than quoting the higher $500 deductible. Since you would have to pay $400 more out-of-pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to have at least 15 months between claim filings, you would more than likely save some money if you elect the higher deductible.

An important thing to remember is that raising deductibles to save money means you will have to pay more out-of-pocket when you do file a claim. That will require some extra savings in order to pay the deductible to have repairs made.

Austin Insurance Rates are Influenced by These Factors

Many different elements are part of the equation when you get your auto insurance bill. Some of the criteria are obvious such as your driving record, but other criteria are more transparent such as whether you are married or how safe your car is. A large part of saving on insurance is knowing the factors that play a part in calculating your policy premiums. When consumers understand what influences your rates, this empowers consumers to make smart changes that may result in lower insurance prices.

• Your location is important – Residing in a small town may provide you with better prices if you are looking for the lowest rates. People in densely populated areas have more auto accidents and longer commutes to work. Less people means reduced accidents and a lower car theft rate.
• Rates are impacted by vehicle performance – The make and model of the car you need to insure makes a substantial difference in your premium level. Due to the fact that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is classified as a standard SUV, rates will be slightly more as compared to the average rate in Austin. Small economy passenger models usually have the lowest premiums, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
• Higher comp and collision deductibles reduce costs – Physical damage coverage, also known as collision and other-than-collision, covers your vehicle from damage. Some coverage claims would be a windshield shattered by a rock, vandalism, and burglary. Your deductibles tell how much you are willing to pay before your insurance pays a claim. The more money you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the better rate you will receive.
• Never let your policy expire – Allowing your insurance policy to lapse is a guaranteed way to trigger a rate increase. In addition to paying higher premiums, getting caught without coverage could result in fines or a revoked license. You may have to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the Texas department of motor vehicles.
• Marriage is a factor – Having a wife or husband may save some money on your policy. Having a significant other demonstrates that you tend to be more mature and responsible and it’s statistically proven that drivers who are married file infrequent claims.
• Reserve claims for larger damages – Car insurance companies in Texas generally give better rates to people who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. If you are the type of insured that files lots of claims you can definitely plan on higher premiums or even policy non-renewal. Your car insurance is intended to be relied upon for more catastrophic claims.
• Gender impacts rates – Statistics have proven women are more cautious behind the wheel. It does not mean females are better at driving than males. They both are responsible for at-fault accidents at about the same rate, but the male of the species tend to have more serious accidents. They also receive more costly citations like driving under the influence (DUI).
• Jeep Grand Cherokee historical loss data – Companies analyze past claim statistics to calculate a rate that will offset any claims. Vehicles that the statistics show to have higher number or severity of losses will cost more for coverage. The information below illustrates the historical loss data for Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles.

  For each coverage category, the claim probability for all vehicles, regardless of make or model, is set at 100. Values that are under 100 suggest a better than average loss history, while values over 100 point to more losses or an increased likelihood of larger losses.

  Jeep Grand Cherokee Insurance Loss Statistics

  Specific Jeep Model	Collision	Property Damage	Comp	Personal Injury	Medical Payment	Bodily Injury
  Jeep Grand Cherokee 4dr 2WD	81	111	71	62	60	94
  Jeep Grand Cherokee 4dr 4WD	91	112	98	67	63	89

  BETTER

  AVERAGE

  WORSE

  Statistics from IIHS.org for 2013-2015 Model Years

Car insurance policy discounts you can’t miss

Companies don’t always list every policy discount in an easy-to-find place, so the following list contains both well-publicized and the more hidden car insurance savings.

• Discount for Passive Restraints – Vehicles equipped with air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can get savings as much as 30%.
• More Vehicles More Savings – Buying coverage for multiple cars or trucks on one policy can reduce the rates for all insured vehicles.
• Telematics Devices – Austin drivers who agree to allow driving data submission to scrutinize driving habits by using a telematics device such as Allstate’s Drivewise and State Farm’s In-Drive system may see discounts if they have good driving habits.
• Government Employee Discount – Simply working for the federal government may reduce rates when you quote Austin auto insurance with select insurance companies.
• Organization Discounts – Joining a civic or occupational organization in Austin could qualify you for a break on your next car insurance statement.
• Austin Homeowners Pay Less – Owning a home in Austin can help you save on car insurance because of the fact that having a home requires a higher level of personal finance.

While discounts sound great, it’s important to understand that most discounts do not apply to all coverage premiums. Some only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. So even though it sounds like you could get a free car insurance policy, that’s just not realistic. Any amount of discount should help reduce your overall bill.

The best car insurance companies and a summarized list of policyholder discounts include:

• State Farm may offer discounts for driver’s education, defensive driving training, student away at school, passive restraint, Drive Safe & Save, and accident-free.
• GEICO policyholders can earn discounts including defensive driver, daytime running lights, federal employee, membership and employees, good student, and air bags.
• Allstate has savings for auto/life discount, multi-policy, economy car, anti-theft, premier discount, and resident student.
• SAFECO discounts include multi-car, teen safe driver, safe driver, homeowner, drive less, and anti-lock brakes.
• Farm Bureau offers premium reductions for multi-policy, 55 and retired, youthful driver, renewal discount, good student, safe driver, and driver training.
• Progressive may have discounts that include continuous coverage, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, online quote discount, homeowner, online signing, and good student.
• AAA offers discounts including multi-policy, good student, pay-in-full, anti-theft, multi-car, good driver, and education and occupation.

If you are trying to find low cost Austin auto insurance quotes, ask each company or agent which discounts you qualify for. All car insurance discounts may not apply to policies in Austin.

When should I contact an insurance agent?

Some consumers would rather have an agent’s advice and there is nothing wrong with that. A good thing about comparing insurance prices online is that drivers can save money and get cheap auto insurance quotes and still have a local agent.

To find an agent, once you fill out this form (opens in new window), your insurance data is submitted to companies in Austin who will give you bids to get your business. There is no reason to leave your house because quoted prices will be sent immediately to your email address. Get lower rates AND an agent nearby. If you wish to get a rate quote from one company in particular, don’t hesitate to visit that company’s website to submit a rate quote request.

Picking an insurance company should include more criteria than just a cheap price quote. These questions are important to ask:

• Does the company have a local claim office in Austin?
• When do they do policy reviews?
• Are they giving you every discount you deserve?
• Do the agents have professional certifications like CPCU or CIC?
• Do they specialize in personal lines coverage in Austin?
• Is vehicle damage repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
• Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
• What is the agency’s Better Business Bureau rating?

Exclusive agents vs. Independent agents

If you need to find local Austin agents, there are two types of insurance agents and how they can quote your rates. Agents in Austin can be categorized as either exclusive or independent agents depending on their company appointments.

Exclusive Agents

Exclusive agents have only one company to place business with like Allstate, State Farm and Farm Bureau. These agents are unable to provide rate quotes from other companies so they have to upsell other benefits. Exclusive agents are usually well trained on the products they sell which can be an advantage. Some consumers prefer to choose to use a exclusive agent partially due to the brand name rather than having low rates.

Shown below are exclusive agencies in Austin who can help you get rate quotes.

• Gary Shanahan – State Farm Insurance Agent
  5145 N FM 620 b170 – Austin, TX 78732 – (512) 458-2593 – View Map
• Karen Hall – State Farm Insurance Agent
  7004 Bee Cave Rd #3 – Austin, TX 78746 – (512) 327-6200 – View Map
• Karen Easterling – State Farm Insurance Agent
  2711 W Anderson Ln #201 – Austin, TX 78757 – (512) 454-4784 – View Map

More insurance agents

Independent Auto Insurance Agencies

Agents that choose to be independent do not have single company limitations so they have the ability to put coverage through lots of different companies and find you the best rates. If you are not satisfied with one company, the business is moved internally which is easy for the insured. If you are trying to find cheaper rates, it’s recommended you include price quotes from several independent agencies to have the best price comparison. Most also have access to mutual insurance companies that can offer cheaper rates than bigger companies.

Below is a short list of independent agencies in Austin that are able to give comparison quotes.

• EZ Insurance Agency – Main
  4502 S Congress Ave – Austin, TX 78745 – (512) 444-4040 – View Map
• Watkins Insurance Group
  3834 Spicewood Springs Rd – Austin, TX 78759 – (512) 452-8877 – View Map
• Time Insurance Agency
  1405 E Riverside Dr – Austin, TX 78741 – (512) 447-7773 – View Map

More insurance agents

Buyer beware of auto insurance advertising tricks

Auto insurance providers like GEICO, State Farm and Progressive regularly use ads on television and other media. They all seem to convey the message about saving some big amount if you switch to them. But how can every company make the same claim? This is how they do it.

All companies quote their cheapest rates for the right customer that makes them money. For instance, a desirable risk might be described as over the age of 40, owns their home, and has a high credit rating. A driver who fits those characteristics will probably get the lowest prices as well as save if they switch.

Consumers who may not quite match these stringent criteria will probably be forced to pay more expensive rates which translates to the customer buying from someone else. If you pay attention, the ads say “people that switch” not “all people who quote” save money. That’s the way insurance companies can lure you into getting a quote. Because of this risk profiling, it is so important to compare rate quotes every year. It is just not possible to predict the company that will have the lowest premium rates for your situation.

Special considerations

When selecting coverage online or from an agent for your personal vehicles, there is no perfect coverage plan. Your financial needs are unique.

For example, these questions may help highlight whether or not you might need an agent’s assistance.

• When does my teenage driver need to be added to my policy?
• Is my business laptop covered if it gets stolen from my vehicle?
• Am I covered by my employer’s commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
• Do I need PIP (personal injury protection) coverage in Texas?
• Are there any extra discounts I can get?
• What if I don’t agree with a claim settlement offer?
• Will my insurance pay for OEM parts?
• Are there companies who specialize in insuring high-risk drivers?
• What if an uninsured driver hits me?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

Compare but don’t skimp

While you’re price shopping online, it’s very important that you do not sacrifice coverage to reduce premiums. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut liability limits or collision coverage and found out when filing a claim that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your objective should be to buy a smart amount of coverage for the lowest cost, not the least amount of coverage.

You just learned some good ideas how to get a better price on Jeep Grand Cherokee insurance in Austin. The most important thing to understand is the more rate quotes you have, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even find the lowest prices are with a lesser-known regional company.

Lower-priced auto insurance in Austin is available online in addition to local insurance agencies, and you need to comparison shop both to get a complete price analysis. Some auto insurance companies do not provide the ability to get quotes online and usually these regional carriers sell through independent insurance agents.

Helpful learning opportunities

• How Much Auto Coverage do I Need? (Insurance Information Institute)
• What Auto Insurance is Cheapest for 4×4 Vehicles in Austin? (FAQ)
• What Auto Insurance is Cheapest for College Students in Austin? (FAQ)
• Who Has Cheap Car Insurance Rates for Single Moms in Austin? (FAQ)
• How Much are Auto Insurance Rates for High School Students in Austin? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance After a Speeding Ticket in Austin? (FAQ)
• Who Has Cheap Car Insurance for Homeowners in Austin? (FAQ)
• No-Fault Auto Insurance Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
• Five Mistakes to Avoid (Insurance Information Institute)
• Frontal Crash Tests (iihs.org)
• What is Covered by GAP Insurance? (Allstate)