Auto Insurance Quotes for a Volkswagen Passat in Fresno

If you want to find the absolute lowest rates, then the best way to find cheaper prices for Volkswagen Passat insurance in Fresno is to do a yearly price comparison from insurance carriers who sell auto insurance in California. Price quotes can be compared by following these steps.

• First, try to learn about the coverage provided by your policy and the modifications you can make to keep rates down. Many things that result in higher prices such as speeding tickets, accidents and an unacceptable credit score can be improved by being financially responsible and driving safely. This article provides information to prevent expensive rate increases and find discounts that you may qualify for.
• Second, request price quotes from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Exclusive agents and direct companies can only give rate quotes from a single company like GEICO or State Farm, while independent agencies can give you price quotes from multiple insurance companies.
• Third, compare the quotes to your existing coverage and see if you can save money. If you can save money and buy the policy, make sure the effective date of the new policy is the same as the expiration date of the old one.

One piece of advice is to use identical coverage information on every price quote and and to compare as many auto insurance providers as possible. This provides an accurate price comparison and a complete selection of prices.

We don’t have to tell you that auto insurance companies don’t want you to look at other companies. Drivers who do rate comparisons are likely to move their business because there is a significant possibility of finding lower prices. A recent survey discovered that people who regularly compared rates saved on average $70 a month compared to drivers who don’t regularly compare prices.

If finding the lowest price on auto insurance in Fresno is your intention, then learning about how to quote and compare car insurance can save money and time.

Companies offering Volkswagen Passat insurance in Fresno

The companies shown below have been selected to offer price quotes in Fresno, CA. If multiple companies are listed, we suggest you get rates from several of them to get the lowest price.

Rate information and statistics

The rate information displayed next covers estimates of coverage prices for Volkswagen Passat models. Understanding more about how insurance premiums are established helps drivers make informed coverage decisions.

Data based on married female driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, safe-driver, claim-free, multi-vehicle, and multi-policy. Information does not factor in your specific Fresno location which can decrease or increase prices greatly.

Can higher deductibles save money?

A question often asked by Fresno drivers is how high should the physical damage deductibles be. The comparison tables below show the differences in price of buying low and high insurance deductibles. The first rate quote example uses a $250 deductible and the second price table uses a $1,000 deductible.

Above prices assume married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, claim-free, safe-driver, homeowner, and multi-vehicle. Rate information does not factor in your specific Fresno location which can affect premium rates significantly.

Based on this data, using a $250 deductible costs approximately $35 more each month or $420 annually across all Volkswagen Passat models than opting for the higher $1,000 deductible. Since you would have to pay $750 more if you file a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you tend to go more than 21 months between claim filings, you would probably save some money if you decide on a higher deductible. The illustration below shows an example of how this calculation is made.

One thing to note is that a higher deductible means you pay more out-of-pocket when you have to file a claim. That will require enough disposable savings in the event you have to pay the deductible.

Violations and accidents raise rates

The example below highlights how traffic violations and at-fault collisions drive up Volkswagen Passat premium costs for different ages of insureds. The data assumes a single male driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, $500 deductibles, and no policy discounts are applied.

Volkswagen Passat insurance rates by age and gender

The information below shows the comparison of Volkswagen Passat car insurance rates for male and female drivers. The premiums are based on no claims, a clean driving record, full physical damage coverage, $1,000 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no other discounts are factored in.

Cost comparison with and without full coverage

The chart below illustrates the difference between Volkswagen Passat yearly insurance costs with and without physical damage coverage, medical payments, and uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage. The costs are based on no driving violations, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no other discounts are factored in.

Are you wasting money paying for full coverage?

There isn’t a steadfast formula to delete full coverage, but there is a general guideline you can use. If the annual cost of having full coverage is about 10% or more of the vehicle’s replacement cost less your deductible, then it could be time to drop full coverage.

For example, let’s assume your Volkswagen Passat settlement value is $6,000 and you have $1,000 physical damage deductibles. If your vehicle is destroyed, the most you would receive is $5,000 after you pay the deductible. If you are currently paying more than $500 a year to have full coverage, then it may be the right time to buy liability only.

There are some situations where dropping physical damage coverage is not financially feasible. If you still have a lienholder on your title, you have to maintain full coverage to protect the lienholder’s interest in the vehicle. Also, if you don’t have enough money to buy a different vehicle if your current one is damaged, you should keep full coverage.

Earn discounts on Fresno insurance

Insurance is not an enjoyable expense, but there are discounts available that could drop your premiums quite a bit. Certain credits will be shown when you purchase, but once in a while a discount must be asked for before being credited.

• Braking Control Discount – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control prevent accidents so you can save 10 percent or more.
• Good Student Discount – This discount may save you up to 25%. Earning this discount can benefit you up until you turn 25.
• Drivers Ed for Students – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver’s ed class as it can save substantially.
• Savings for New Vehicles – Buying a new car model can save you some money because newer models are generally safer.
• Defensive Driving Course – Taking a course in safe driver may get you a small discount and also improve your driving technique.
• Distant College Student Discount – Youth drivers who are enrolled in a college that is more than 100 miles from Fresno and leave their car at home may be insured at a cheaper rate.
• Anti-theft Discount – Anti-theft and alarm system equipped vehicles prevent vehicle theft and will save you 10% or more on Passat insurance in Fresno.
• Passive Restraint Discount – Factory options such as air bags or motorized seat belts can get savings of up to 25% or more.

As a sidenote, most discounts do not apply to the entire cost. Most cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. Despite the appearance that it’s possible to get free car insurance, it’s just not the way it works.

The example below illustrates the difference between Volkswagen Passat annual premium costs with and without some available policy discounts. The costs are based on a male driver, no violations or accidents, California state minimum liability limits, full physical damage coverage, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with safe-driver, multi-car, homeowner, marriage, claim-free, and multi-policy discounts applied.

Companies and some of the premium reductions they offer include:

• GEICO discounts include anti-theft, good student, defensive driver, federal employee, and five-year accident-free.
• USAA has discounts for loyalty savings, new vehicle, vehicle storage, multi-policy, good student, and safe driver.
• Progressive has savings for multi-vehicle, continuous coverage, good student, online signing, online quote discount, and homeowner.
• American Family offers premium reductions for defensive driver, good student, TimeAway discount, multi-vehicle, early bird, air bags, and mySafetyValet.
• Esurance policyholders can earn discounts including anti-theft, Switch & Save, online shopper, Pac-12 alumni, emergency road assistance, and multi-policy.
• Farmers Insurance may offer discounts for switch companies, electronic funds transfer, pay in full, youthful driver, homeowner, and teen driver.
• State Farm offers discounts including safe vehicle, good student, multiple autos, Drive Safe & Save, driver’s education, student away at school, and anti-theft.

When comparing rates, check with every insurance company to give you their best rates. Savings may not apply to policyholders in Fresno. For a list of providers with significant discounts in California, click this link.

Buying from auto insurance agents

Many drivers still like to talk to a local agent and that is recommended in a lot of cases The best thing about comparing rates online is that drivers can save money and get cheap insurance quotes but also keep your business local. And providing support for local agencies is especially important in Fresno.

For easy comparison, once you complete this short form, your coverage information is submitted to companies in Fresno who will give you quotes for your business. There is no reason to even leave your home since price quotes are sent to you. You can get cheaper insurance rates without a big time investment. If you want to get a comparison quote from a particular provider, you would need to go to their quote page and fill out the quote form the provide.

If you are wanting to purchase insurance from a reliable agent, it can be helpful to understand the types of insurance agents and how they operate. Agents in Fresno are categorized either exclusive or independent.

Independent Insurance Agents

These agents do not sell for just one brand so they can write business with any number of different companies depending on which coverage is best. If your premiums go up, your agent can switch companies without you having to go to a different agency.

If you are trying to find cheaper rates, you absolutely need to compare quotes from at least one independent agent so that you can do a thorough price comparison.

Shown below are Fresno independent insurance agencies that may be able to provide price quote information.

More Fresno agents

Exclusive Insurance Agents

Exclusive insurance agents work for only one company and examples are Farmers Insurance, Allstate, or State Farm. These agents are not able to provide other company’s prices so keep that in mind. Exclusive agents are trained well on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.

Shown below is a list of exclusive insurance agencies in Fresno that are able to give rate quotes.

More Fresno agents

Choosing a car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just the premium amount. These are some questions your agent should answer.

• Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?
• Is coverage determined by price?
• Do they have 24-hour customer assistance?
• Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
• Are aftermarket or OEM parts used to repair vehicles?
• Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in California?
• Will you be dealing directly with the agent or with a Custom Service Representative (CSR)?
• Will the company cover a rental car if your car is getting fixed?

Once you have received answers to your satisfaction to any questions you have and a good coverage price, most likely you have located an insurance agency that will adequately provide insurance. But keep in mind you can always cancel your policy whenever you want so never assume you’re contractually obligated to your new company for any length of time.

What is the best car insurance company in California?

Finding a good quality car insurance provider is hard considering how many companies sell insurance in California. The company information below could help you select which auto insurers you want to consider purchasing coverage from.

Top 10 Fresno Car Insurance Companies Overall

1. USAA
2. American Family
3. AAA of Southern California
4. State Farm
5. The Hartford
6. AAA Insurance
7. GEICO
8. The General
9. Titan Insurance
10. Progressive

Top 10 Fresno Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Value

1. USAA
2. American Family
3. The Hartford
4. AAA of Southern California
5. Titan Insurance
6. The General
7. AAA Insurance
8. State Farm
9. Mercury Insurance
10. Nationwide

Your auto insurance coverage should be tailored to you

When choosing coverage online or from an agent for your personal vehicles, there isn’t really a perfect coverage plan. Everyone’s situation is unique.

These are some specific questions may help you determine whether your personal situation will benefit from professional help.

• Does rental coverage apply when I am renting a car?
• Do I need to call my car insurance company before buying a new car?
• Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
• Does every company file a SR-22 automatically?
• What if an uninsured driver hits me?
• Is water damage covered by my policy?
• Do I need rental car coverage?
• Is motorclub coverage worth it?
• Do I need special coverage while pulling a rented trailer?

If you can’t answer these questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find an agent in your area, complete this form.

Car insurance specifics

Knowing the specifics of car insurance can help you determine the best coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. Car insurance terms can be difficult to understand and reading a policy is terribly boring.

UM/UIM (Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist) coverage

This protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered losses include medical payments for you and your occupants as well as your vehicle’s damage.

Since a lot of drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (which is 15/30/5), their limits can quickly be used up. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is a good idea. Frequently the UM/UIM limits are similar to your liability insurance amounts.

Coverage for liability

Liability insurance protects you from injuries or damage you cause to a person or their property in an accident. Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You commonly see values of 15/30/5 which means $15,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a limit of $30,000 in injury protection per accident, and property damage coverage for $5,000. Another option is one number which is a combined single limit which provides one coverage limit and claims can be made without the split limit restrictions.

Liability can pay for things such as repair bills for other people’s vehicles, repair costs for stationary objects and structural damage. How much coverage you buy is your choice, but buy higher limits if possible. California state minimum liability requirements are 15/30/5 but it’s recommended drivers buy more liability than the minimum.

The illustration below shows why minimum state limits may not provide adequate coverage.

Collision insurance

Collision insurance will pay to fix damage to your Passat resulting from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.

Collision coverage pays for things such as backing into a parked car, driving through your garage door, rolling your car, sustaining damage from a pot hole and sideswiping another vehicle. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Another option is to raise the deductible on your Passat to bring the cost down.

Medical payments and PIP coverage

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP reimburse you for bills like prosthetic devices, hospital visits and dental work. They can be used in conjunction with a health insurance program or if you are not covered by health insurance. They cover you and your occupants and will also cover being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP is not available in all states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage

Comprehensive auto coverage

This will pay to fix damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first must pay your deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.

Comprehensive insurance covers things such as hail damage, a broken windshield, damage from flooding, rock chips in glass and falling objects. The maximum amount you’ll receive from a claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle’s value is low it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Compare auto insurance rates regularly to save

Some companies do not provide online price quotes and usually these smaller companies only sell through independent insurance agencies. Discount Volkswagen Passat insurance is attainable on the web and from local insurance agents, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best rate selection.

People leave their current company for a variety of reasons including delays in paying claims, delays in responding to claim requests, high rates after DUI convictions and unfair underwriting practices. It doesn’t matter what your reason, finding a new auto insurance company can be pretty painless.

When searching for low cost Fresno auto insurance quotes, it’s very important that you do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many cases where consumers will sacrifice uninsured motorist or liability limits and learned later that they should have had better coverage. The goal is to buy a smart amount of coverage at a price you can afford, not the least amount of coverage.

More tips and info about auto insurance is located by following these links:

• Shopping for a Safe Car (Insurance Information Institute)
• How Much is Fresno Auto Insurance for First-time Drivers? (FAQ)
• What Insurance is Cheapest for a Toyota Highlander in Fresno? (FAQ)
• Which Company has the Cheapest Auto Insurance in Fresno, California? (FAQ)
• Car Insurance for Teen Drivers with Divorced Parents (Allstate)
• Teen Driving Statistics (GEICO)
• Auto Insurance Facts and Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
• Car Insurance FAQ (Trusted Choice)