Would you like to stop wasting money and find low-cost Chrysler PT Cruiser insurance in Tampa? Are you kicking yourself for buying overpriced Chrysler PT Cruiser insurance in Tampa? Say no more because you’re not alone.
A recent NerdWallet.com study revealed that most insurance buyers in Florida have bought insurance from the same company for at least four years, and nearly the majority have never compared rates with other companies. Consumers in the United States could pocket 47% a year by just comparing quotes, but most tend to underestimate the amount of money they would save if they switched.
Because you have many insurance companies to choose from, it can be hard to locate the right insurer.
It’s important to quote other rates once or twice a year because insurance rates trend upward over time. Just because you found the lowest rate on Chrysler PT Cruiser insurance in Tampa six months ago you may be paying too much now. Don’t believe everything you read about PT Cruiser insurance online, but by reading this article, you’re going to learn a bunch of ideas how to slash your insurance rates in Tampa.
Locating the most cost-effective car insurance policy in Tampa is much easier if you have a good place to start. If you are paying for car insurance now, you will be able to save money using these methods. Although Florida car owners can benefit from knowing how big insurance companies set your policy premium because rates fluctuate considerably.
Auto insurance rates and discounts
Auto insurance is not inexpensive, but there could be available discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Many of these discounts will be applied automatically when you get a quote, but once in a while a discount must be manually applied prior to receiving the credit.
- Switch and Save Discount – Select insurance companies give a discount for switching policies before your current expiration date. The savings is around 10%.
- Discount for Good Grades – A discount for being a good student can be rewarded with saving of up to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
- Anti-theft System – Anti-theft and alarm system equipped vehicles prevent vehicle theft and earn discounts up to 10% off your Tampa auto insurance quote.
- Accident Free – Drivers with accident-free driving histories have much lower rates when compared with policyholders that have many claims.
- Bundled Policy Discount – If you can bundle your auto and homeowners insurance and insure them both with the same insurance company you may earn over 10 percent off each policy depending on the company.
- Federal Employees – Having worked for a branch of the government could provide a small rate reduction with select insurance companies.
- Safety Course Discount – Completing a class that teaches defensive driver techniques may get you a small discount depending on where you live.
- Senior Citizen Discount – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can get a small decrease in premiums.
- Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Vehicles equipped with air bags may earn rate discounts of 20% or more.
- Use Seat Belts – Forcing all vehicle occupants to buckle up can save a little off the medical payments premium.
Keep in mind that some of the credits will not apply to the entire cost. Most only cut individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Just because you may think having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, companies wouldn’t make money that way. But all discounts will help lower the cost of your policy.
The diagram below visualizes the comparison of Chrysler PT Cruiser insurance prices with and without discounts applied to the policy premium. The rate quotes are based on a female driver, no violations or accidents, Florida state minimum liability limits, comp and collision included, and $1,000 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with safe-driver, claim-free, multi-car, multi-policy, homeowner, and marriage discounts applied.
A partial list of companies that may offer policyholders most of the discounts above are:
If you need lower rates, check with all companies you are considering which discounts you may be entitled to. All car insurance discounts may not apply to policyholders in your state.
Most of the larger companies make it easy to get coverage price quotes on their websites. Getting online rates for Chrysler PT Cruiser insurance in Tampa is possible for anyone because you just enter your coverage information into the quote form. Once entered, the system sends out for information on your driving record and credit history and returns a price based on many factors. Getting online rates for Chrysler PT Cruiser insurance in Tampa streamlines rate comparisons, and it’s absolutely necessary to get many rate quotes in order to get the best rate.
To get comparison pricing now, check out the auto insurance providers below. If you have a policy now, it’s recommended you duplicate the limits and deductibles exactly as shown on your declarations page. Doing this assures you will get an apples-to-apples comparison using the same coverage and limits.
The car insurance companies shown below offer price comparisons in Florida. To find cheap car insurance in Florida, we suggest you visit as many as you can to find the lowest car insurance rates.
Coverage information
The information shown next showcases estimates of insurance coverage prices for Chrysler PT Cruiser models. Understanding more about how car insurance premiums are formulated can help customers make smart choices when comparing insurance rates.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser 2WD 4-Dr | $242 | $438 | $400 | $24 | $120 | $1,224 | $102 |
| PT Cruiser 2WD 4-Dr | $242 | $438 | $400 | $24 | $120 | $1,224 | $102 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Table data represents single female driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, and Florida minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, multi-vehicle, homeowner, claim-free, and multi-policy. Information does not factor in zip code location which can lower or raise rates considerably.
Physical damage deductible comparison
A question often asked by Tampa drivers is how high should the physical damage deductibles be. The rates shown below can help you understand the difference in cost when you choose different comp and collision deductibles. The first rate estimation uses a $250 deductible for comp and collision and the second set of rates uses a $500 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser 2WD 4-Dr | $280 | $446 | $354 | $20 | $106 | $1,231 | $103 |
| PT Cruiser 2WD 4-Dr | $280 | $446 | $354 | $20 | $106 | $1,231 | $103 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PT Cruiser 2WD 4-Dr | $228 | $360 | $354 | $20 | $106 | $1,068 | $89 |
| PT Cruiser 2WD 4-Dr | $228 | $360 | $354 | $20 | $106 | $1,068 | $89 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Prices above based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Florida minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-policy, claim-free, safe-driver, and multi-vehicle. Estimates do not factor in specific zip code location which can impact coverage prices greatly.
Based on this data, using a $250 deductible costs about $14 more each month or $168 a year than choosing the higher $500 deductible. Due to the fact that you would have to pay $250 more if you turn in a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you average at a minimum 18 months between claims, you would probably come out ahead if you opt for a higher deductible.
Rate comparison of male drivers versus female drivers
The example below compares Chrysler PT Cruiser yearly insurance costs for male and female drivers. The rate quotes are based on no claims or violations, comprehensive and collision coverage, $500 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no discounts are applied.
Full coverage versus liability-only in Tampa
The example below illustrates the comparison of Chrysler PT Cruiser premium costs with full physical damage coverage compared to only buying the minimum liability limits required in Florida. The premiums are based on no tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, single status, and no other discounts are factored in.
When to drop comp and collision
There is no exact formula to stop buying physical damage coverage on your policy, but there is a general guideline. If the annual cost of having full coverage is 10% or more of any settlement you would receive from your insurance company, then it could be time to drop full coverage.
For example, let’s assume your Chrysler PT Cruiser book value is $3,000 and you have $1,000 physical damage deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled, the most your company will settle for is $2,000 after paying your deductible. If you are paying over $200 a year for comprehensive and collision coverage, then you might consider buying liability only.
There are some cases where buying only liability insurance is not advised. If you still owe money on your vehicle, you are required to maintain full coverage as part of the loan conditions. Also, if you can’t afford to buy a different vehicle if your current one is damaged, you should not eliminate full coverage.
Get More Affordable Auto Insurance with These Tips
Part of the auto insurance buying process is learning the factors that come into play when calculating your auto insurance rates. When consumers understand what influences your rates, this enables you to make decisions that may reward you with lower rates. Many factors are taken into consideration when you get your auto insurance bill. Some are obvious like an MVR report, although others are not as apparent like your vehicle usage or your commute time.
The items below are a few of the things companies use to determine your rate level.
- How much liability coverage do you need? – The liability coverage on your policy provides coverage if ever you are ruled to be at fault for damages caused by your negligence. Your policy’s liability insurance provides for a legal defense starting from day one. Liability is cheap when compared with rates for comp and collision, so drivers should carry high limits.
- Drivers with responsible credit save on auto insurance – Your credit score is a big factor in your rate calculation. If your credit score is not that good, you could save money insuring your Chrysler PT Cruiser if you clean up your credit. Drivers who have high credit scores tend to be less risk to insure as compared to drivers with lower credit scores.
- Prevent policy lapses – Not maintaining insurance is a big no-no and auto insurance companies will penalize you for letting your insurance lapse for non-payment. Not only will you pay higher rates, being ticketed for driving with no insurance could earn you a license revocation or jail time. You may have to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the Florida motor vehicle department to get your license reinstated.
- Stay claim-free and save money – If you are a frequent claim filer, you can look forward to higher rates. Car insurance companies in Florida award the lowest premiums to insureds who do not rely on their insurance for small claims. Auto insurance is meant to be used in the event of claims that you cannot pay yourself.
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The type of car you drive affects your costs – The type of vehicle you are insuring makes a substantial difference in determining your rates. Lower performance four cylinder passenger cars normally have pretty low rates, but your final cost has many other factors.
The data below uses these assumptions: married male driver age 50, full coverage with $500 deductibles, and no discounts or violations. It compares Chrysler PT Cruiser rates compared to other models of vehicles that have different performance rating factors.
- Buy a safe car and pay less – Vehicles with high crash test scores cost less to insure. Highly rated vehicles help reduce the chance of injuries in an accident and any reduction in injury severity means less claims paid which can mean better rates for you. If your Chrysler PT Cruiser earned at least four stars on Safercar.gov or an “acceptable” rating on iihs.org you may qualify for a discount.
- Prevent theft and save – Driving a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can earn a premium discount. Anti-theft devices like tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar all help prevent car theft and help bring rates down.
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Better drivers pay the best rates – Drivers who don’t get tickets pay less for auto insurance than people who have multiple driving citations. Even one chargeable violation could increase your next policy renewal twenty percent or more. People who have dangerous violations such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may need to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with their state’s licensing department in order to continue driving.
The information below highlights how speeding tickets and at-fault accidents influence Chrysler PT Cruiser premium costs for each different age category. The prices are based on a married female driver, comp and collision included, $100 deductibles, and no discounts are applied.
How to know if you need help
When it comes to buying a policy for your personal vehicles, there really is not a best way to insure your cars. Everyone’s situation is a little different and your policy should reflect that. For example, these questions may help you determine whether or not you might need professional guidance.
- Who is covered when they drive my Chrysler PT Cruiser?
- Am I covered if I crash into my own garage door?
- Do I have any recourse if my insurance company denies a claim?
- How much liability insurance is required?
- If my Chrysler PT Cruiser is totaled, can I afford another vehicle?
- Will I lose any money if I cancel my policy before it expires?
- Is a blown tire covered by insurance?
- Which is better, split liability limits or combined limits?
If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.
Do I need an insurance agency?
Some consumers would prefer to buy from a licensed agent and that is just fine! One of the best bonuses of comparing insurance online is you may find better rates and still have an agent to talk to.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this form (opens in new window), the quote information is submitted to agents in your area who will give you quotes for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to do any legwork because prices are sent directly to you. You can find the lowest rates and work with a local agent. If for some reason you want to compare prices from a specific insurance company, don’t hesitate to search and find their rate quote page and give them your coverage information.
Finding a good insurer requires more thought than just the price. Here are some questions you should ask.
- Does the agency have a good rating with the Better Business Bureau?
- Do they offer rental car reimbursement?
- How many years of experience in personal auto insurance do they have?
- What insurance companies do they recommend if they are an independent agent?
- If you are a high risk driver, do they have special markets for your coverage?
- Are they able to provide referrals?
Three reasons car insurance is important
Despite the high cost of buying insurance for a Chrysler PT Cruiser in Tampa, insuring your vehicle is mandatory in Florida but it also protects more than you think.
- Just about all states have mandatory insurance requirements which means you are required to buy a specific minimum amount of liability protection if you drive a vehicle. 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 you have a lien on your vehicle, almost every bank will make it mandatory that you have insurance to ensure they get paid if you total the vehicle. If you cancel or allow the policy to lapse, the bank will be required to insure your Chrysler at an extremely high rate and require you to reimburse them the higher price.
- Car insurance preserves both your assets and your Chrysler. Insurance will also pay for most medical and hospital costs for you, your passengers, and anyone else injured in an accident. One of the most valuable coverages, liability insurance, will also pay attorney fees if you are sued as the result of your driving. If you have damage to your Chrysler as the result of the weather or an accident, comprehensive and/or collision insurance will cover the damage repairs after a deductible is paid.
The benefits of having insurance are definitely more than the cost, especially if you ever need it. In a recent study of 1,000 drivers, the average customer is currently overpaying as much as $855 a year so compare rates at every policy renewal to make sure the price is not too high.
Do the work, save more money
We just showed you quite a bit of information on how to shop for Chrysler PT Cruiser insurance online. It’s most important to understand that the more rate comparisons you have, the more likely it is that you will get a better rate. You may even discover the best car insurance rates are with a company that doesn’t do a lot of advertising. They may have significantly lower premium rates on certain market segments than their larger competitors like Allstate and Progressive.
When buying insurance coverage, do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There are many occasions where drivers have reduced collision coverage and discovered at claim time that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your objective should be to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best cost, but don’t skip important coverages to save money.
How to buy discount Chrysler PT Cruiser insurance in Tampa
Really, the only way to get affordable auto insurance rates in Tampa is to start comparing prices yearly from companies who can sell car insurance in Florida.
- First, try to understand what coverages are included in your policy and the steps you can take to prevent high rates. Many rating factors that result in higher prices like traffic citations, accidents, and a substandard credit history can be amended by paying attention to minor details.
- Second, request rate estimates from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive agents and direct companies can provide rates from a single company like GEICO and Allstate, while independent agencies can give you price quotes from multiple companies.
- Third, compare the new quotes to your existing policy to see if you can save by switching companies. If you find better rates and buy the policy, ensure coverage does not lapse between policies.
- Fourth, notify your current company to cancel your existing policy and submit any necessary down payment along with the completed application to your new company or agent. As soon as coverage is bound, keep the new certificate verifying proof of insurance somewhere easily accessible.
One thing to point out is that you use similar limits and deductibles on each price quote and and to look at every insurance company. Doing this helps ensure a fair rate comparison and a better comparison of the market.
More detailed auto insurance information is located in the articles below:
- Should I Purchase an Umbrella Liability Policy? (Insurance Information Institute)
- How Much is Auto Insurance for 4×4 Vehicles in Tampa? (FAQ)
- How Much is Tampa Car Insurance for a Nissan Versa? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance for a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Tampa? (FAQ)
- Help Your Teen Be a Better Driver (State Farm)
- Car Insurance: When not to Skimp (BankRate.com)