The most effective way to get discount car insurance rates is to compare prices once a year from companies in Buffalo. You can shop around by completing these steps.
- First, spend some time learning about what coverages are included in your policy and the measures you can control to keep rates down. Many factors that are responsible for high rates such as your driving record and a substandard credit score can be improved by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes.
- Second, request rate estimates from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Direct and exclusive agents can give quotes from one company like Progressive or Farmers Insurance, while agents who are independent can provide rate quotes for a wide range of insurance providers. View a list of agents
- Third, compare the new rate quotes to your existing rates to see if a cheaper rate is available in Buffalo. If you find a lower rate quote and buy the policy, make sure coverage is continuous and does not lapse.
- Fourth, give notification to your agent or company of your intent to cancel your current car insurance policy. Submit the completed application along with a down payment to the new company. Once the paperwork is finalized, place your new proof of insurance paperwork in an accessible location in your vehicle.
A crucial key to this process is to try to compare similar limits and deductibles on each price quote and and to get quotes from as many car insurance companies as possible. This ensures a fair rate comparison and the best price quote selection.
Shockingly, the vast majority of insurance customers have remained with the same insurance company for more than four years, and 38% of customers have never taken the time to shop around. With the average insurance premium being $1,940, Buffalo drivers can cut their rates by almost $840 a year by just comparing quotes, but most undervalue the rate savings if they switched to a more affordable policy.
When looking for affordable Buffalo car insurance quotes, there are a couple ways to compare rate quotes from different Buffalo insurance companies. The easiest way by far to find the cheapest Scion tC insurance rates is to perform an online rate comparison. When price shopping your coverage, making a lot of price comparisons helps improve the odds of finding the best rates. Not every company provides Buffalo tC insurance quotes online, so it’s necessary to compare price quotes on coverage from those companies, too.
The companies shown below can provide free quotes in Buffalo, NY. If multiple companies are listed, we suggest you get price quotes from several of them to find the most affordable car insurance rates.
Cheaper rates with these discounts
Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but there may be some discounts to reduce the price significantly. Many discounts should be triggered at the time of purchase, but a few must be specifically requested before they will apply. If you do not double check each discount available, you’re paying more than you need to.
- Buffalo Homeowners Discount – Just owning your own home may trigger a policy discount on insurance because it shows financial diligence.
- Military Deployment Discount – Having a deployed family member may qualify for rate reductions.
- Discount for Good Grades – A discount for being a good student may save you up to 25%. Most companies allow this discount well after school through age 25.
- Auto/Life Discount – Insurance companies who offer life insurance give a break if you buy life insurance.
- Online Discount – Certain insurance companies will discount your bill up to fifty bucks for signing up on your computer.
Policy discounts save money, but most of the big mark downs will not be given to the entire cost. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. So despite the fact that it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, it’s just not the way it works. But any discount will help reduce your policy premium.
The diagram below compares Scion tC car insurance rates with and without some available policy discounts. The data is based on a male driver, no claims or driving citations, New York state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with safe-driver, marriage, claim-free, homeowner, multi-policy, and multi-car discounts applied.
Popular insurance companies and some of the premium reductions they offer are included below.
- The Hartford policyholders can earn discounts including bundle, vehicle fuel type, defensive driver, air bag, anti-theft, and good student.
- American Family discounts include accident-free, mySafetyValet, defensive driver, bundled insurance, and early bird.
- Progressive has savings for multi-vehicle, good student, homeowner, multi-policy, online signing, and continuous coverage.
- Travelers may offer discounts for multi-policy, continuous insurance, home ownership, driver training, IntelliDrive, and new car.
- Farmers Insurance has discounts for early shopping, good student, bundle discounts, youthful driver, alternative fuel, and multi-car.
- USAA offers premium reductions for new vehicle, safe driver, multi-policy, driver training, and annual mileage.
- Liberty Mutual offers discounts for new move discount, new vehicle discount, safety features, multi-car, preferred payment discount, good student, and teen driver discount.
Double check with all companies you are considering to apply every possible discount. Some of the discounts discussed earlier might not be offered on policies in every state. If you would like to view companies with significant discounts in New York, click this link.
Premium rates and analysis
The coverage table below outlines estimates of prices for Scion tC models. Learning a little about how auto insurance prices are established can help drivers make smart choices when purchasing an auto insurance policy.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TC 2-Dr Hatchback | $98 | $250 | $318 | $18 | $96 | $780 | $65 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data based on married male driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and New York minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, homeowner, multi-policy, and multi-vehicle. Price estimates do not factor in garaging location in Buffalo which can alter prices considerably.
Where to set your deductibles
A question often asked by Buffalo drivers is how high should the deductibles for physical damage be. The rates shown below illustrate the cost difference when you choose different insurance deductibles. The first price estimate table uses a $250 physical damage deductible and the second data table uses a $1,000 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TC 2-Dr Hatchback | $204 | $468 | $330 | $20 | $100 | $1,147 | $96 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TC 2-Dr Hatchback | $126 | $294 | $330 | $20 | $100 | $870 | $73 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data variables include married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and New York minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, multi-policy, claim-free, multi-vehicle, and homeowner. Rates do not factor in specific garaging location which can increase or decrease premium rates significantly.
Based on the figures above, using a $250 deductible costs roughly $23 more each month or $276 for a full year than opting for the higher $1,000 deductible. Since you would have to pay $750 more if you turn in a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you tend to go more than 33 months between claims, you would most likely save money if you choose the higher deductible.
The chart below illustrates how your deductible choice and can impact Scion tC insurance costs for each different age group. The costs are based on a married male driver, comp and collision included, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Rate comparison of full coverage and liability-only
The illustration below illustrates the comparison of Scion tC auto insurance rates with full physical damage coverage compared to only buying the minimum liability limits required in New York. The data assumes no tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1,000 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are factored in.
When to drop full coverage
There is no clear-cut rule to eliminate physical damage insurance, but there is a general convention. If the yearly cost of full coverage is more than 10% of the replacement cost minus the deductible, then it could be time to drop full coverage.
For example, let’s assume your Scion tC book value is $8,000 and you have $1,000 physical damage deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, the most you would get paid by your company is $7,000 after you pay the deductible. If it’s costing you more than $700 annually to have full coverage, then you might want to think about dropping full coverage.
There are some cases where dropping full coverage is not a good plan. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you have to keep full coverage as part of the loan conditions. Also, if your finances do not allow you to purchase a different vehicle in case of an accident, you should not consider dropping full coverage.
When should I get advice from an agent?
Many people just prefer to buy from a local agent and doing so can bring peace of mind One of the benefits of getting free rate quotes online is that drivers can save money and get the best rates but still work with a licensed agent.
By using this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is transmitted to local insurance agents in Buffalo who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. You never need to contact any agents since rate quotes are delivered immediately to you. You can get cheaper car insurance rates without a big time investment. If you want to get a price quote from a particular provider, don’t hesitate to find their quoting web page and give them your coverage information.
Selecting an provider is decision based upon more than just the bottom line cost. Get answers to these questions too.
- Will the agent help in case of a claim?
- Do they write coverage based solely on cost?
- How many companies do they write for?
- Do they get extra compensation for selling add-on coverages?
- How long has their agency been open in Buffalo?
- If independent agents, which companies do they recommend?
- If you raise deductibles, how much can you save?
Choose the right car insurance agent
If you need to find a good Buffalo insurance agent, you must know there are a couple types of agencies that you can select. Car insurance policy providers are categorized either independent agents or exclusive agents depending on their employer.
Exclusive Car Insurance Agencies
Exclusive agents can only place business with one company and examples are AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance, and Allstate. They are unable to give you multiple price quotes so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Exclusive insurance agents are usually quite knowledgeable in insurance sales which helps overcome the inability to quote other rates. Drivers often buy from exclusive agents partially due to high brand loyalty and solid financial strength.
Below is a short list of exclusive agencies in Buffalo who may provide you with price quotes.
- Marc Scherrer – State Farm Insurance Agent
2165 Sheridan Dr – Buffalo, NY 14223 – (716) 875-0524 – View Map - Joe Czaja – State Farm Insurance Agent
1021 Union Rd – Buffalo, NY 14224 – (716) 674-3654 – View Map - GEICO Insurance Agent
3835 McKinley Pkwy #2 – Buffalo, NY 14219 – (716) 604-0345 – View Map
Independent Agents
Independent insurance agents are not restricted to one company and that enables them to quote your coverage with a variety of different insurance companies and get you the best rates possible. If prices rise, they simply switch companies in-house and you won’t have to switch agencies. When comparing car insurance rates, we recommend you compare quotes from multiple independent agents in order to have the best price comparison. Many can place coverage with additional companies that you may not be familiar with that may provide cheaper car insurance rates.
Shown below are Buffalo independent insurance agents that are able to give rate quotes.
- Niagara National Insurance
5001 Genesee St – Buffalo, NY 14225 – (716) 684-6000 – View Map - State Insurance Fund
225 Oak St – Buffalo, NY 14203 – (716) 851-2000 – View Map - Jacob Hauck Agency Inc
801 Main St – Buffalo, NY 14203 – (716) 853-3820 – View Map
If you receive good responses to any questions you have and a good coverage price, most likely you have located an auto insurance agent that is professional and can adequately provide car insurance.
Special considerations
Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing a policy for your vehicles, there really is not a single plan that fits everyone. You are unique and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply.
For instance, these questions may help highlight if your insurance needs may require specific advice.
- I have good health insurance, so how much medical payments coverage do I need?
- Does insurance cover tools stolen from my truck?
- Is my cargo covered for damage or theft?
- What are the financial responsibility laws in my state?
- When would I need rental car insurance?
- Does my personal policy cover me when driving out-of-state?
- If my car is totaled with they pay enough to replace it?
If it’s difficult to answer those questions but a few of them apply, you might consider talking to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area.
Four Things That Determine Your Insurance Costs
Many things are taken into consideration when you get your auto insurance bill. Some are pretty understandable such as traffic violations, but other criteria are less apparent such as your credit history or how safe your car is.
- Discounts for married couples – Having a significant other can get you a discount on auto insurance. Having a spouse usually means you are more financially stable and statistics prove drivers who are married file infrequent claims.
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Driver age impacts rates – Young drivers in New York are statistically shown to be more careless with other occupants in the car therefore auto insurance rates are much higher. Mature drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to cause fewer accidents, and usually have better credit.
The chart below assumes a single driver, full coverage with $1000 deductibles, and no discounts or violations.
- The more you drive the more you pay – Driving a lot of miles each year the higher your rates will be. Most insurance companies charge rates based upon how much you drive. Vehicles that do not get driven very much can get a lower rate than vehicles that have high annual mileage. Make sure your auto insurance coverage is showing the proper vehicle usage. A policy that improperly rates your tC can result in significantly higher rates.
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Traffic violations are costly – Attentive drivers tend to pay less for car insurance as compared to careless drivers. Having a single chargeable violation can boost insurance rates twenty percent or more. Drivers who have severe tickets such as DUI or willful reckless driving might be required by their state to file a SR-22 to the state department of motor vehicles in order to prevent their license from being revoked.
The information below illustrates how traffic citations and fender-benders increase Scion tC insurance premiums for each age group. The premiums are based on a married male driver, comp and collision included, $1,000 deductibles, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
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Scion tC statistical loss data – Car insurance companies include the past claim history for a vehicle to help set a rate to offset losses. Vehicles that are shown to have a trend towards higher claim severity or frequency will cost more for coverage. The table below outlines the insurance loss data for Scion tC vehicles.
For each policy coverage, the statistical loss for all vehicles compiled together is set at 100. Values that are under 100 indicate a favorable loss history, while values over 100 point to more losses or tendency to have larger claims.
Insurance Loss Ratings for Scion tC Vehicles Vehicle Make and Model Collision Property Damage Comp Personal Injury Medical Payment Bodily Injury Scion tC 133 139 136 148 152 143 BETTERAVERAGEWORSEData Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Three good reasons to insure your tC
Even though it can be expensive, buying insurance is most likely required but also gives you several important benefits.
- Just about all states have minimum mandated liability insurance limits which means state laws require a specific minimum amount of liability insurance coverage in order to drive the car legally. In New York these limits are 25/50/10 which means you must have $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $10,000 of property damage coverage.
- If your vehicle has a loan, it’s most likely the lender will force you to have full coverage to protect their interest in the vehicle. If you do not pay your insurance premiums, the lender will be forced to insure your Scion for a lot more money and force you to pay the higher price.
- Insurance safeguards both your Scion tC and your personal assets. It will also pay for medical expenses for both you and anyone you injure as the result of 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 mother nature or an accident damages your car, 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, particularly if you ever have a claim. According to a 2015 survey, the average American driver overpays as much as $850 per year so it’s recommended you shop around every year to save money.
Smart consumers save more
We just showed you many ways to find cheaper Scion tC insurance in Buffalo. The most important thing to understand is the more quotes you get, the better likelihood of getting affordable Scion tC insurance quotes. Consumers may even find the biggest savings come from a smaller regional carrier. Regional companies may have significantly lower car insurance rates on certain market segments compared to the large companies like Progressive or GEICO.
Some insurance companies do not offer online quoting and many times these smaller companies only sell coverage through local independent agents. Affordable Scion tC insurance in Buffalo can be sourced online as well as from insurance agents, so you need to compare both to have the best rate selection.
Additional information can be read at these links:
- Learn About Car Insurance (GEICO)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance Rates for 17 Year Olds in Buffalo? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance with Multiple Speeding Tickets in Buffalo? (FAQ)
- How Much is Auto Insurance for a Company Car in Buffalo? (FAQ)
- What is the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Buffalo, NY? (FAQ)
- Safe Vehicles for Teens (iihs.org)
- Teen Driver Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
- What is Gap Insurance? (Insurance Information Institute)