It’s safe to assume that car insurance companies don’t want you to compare rates. Consumers who shop for lower prices will, in all likelihood, switch companies because there is a good probability of finding better rates. A recent survey revealed that consumers who compared prices once a year saved over $70 a month as compared to drivers who never compared prices.
If finding budget-friendly Dodge Caliber insurance is why you’re reading this, then having an understanding of how to shop for coverages can make it easier to find better rates.
The best way to find cheaper quotes for car insurance rates is to make a habit of regularly comparing prices from providers in Virginia Beach. Rate comparisons can be done by completing these steps.
- Read about what is in your policy and the steps you can take to keep rates down. Many factors that cause rate increases such as speeding tickets, accidents and a not-so-good credit rating can be amended by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes.
- Request price quotes from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can only provide price estimates from one company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while independent agents can provide rate quotes for many different companies. Start a quote
- Compare the new rate quotes to the price on your current policy to determine if switching companies saves money. If you find better rates and buy the policy, ensure coverage does not lapse between policies.
The critical component of shopping around is to make sure you enter similar deductibles and liability limits on each quote and and to compare as many car insurance companies as possible. Doing this provides the most accurate price comparison and a thorough price selection.
Auto insurance providers offering competitive prices in Virginia
The following companies are our best choices to provide comparison quotes in Virginia Beach, VA. To find the best cheap car insurance in Virginia Beach, we recommend you visit as many as you can to get a more complete price comparison.
Coverage statistics and figures
The data table below highlights a range of rate quotes for Dodge Caliber models. Understanding more about how insurance prices are determined can be valuable when making smart choices when comparing insurance rates.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Express | $136 | $264 | $262 | $16 | $78 | $756 | $63 |
| Caliber Heat | $136 | $264 | $262 | $16 | $78 | $756 | $63 |
| Caliber SE | $136 | $264 | $262 | $16 | $78 | $756 | $63 |
| Caliber Mainstreet | $136 | $264 | $262 | $16 | $78 | $756 | $63 |
| Caliber Rush | $136 | $264 | $262 | $16 | $78 | $756 | $63 |
| Caliber SXT | $136 | $264 | $262 | $16 | $78 | $756 | $63 |
| Caliber Uptown | $136 | $264 | $262 | $16 | $78 | $756 | $63 |
| Caliber R/T | $156 | $312 | $262 | $16 | $78 | $824 | $69 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data based on married female driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and Virginia minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, multi-policy, homeowner, claim-free, and safe-driver. Prices do not factor in specific Virginia Beach garaging location which can revise rates noticeably.
Where to set your deductibles
The hardest decision when buying coverage is which deductible level should you buy. The figures shown below highlight the premium difference between high and low physical damage deductibles. The first data set uses a $100 deductible for comp and collision and the second pricing table uses a $500 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Express | $192 | $400 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $969 | $81 |
| Caliber Heat | $192 | $400 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $969 | $81 |
| Caliber SE | $192 | $400 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $969 | $81 |
| Caliber Mainstreet | $192 | $400 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $969 | $81 |
| Caliber Rush | $192 | $400 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $969 | $81 |
| Caliber SXT | $192 | $400 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $969 | $81 |
| Caliber Uptown | $192 | $400 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $969 | $81 |
| Caliber R/T | $222 | $472 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $1,071 | $89 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Express | $140 | $270 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $762 | $64 |
| Caliber Heat | $140 | $270 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $762 | $64 |
| Caliber SE | $140 | $270 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $762 | $64 |
| Caliber Mainstreet | $140 | $270 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $762 | $64 |
| Caliber Rush | $140 | $270 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $762 | $64 |
| Caliber SXT | $140 | $270 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $762 | $64 |
| Caliber Uptown | $140 | $270 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $762 | $64 |
| Caliber R/T | $162 | $318 | $258 | $16 | $78 | $832 | $69 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Table data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Virginia minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, homeowner, safe-driver, claim-free, and multi-policy. Information does not factor in zip code location which can change auto insurance rates noticeably.
Based on the above data, using a $100 deductible costs about $17 more each month or $204 annually than buying the higher $500 deductible. Since you would pay $400 more out-of-pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to average more than 24 months between claims, you would come out ahead if you elect the higher deductible. The numbers below show the way you can decide this on your own policy.
| Average monthly premium for $100 deductibles: | $82 |
| Average monthly premium for $500 deductibles (subtract): | – $65 |
| Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $17 |
| Difference between deductibles ($500 – $100): | $400 |
| Divide difference by monthly savings: | $400 / $17 |
| Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 24 months |
One important issue to know is that a higher deductible results in having to pay to pay more out-of-pocket when you do file a claim. That will force you to have some non-essential savings in the event you need to pay the deductible for vehicle repair.
Insurance cost for men versus women
The chart below shows the difference between Dodge Caliber auto insurance costs for male and female drivers. The premium estimates are based on a clean driving record, no claims, full physical damage coverage, $250 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Dodge Caliber liability rates compared to full coverage
The example below illustrates the difference between Dodge Caliber auto insurance costs with full coverage and liability only. The prices are based on no violations or claims, $1,000 deductibles, single marital status, and no additional discounts are factored in.
When to buy liability coverage only
There is no definitive formula of when to stop paying for physical damage coverage on your policy, but there is a general convention. If the annual cost of coverage is more than 10% of the replacement cost of your vehicle minus the policy deductible, then it’s probably a good time to buy liability coverage only.
For example, let’s pretend your Dodge Caliber book value is $6,000 and you have $1,000 physical damage deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, the most your company would pay you is $5,000 after paying your deductible. If premiums are more than $500 a year for comprehensive and collision coverage, then you may need to consider dropping full coverage.
There are some scenarios where eliminating full coverage is not a good idea. If you still owe a portion of the original loan, you have to carry full coverage to satisfy the loan requirements. Also, if your finances do not allow you to purchase a different vehicle in case of an accident, you should keep full coverage.
How Your Caliber Insurance Prices are Determined
Lots of things are used in the calculation when quoting car insurance. Some of the criteria are obvious like a motor vehicle report, although some other factors are less apparent like where you live or your commute time.
Listed below are some of the most rate-impacting factors that factor into your rates.
Car plus home equals more savings – Some insurance companies afford a discount for people who consolidate policies with them, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. Discounts can be ten or even up to twenty percent in some cases. Even with this discount applied, drivers will still want to comparison shop to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible.There is a chance you can save more without the discount even if you insure with multiple companies
Liability insurance risk factors – Your policy’s liability coverage will protect you when a court rules you are at fault for damages caused by your negligence. It provides legal defense coverage which can cost thousands of dollars. This coverage is relatively inexpensive compared to physical damage coverage, so drivers should make sure they buy enough to cover all assets.
Rural vs Urban Areas – Residing in a rural area is a positive aspect when insuring your vehicles. Less people living in that area translates into fewer accident claims and lower theft and vandalism rates. Drivers who live in large Virginia cities have to deal with more auto accidents and more severe claims. Spending more time driving statistically corresponds to a higher accident and claim rate.
Responsible drivers pay less – Just one ticket may increase your cost twenty percent or more. Attentive drivers get better rates as compared to careless drivers. Drivers who have license-revoking violations like DUI or reckless driving may find they need to file a SR-22 with their state’s department of motor vehicles in order to legally drive a vehicle.
The chart below illustrates how traffic citations and at-fault accidents can increase Dodge Caliber auto insurance costs for each different age category. The price estimates are based on a single male driver, comp and collision included, $1,000 deductibles, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Premiums can be impacted by your job – Jobs like judges, air traffic controllers, and dentists usually pay higher average rates due to stressful work requirements and long work days. On the flip side, jobs like actors, students and homemakers pay the least.
Drive lots and pay more – Driving more miles every year the more it will cost to insure it. Many insurance companies charge rates based upon how the vehicle is primarily used. Autos that are left in the garage can be on a lower rate level than vehicles that have high annual mileage. Make sure your declarations sheet states the right rating data. Improper usage on your Caliber is throwing money out the window.
Save with these premium slashing discounts
Car insurance companies don’t list the entire discount list very well, so we took the time to find both well-publicized in addition to some of the lesser obvious credits that you can use to lower your rates.
- Home Ownership Discount – Owning your own home or condo can earn you a little savings because of the fact that having a home means you have a higher level of financial diligence.
- Early Payment Discounts – If you pay your bill all at once rather than spreading payments over time you can avoid monthly service charges.
- Driver’s Ed – Teen drivers should enroll in driver’s education in school.
- Federal Employees – Active or former government employment could qualify for a slight premium decrease depending on your car insurance provider.
- Buy New and Save – Buying a new car model can save up to 30% since new model year vehicles are generally safer.
- Resident Student – Youth drivers who are attending college and don’t have a car may qualify for this discount.
- Service Members Pay Less – Having a family member in the military could trigger a small discount.
- Paperless Signup – Certain companies will provide an incentive for buying a policy and signing up on their website.
Policy discounts save money, but most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. A few only apply to individual premiums such as liability and collision coverage. Even though the math looks like it’s possible to get free car insurance, you’re out of luck.
The chart below illustrates the difference between Dodge Caliber insurance premiums with and without discounts applied to the policy premium. Data assumes a female driver, a clean driving record, no claims, Virginia state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $500 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with marriage, multi-policy, safe-driver, multi-car, claim-free, and homeowner discounts applied.
A list of companies and the discounts they provide are detailed below.
- State Farm offers discounts for multiple autos, student away at school, accident-free, passive restraint, anti-theft, good driver, and safe vehicle.
- GEICO has discounts for seat belt use, federal employee, military active duty, driver training, emergency military deployment, five-year accident-free, and multi-policy.
- Allstate policyholders can earn discounts including premier plus, senior citizen, anti-lock brakes, economy car, passive restraint, good student, and teenSMART discount.
- SAFECO may offer discounts for teen safety rewards, drive less, anti-theft, multi-car, and safe driver.
- Farm Bureau discounts include good student, renewal discount, 55 and retired, multi-policy, driver training, and multi-vehicle.
- Progressive includes discounts for homeowner, online quote discount, continuous coverage, multi-vehicle, and good student.
- AAA offers discounts including education and occupation, good driver, multi-car, good student, anti-theft, and AAA membership discount.
It’s a good idea to ask every prospective company what discounts are available to you. Some credits might not be offered in your state.
Buying from insurance agents
Many people just want to sit down with an agent and that is OK! An additional benefit of comparing auto insurance online is the fact that you can find cheap auto insurance quotes and also buy local. And providing support for local agencies is especially important in Virginia Beach.
To find an agent, once you fill out this short form, your insurance coverage information gets sent to insurance agents in Virginia Beach who will give you quotes for your insurance coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to drive around due to the fact that quote results will go to you directly. You can get cheaper auto insurance rates and work with a local agent. If for some reason you want to get a price quote from a particular provider, don’t hesitate to search and find their rate quote page to submit a rate quote request.
What types of car insurance agents are in Virginia Beach?
If you would like to find a good insurance agency, you must know there are a couple different agency structures and how they function. Auto insurance agents in Virginia Beach can be categorized as either independent or exclusive.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agents often have affiliation with several companies so they can quote policies with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. If prices rise, they can switch companies in-house and that require little work on your part.
If you are comparing rate quotes, it’s a good idea to get quotes from independent agents to get the most accurate price comparison.
Listed below are Virginia Beach independent agents who may provide free price quotes.
Cheeks Insurance Agency
4968 Euclid Rd e – Virginia Beach, VA 23462 – (757) 309-1850 – View Map
Nicki Kopassis Insurance Agency Inc.
2433 N Landing Rd – Virginia Beach, VA 23456 – (757) 301-6397 – View Map
Nationwide Insurance: Lovas Insurance Agency Inc
244 Mustang Trail #1 – Virginia Beach, VA 23452 – (757) 340-8310 – View Map
Exclusive Auto Insurance Agencies
Exclusive insurance agents can only write with one company such as Farmers Insurance or State Farm. They usually cannot compare other company’s rates so always compare other rates. Exclusive agents receive a lot of sales training on the products they sell which can be an advantage.
Below is a short list of exclusive agents in Virginia Beach that are able to give rate quotes.
Bill Cooper Jr – State Farm Insurance Agent
421 S Witchduck Rd – Virginia Beach, VA 23462 – (757) 490-2744 – View Map
Sharon Lynch – State Farm Insurance Agent
3617 Dam Neck Rd – Virginia Beach, VA 23453 – (757) 430-9000 – View Map
Matt Abbott – State Farm Insurance Agent
4646 Princess Anne Rd #103 – Virginia Beach, VA 23462 – (757) 497-1999 – View Map
Selecting an insurance agency should depend on more than just a cheap quote. You should also get answers to these questions.
- Are they giving you every discount you deserve?
- How much will you save each year by using a higher deductible?
- Do they get extra compensation for selling add-on coverages?
- Which companies can they place coverage with?
- How long has the business existed?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Omissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
Lower rates by being persistent
The cheapest Dodge Caliber insurance in Virginia Beach can be found online in addition to local insurance agencies, so get free Virginia Beach auto insurance quotes from both of them in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some insurance providers do not offer internet price quotes and usually these smaller providers work with independent insurance agencies.
We just presented many ideas to reduce Dodge Caliber insurance rates online in Virginia Beach. The key thing to remember is the more rate comparisons you have, the better your comparison will be. You may even discover the lowest priced insurance comes from a small mutual company. These smaller insurers may only write in your state and offer lower car insurance rates as compared to the big name companies such as Progressive and GEICO.
Additional detailed information is available in these articles:
- Get the Right Protection (InsureUonline.org)
- What Car Insurance is Cheapest for Drivers Under 21 in Virginia Beach? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Virginia Beach Auto Insurance Quotes for Electric Cars? (FAQ)
- How Much are Car Insurance Quotes for Postal Workers in Virginia Beach? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance for a Ford F-150 in Virginia Beach? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance Rates for 4×4 Vehicles in Virginia Beach? (FAQ)
- Choosing a Car for Your Teen (State Farm)
- New vehicle ratings focus on headlights (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Anti-Lock Brake FAQ (iihs.org)
- Teen Driver Licensing Information (iihs.org)