It takes a little time, but the best way to get more affordable car insurance rates in Tampa is to compare prices regularly from companies who provide car insurance in Florida. This can be done by completing these steps.
- Step 1: Try to learn about how companies set rates and the factors you can control to keep rates low. Many risk factors that cause high rates like traffic citations and a poor credit score can be rectified by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes.
- Step 2: Quote rates from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can give quotes from one company like GEICO and Allstate, while agents who are independent can provide prices for a wide range of companies.
- Step 3: Compare the price quotes to your current policy to see if switching to a new carrier will save money. If you can save some money and change companies, make sure there is no lapse in coverage.
The key thing to know about shopping around is to use the same deductibles and limits on every price quote and and to get price quotes from as many auto insurance providers as possible. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison and the best rate selection.
Sad but true, 70% of consumers kept their coverage with the same car insurance company for four years or more, and practically 40% of car insurance customers have never compared rate quotes at all. The average driver in Tampa could save up to 55% each year by just comparing quotes, but most just don’t grasp how much they could save if they switched.
Companies offering affordable Acura RL price quotes in Tampa, FL
The companies in the list below are our best choices to provide free rate quotes in Florida. To get cheap auto insurance in Florida, it’s highly recommended you compare several of them to get the best price comparison.
Analysis of Acura RL rates
The table shown below showcases detailed analysis of coverage costs for Acura RL models. Understanding more about how auto insurance prices are established is important to be able to make smart choices when buying a policy.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RL 3.7 | $348 | $760 | $542 | $32 | $162 | $1,844 | $154 |
RL 3.7 with Tech Package | $348 | $760 | $542 | $32 | $162 | $1,844 | $154 |
RL 3.7 with Tech/CMBS Package | $348 | $760 | $542 | $32 | $162 | $1,844 | $154 |
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Data based on single female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and Florida minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, multi-policy, safe-driver, homeowner, and claim-free. Rates do not factor in specific garaging location which can influence coverage prices noticeably.
How high should deductibles be?
When comparing auto insurance rates, the most common question is how high or low should comp and collision deductibles be. The rates shown below determine the price difference when you choose different physical damage deductibles. The first pricing table uses a $250 deductible for comp and collision and the second price grid uses a $1,000 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RL 3.7 | $446 | $834 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,871 | $156 |
RL 3.7 with Tech Package | $446 | $834 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,871 | $156 |
RL 3.7 with Tech/CMBS Package | $446 | $834 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,871 | $156 |
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Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
RL 3.7 | $276 | $524 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,366 | $114 |
RL 3.7 with Tech Package | $276 | $524 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,366 | $114 |
RL 3.7 with Tech/CMBS Package | $276 | $524 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,366 | $114 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Above prices assume married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Florida minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, claim-free, and homeowner. Prices do not factor in specific location which can modify insurance rates greatly.
Based on this data, using a $250 deductible could cost the average driver approximately $42 more each month or $504 for a full year than selecting the higher $1,000 deductible. Since the policyholder would be required to pay $750 more out-of-pocket with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you go more than 18 months between claims, you would more than likely save some money if you choose a higher deductible.
How to decide to raise your deductibles
Average monthly premium for $250 deductibles: | $156 |
Average monthly premium for $1,000 deductibles (subtract): | – $114 |
Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $42 |
Difference between deductibles ($1,000 – $250): | $750 |
Divide difference by monthly savings: | $750 / $42 |
Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 18 months |
One important caveat is that increasing deductibles to lower your rates means you will have to cover more of the damage yourself when you have to file a claim. You need to make sure you have enough disposable savings in order to pay more for the deductible.
The illustration below illustrates how your choice of deductibles and can change Acura RL yearly insurance costs for each different age category. The rate quotes are based on a single male driver, full coverage, and no discounts are applied.
Irresponsible driving raises your rates
The example below highlights how speeding tickets and at-fault accidents can impact Acura RL insurance costs for different ages of insureds. The price estimates are based on a married female driver, full physical damage coverage, $250 deductibles, and no discounts are factored in.
Annual premiums comparing men and women in Tampa
The illustration below visualizes the comparison of Acura RL insurance costs for male and female drivers. Data assumes no accidents or driving violations, comprehensive and collision coverage, $250 deductibles, single status, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
Liability only or full coverage
The chart below compares Acura RL auto insurance rates when comparing full coverage to liability only. The information is based on a clean driving record, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, drivers are single, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Deciding between full coverage and liability only
There is no set guideline to eliminate comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, but there is a general school of thought. If the annual cost of having full coverage is about 10% or more of replacement cost minus your deductible, then you might want to think about dropping full coverage.
For example, let’s say your Acura RL replacement cost is $4,000 and you have $1,000 physical damage deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, the most your company would pay you is $3,000 after paying the physical damage deductible. If you are paying over $300 annually for physical damage coverage, then it might be time to consider dropping full coverage.
There are some scenarios where eliminating full coverage is not a good idea. If you haven’t satisfied your loan, you are required to maintain full coverage to satisfy the loan requirements. Also, if your savings is not enough to buy a different vehicle if your current one is in an accident, you should maintain full coverage.
Insurance discounts help lower rates for Acura RL insurance in Tampa
Auto insurance companies don’t always publicize every available discount in an easy-to-find place, so the following list contains some of the more common and the more hidden discounts that may be available.
- No Accidents – Drivers who don’t have accidents can save substantially in comparison to frequent claim filers.
- Government Employee Discount – Being employed by or retired from a federal job can save as much as 8% with certain companies.
- Discount for Low Mileage – Keeping the miles down on your Acura could qualify for lower prices on the low mileage vehicles.
- Responsible Driver Discounts – Drivers without accidents may save up to 50% more than drivers with accident claims.
- Tampa Homeowners Discount – Being a homeowner may earn you a small savings because it requires personal responsibility.
- Military Deployment Discount – Being deployed in the military could mean lower premium rates.
- Anti-lock Brake System – Cars, trucks, and SUVs that have steering control and anti-lock brakes are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more on RL insurance in Tampa.
It’s important to note that most discount credits are not given to the entire policy premium. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as comp or med pay. So when it seems like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, companies wouldn’t make money that way.
The information below illustrates the difference between Acura RL insurance costs with and without discounts applied. The premiums assume a female driver, a clean driving record, no claims, Florida state minimum liability limits, full physical damage coverage, and $1,000 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with claim-free, multi-policy, marriage, multi-car, homeowner, and safe-driver discounts applied.
Companies and a selection of discounts are included below.
- State Farm offers premium reductions for Steer Clear safe driver discount, driver’s education, student away at school, anti-theft, passive restraint, safe vehicle, and good student.
- Farmers Insurance may have discounts that include mature driver, multi-car, electronic funds transfer, distant student, business and professional, and switch companies.
- Progressive offers discounts for multi-policy, online quote discount, continuous coverage, homeowner, and online signing.
- GEICO may include discounts for anti-lock brakes, emergency military deployment, membership and employees, defensive driver, and anti-theft.
- Auto-Owners Insurance policyholders can earn discounts including good student, paid in full, anti-theft, safe vehicle, and air bags.
- The Hartford offers discounts including good student, air bag, bundle, anti-theft, and vehicle fuel type.
- Farm Bureau has savings for driver training, good student, multi-policy, 55 and retired, multi-vehicle, safe driver, and youthful driver.
- USAA has discounts for new vehicle, vehicle storage, military installation, driver training, and safe driver.
It’s a good idea to ask every prospective company how you can save money. Savings may not apply in your area. To see providers offering insurance discounts in Tampa, click this link.
Your situation helps dictate your coverage
When quoting and comparing your policy for your personal vehicles, there isn’t really a cookie cutter policy. Your situation is unique.
For example, these questions may help you determine if your situation would benefit from professional advice.
- When should I buy a commercial auto policy?
- What is an umbrella policy?
- Does liability extend to a camper or trailer?
- How can I force my company to pay a claim?
- What is the minimum liability in Florida?
- Do I need higher collision deductibles?
- How much coverage applies to personal belongings?
If you can’t answer these questions, you might consider talking to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form. It’s fast, free and may give you better protection.
Are insurance agencies a thing of the past?
Some consumers prefer to get advice from a local agent and doing so can bring peace of mind Professional insurance agents can help you choose the best coverages and help you file claims. A good thing about getting online price quotes is you can get lower rates but also keep your business local. Supporting local agents is definitely important in Tampa.
To find an agent, once you fill out this short form, the quote information is immediately sent to insurance agents in Tampa that give free quotes for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to visit any agencies as quotes are delivered to your email. In the event you want to quote rates from a specific company, feel free to go to their quote page to submit a rate quote request.
Best auto insurance agent in Tampa
If you want to buy auto insurance from a reliable insurance agent, you need to know there are two types of insurance agents to choose from. Agencies in Tampa are considered either independent or exclusive. Both types can write auto insurance policies, but it’s good to learn the difference in the companies they write for because it can influence buying decisions.
Independent Auto Insurance Agents
Agents that elect to be independent can sell policies from many different companies and that allows them to write policies through many different auto insurance companies and find the cheapest auto insurance rates. If you want to switch companies, the business is moved internally which is easy for the insured. When comparison shopping, it’s recommended you get several quotes from a few independent agents in order to have the best price comparison. A lot of them also have access to less well-known companies that may provide cheaper auto insurance rates.
The following is a short list of independent agencies in Tampa that can give you comparison quotes.
- Central Florida Insurance Agency of Town ‘N’ Country
7753 W Waters Ave – Tampa, FL 33615 – (813) 885-2900 – View Map - Italiano Insurance Services, Inc.
3021 W Swann Ave – Tampa, FL 33609 – (813) 877-7799 – View Map - ABC Neighborhood Insurance
1336 W Fletcher Ave – Tampa, FL 33612 – (813) 932-0000 – View Map
Exclusive Agents
Agents in the exclusive channel write business for a single company and examples are Allstate, State Farm and Farm Bureau. Exclusive agents are unable to provide rate quotes from other companies so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Exclusive insurance agents are well schooled on their products and sales techniques which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some people will only buy from the same agent for years mainly due to the prominence of the brand instead of buying on price only.
Below are exclusive insurance agents in Tampa willing to provide price quotes.
- State Farm: Jeff Ralph
11014 N Dale Mabry Hwy #501 – Tampa, FL 33618 – (813) 969-3331 – View Map - Jim Cornwell – State Farm Insurance Agent
4305 W Bay to Bay Blvd – Tampa, FL 33629 – (813) 835-8892 – View Map - Allstate Insurance: Paul H. Phaneuf
3641 W Kennedy Blvd F – Tampa, FL 33609 – (813) 353-0303 – View Map
Choosing an car insurance agent shouldn’t rely on just a cheap price. Any good agent in Tampa should know the answers to these questions.
- How much experience to they have in personal lines coverages?
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
- Do the agents have professional certifications like CPCU or CIC?
- Do they have 24-hour customer assistance?
- What discounts might you be missing?
- Are glass claims handled on-site or do you have to take your vehicle to a repair shop?
- Which insurance company do they prefer to write with?
After talking to the agent and getting good feedback to these questions as well as the cheapest Acura RL insurance in Tampa quotes, it’s a good possibility that you have found an insurance agent that is professional and can adequately provide auto insurance.
What auto insurance coverages do you need?
Understanding the coverages of a auto insurance policy helps when choosing the right coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. Auto insurance terms can be difficult to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy.
Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance
Uninsured or Underinsured Motorist coverage protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when other motorists either are underinsured or have no liability coverage at all. Covered claims include injuries sustained by your vehicle’s occupants as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Since a lot of drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (10/20/10), it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. This is the reason having UM/UIM coverage is very important. Normally the UM/UIM limits do not exceed the liability coverage limits.
Auto collision coverage
Collision coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage resulting from a collision with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. A deductible applies and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.
Collision can pay for things such as hitting a mailbox, crashing into a building and scraping a guard rail. This coverage can be expensive, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from lower value vehicles. You can also raise the deductible on your RL to get cheaper collision coverage.
Insurance for medical payments
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP reimburse you for immediate expenses such as funeral costs, prosthetic devices and doctor visits. They are utilized in addition to your health insurance policy or if you do not have health coverage. They cover both the driver and occupants in addition to getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP coverage is not available in all states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Auto liability
Liability coverage protects you from damages or injuries you inflict on other’s property or people that is your fault. This coverage protects you against claims from other people. It does not cover your injuries or vehicle damage.
Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. As an example, you may have liability limits of 10/20/10 which means a $10,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $20,000, and property damage coverage for $10,000. Alternatively, you may have one number which is a combined single limit which limits claims to one amount with no separate limits for injury or property damage.
Liability coverage pays for things like structural damage, repair bills for other people’s vehicles, funeral expenses and emergency aid. How much coverage you buy is a decision to put some thought into, but you should buy as large an amount as possible. Florida requires drivers to carry at least 10/20/10 but drivers should carry more liability than the minimum.
The next chart demonstrates why buying the state minimum limits may not be adequate coverage.
Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)
This coverage will pay to fix damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You need to pay your deductible first and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive can pay for things such as vandalism, hitting a deer and hail damage. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the actual cash value, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Cover all your bases
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, make sure you don’t buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced full coverage only to regret that it was a big mistake. Your goal should be to buy enough coverage at the best possible price while still protecting your assets.
Throughout this article, we presented quite a bit of information on how to find affordable Acura RL insurance in Tampa. The key thing to remember is the more you quote Tampa car insurance, the better your comparison will be. Drivers may even discover the lowest priced auto insurance comes from some of the lesser-known companies.
Insureds switch companies for many reasons like high rates after DUI convictions, delays in responding to claim requests, poor customer service and even unfair underwriting practices. It doesn’t matter why you want to switch finding the right auto insurance provider is actually quite simple.
Helpful information
- Auto Insurance Basics (Insurance Information Institute)
- State Car Insurance Guides (GEICO)
- Child Safety Seats (Insurance Information Institute)
- Uninsured Motorist Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
- Speed and Speed Limit FAQ (iihs.org)