Do you get overwhelmed by the crazy number of insurance sources in your area? You have such a large number of options that it can easily turn into a burden to locate the lowest rates for Chevy Malibu insurance in Tampa. If you live there, you know that Tampa is a great place to live, but finding the money to pay for insurance can make it nearly impossible to affordably insure vehicles.
How to save on Chevy Malibu insurance in Tampa
The most effective way to find better pricing on Chevy Malibu insurance is to make a habit of regularly comparing prices from companies that sell auto insurance in Tampa.
- Take a little time to learn about how your policy works and the things you can control to prevent expensive coverage. Many policy risk factors that result in higher rates such as speeding tickets, accidents and poor credit can be improved by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes. Later in this article we will cover additional tips to find cheap prices and find overlooked discounts.
- Compare price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive agents and direct companies can only provide price estimates from one company like GEICO and Allstate, while independent agents can give you price quotes from multiple insurance companies.
- Compare the price quotes to your existing coverage and see if there is a cheaper rate in Tampa. If you can save some money and change companies, make sure there is no lapse in coverage.
- Provide proper notification to your current company of your intent to cancel your current coverage and submit a signed application and payment for your new coverage. Once the application is submitted, store the certificate verifying coverage in your vehicle.
The key aspect of shopping around is to use the same deductibles and limits on every quote and and to analyze as many different companies as possible. This ensures the most accurate price comparison and the best rate selection.
It’s an obvious conclusion that insurance companies don’t want you quoting rates from other companies. Drivers who shop around for better prices will probably buy a different policy because they have good chances of finding good coverage at a lower price. Surprisingly, a recent survey revealed that people who made a habit of comparing rate quotes saved $3,400 over four years compared to other drivers who never shopped for cheaper rates.
If finding budget-friendly rates on Chevy Malibu insurance is the reason you’re here, learning how to compare cheaper coverage can save time, money, and frustration.
The are a couple different ways of comparing rates from lots of Florida auto insurance companies. The fastest way to do a complete rate comparison is to perform an online rate comparison. When comparison shopping, comparing all the rates in your area increases your odds of finding the best rates.
The companies in the list below are ready to provide comparison quotes in Florida. If you want to find the cheapest car insurance in Tampa, FL, we suggest you compare several of them to get the most competitive price.
Lower-cost Tampa insurance rates with discounts
Insuring your fleet can be pricey, but discounts can save money and there are some available to help offset the cost. Some of these discounts will be visible at the time of quoting, but some discounts are required to be requested specifically before being credited.
- Smart Student Discounts – Being a good student can earn a discount of 20% or more. This discount can apply up to age 25.
- Clubs and Organizations – Being in a civic or occupational organization in Tampa may earn a discount when getting a Tampa auto insurance quote.
- Tampa Homeowners Discount – Just owning your own home can save a few bucks because maintaining a house requires personal responsibility.
- Driver Education Discount – Teen drivers should enroll and complete driver’s education in school.
- Policy Bundle Discount – When you have multiple policies and place coverage with the same company you may save as much as 10 to 15 percent.
- Early Switch Discount – Some insurance companies reward drivers for switching companies prior to the expiration date on your current Malibu insurance policy. This discount can save up to 10%.
- Safety Restraint Discount – Forcing all vehicle occupants to buckle up could cut 10% or more off the PIP or medical payment premium.
- Theft Prevention System – Cars that have factory anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and will qualify for a discount on a Tampa auto insurance quote.
- Senior Citizens – If you’re over the age of 55, you can possibly qualify for reduced rates.
Keep in mind that most discount credits are not given to your bottom line cost. Some only apply to specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. So when the math indicates you can get free auto insurance, insurance companies aren’t that generous. But all discounts will bring down the cost of coverage.
The example below shows the comparison of Chevy Malibu auto insurance costs with and without some available policy discounts. The data is based on a female driver, no violations or claims, Florida 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 homeowner, claim-free, safe-driver, multi-policy, marriage, and multi-car discounts applied.
A few companies that may include most of these discounts are:
If you need lower rates, check with each company or agent the best way to save money. Some of the earlier mentioned discounts might not apply in every state. If you would like to choose from a list of insurance companies who offer free Chevy Malibu insurance quotes in Florida, click this link.
Rates and other information
The price information displayed next outlines different insurance costs for Chevy Malibu models. Being more informed about how car insurance premiums are determined can assist in making smart choices when choosing a car insurance company.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Malibu LS | $344 | $732 | $542 | $32 | $162 | $1,812 | $151 |
Malibu Hybrid | $344 | $732 | $542 | $32 | $162 | $1,812 | $151 |
Malibu LT | $388 | $732 | $542 | $32 | $162 | $1,856 | $155 |
Malibu LTZ | $388 | $864 | $542 | $32 | $162 | $1,988 | $166 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Prices above based on single female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and Florida minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, homeowner, and claim-free. Estimates do not factor in vehicle location which can impact rates considerably.
Higher deductibles save money
The hardest decision when buying coverage is which deductibles should you choose. The comparisons below show the rate differences between high and low policy deductibles. The first price estimate table uses a $100 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 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Malibu LS | $358 | $648 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,597 | $133 |
Malibu Hybrid | $358 | $648 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,597 | $133 |
Malibu LT | $406 | $648 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,645 | $137 |
Malibu LTZ | $406 | $764 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,761 | $147 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Malibu LS | $200 | $342 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,108 | $92 |
Malibu Hybrid | $200 | $342 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,108 | $92 |
Malibu LT | $224 | $342 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,132 | $94 |
Malibu LTZ | $224 | $402 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,192 | $99 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Data variables include married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Florida minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, claim-free, and homeowner. Estimates do not factor in vehicle location which can alter coverage prices noticeably.
Using the premium rates above, we can conclude that using a $100 deductible costs about $44 more each month or $528 each year than requesting the higher $1,000 deductible. Due to the fact that you would have to pay $900 more out-of-pocket with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to have more than 20 months between claims, you would save more money going with the higher deductible.
The diagram below shows how different deductible levels and can raise or lower Chevy Malibu insurance rates for different age groups of insureds. The premium estimates are based on a married female driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
Should you buy full coverage?
The chart below illustrates the comparison of Chevy Malibu auto insurance rates with and without physical damage coverage, medical payments, and uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage. The rate quotes are based on no claims, a clean driving record, $1,000 deductibles, drivers are single, and no other discounts are factored in.
Should you be buying full coverage?
There is no specific rule to stop paying for comp and collision coverage, but there is a broad guideline. If the yearly cost of comp and collision coverage is more than around 10% of the replacement cost minus the deductible, then it’s probably a good time to buy liability coverage only.
For example, let’s assume your Chevy Malibu claim settlement value is $6,000 and you have $1,000 physical damage deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled, the most your company will settle for is $5,000 after the deductible is paid. If premiums are more than $500 annually for physical damage coverage, then it might be time to consider dropping full coverage.
There are some situations where eliminating full coverage is not advised. If you still owe money on your vehicle, you must maintain physical damage coverage to protect the lienholder’s interest. Also, if your finances do not allow you to purchase a different vehicle in case of an accident, you should maintain full coverage.
When to get advice from an insurance agent
Many people just prefer to sit down with an agent and that is not a bad decision One of the great benefits of comparing rates online is that drivers can save money and get better rates and also buy local.
To find an agent, once you fill out this short form, the coverage information is emailed to companies in Tampa that provide free Tampa auto insurance quotes for your insurance coverage. It makes it easy because there is no need to find an agent on your own since rate quotes are delivered directly to you. You’ll get the best rates and a licensed agent to talk to. If you need to get a comparison quote from a specific auto insurance provider, you would need to visit that company’s website to submit a rate quote request.
Choosing the best insurance company should include more criteria than just the quoted price. Any agent in Tampa should be willing to answer these questions.
- Will a damage claim use OEM or aftermarket replacement parts?
- Do they feel the quoted coverages are adequate?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- How long have they been in business?
- Does the quote include credit and driving reports?
What Determines Chevy Malibu Insurance Rates?
One of the most helpful ways to save on car insurance is to to have a grasp of the different types of things that come into play when calculating your car insurance rates. If you know what positively or negatively impacts your premiums, this enables informed choices that can help you get lower car insurance prices.
The list below includes some of the major factors used by your company to calculate your rate level.
Stay claim-free and save money – Companies in Florida provide discounts to people who do not file claims often. If you are the type of insured that files lots of claims you can definitely plan on increased rates or even have your policy non-renewed. Auto insurance is intended for more catastrophic claims.
Cheaper rates after marriage – Being married can actually save you money on your car insurance bill. Having a significant other translates into being more stable financially and insurance companies reward insureds because married couples file fewer claims.
Prevent car insurance policy lapses – Allowing your car insurance policy to lapse is a quick way to increase your renewal premiums. Not only will you pay more, getting caught without coverage could earn you a fine, jail time, or a revoked license. You may have to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the Florida department of motor vehicles.
Rates can drop if you have more than one policy – Lots of car insurance companies give a discount to policyholders who consolidate policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. Discounts can be 10 percent or more. Even with this discount, consumers should still compare Chevy Malibu rates in Tampa to verify if the discount is saving money.
Safer vehicles cost less to insure – Safer cars get lower rates. Highly rated vehicles reduce the chance of injuries and lower rates of occupant injuries translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims which can result in lower premiums.
Driver age impacts prices – Older people are more responsible, tend to file fewer claims, and receive fewer citations. Beginning drivers tend to get distracted easily behind the wheel therefore car insurance rates are much higher.
The chart below uses these assumptions: single driver, full coverage with $500 deductibles, and no discounts or violations.
Insurance losses for a Chevy Malibu – Insurance companies use past insurance losses when determining insurance rates. Vehicles that the data determines to have higher loss trends will have higher rates for specific coverages. The information below illustrates the actual insurance loss data for Chevy Malibu vehicles.
For each coverage category, the claim probability for all vehicles as a whole is equal to 100. Numbers shown that are under 100 suggest losses that are better than average, while percentages above 100 indicate more frequent claims or an increased likelihood of larger losses.
Make and Model | Collision | Property Damage | Comp | Personal Injury | Medical Payment | Bodily Injury |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chevrolet Malibu | 94 | 100 | 109 | 139 | 145 | 120 |
Data Source: iihs.org (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for 2013-2015 Model Years
Three reasons to not skimp on car insurance
Even though it’s not necessarily cheap to insure a Chevy in Tampa, insuring your vehicle may not be optional for several reasons.
- Almost all states have minimum mandated liability insurance limits which means state laws require a specific level of liability insurance coverage in order to be legal. 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 loan on your Malibu, most banks will make it mandatory that you have physical damage coverage to guarantee loan repayment. If the policy lapses, the bank or lender will purchase a policy for your Chevy for a lot more money and require you to fork over for the much more expensive policy.
- Car insurance protects not only your car but also your assets. Insurance will also pay for many types of medical costs for you, your passengers, and anyone else injured in an accident. Liability coverage, the one required by state law, also pays for attorney fees and expenses if you cause an accident and are sued. If your vehicle suffers damage from an accident or hail, comprehensive and collision coverage will pay to have it repaired.
The benefits of carrying adequate insurance definitely exceed the cost, especially when you need to use it. The average driver in America is overpaying more than $865 each year so compare rate quotes each time the policy renews to ensure rates are inline.
Compare but don’t skimp
Insureds who switch companies do it for many reasons like poor customer service, high rates after DUI convictions, extreme rates for teen drivers and lack of trust in their agent. No matter why you want to switch, switching companies can be easier than you think.
We just showed you many tips how you can get a better price on Chevy Malibu insurance in Tampa. The key concept to understand is the more times you quote, the better your chances of lowering your prices. You may even find the lowest priced insurance comes from a small local company.
When buying insurance coverage, it’s not a good idea to skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many cases where an insured dropped liability coverage limits and discovered at claim time that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your goal is to get the best coverage possible for the lowest cost, but do not sacrifice coverage to save money.
How to buy lower priced Chevy Malibu insurance in Tampa
The preferred way to find more affordable car insurance rates in Tampa is to do a yearly price comparison from insurance carriers who sell insurance in Florida. This can be done by following these steps.
- Try to understand the coverage provided by your policy and the things you can control to keep rates down. Many policy risk factors that result in higher rates such as inattentive driving and an imperfect credit rating can be controlled by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes.
- Request price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Direct and exclusive agents can only provide price estimates from one company like Progressive or Allstate, while independent agents can quote rates from multiple insurance companies. Get quotes now
- Compare the new rate quotes to your existing policy and see if there is a cheaper rate. If you can save money and switch companies, ensure there is no coverage lapse between policies.
The critical component of shopping around is that you’ll want to compare similar coverage information on each price quote and and to compare as many carriers as you can. Doing this helps ensure a level playing field and the best price quote selection.
More information
- Uninsured Motorists: Threats on the Road (Insurance Information Institute)
- Can I Drive Legally without Insurance? (Insurance Information Institute)
- How to Avoid Common Accidents (State Farm)