How long has it been since you compared quotes for the cheapest Ford Explorer insurance in Tampa? Trying to find more affordable Ford Explorer insurance in Tampa is always difficult for drivers new to quoting coverage prices online. There are so many options that it can be a real challenge to find the best rates.
Everyone knows that auto insurance companies don’t want you to look at other companies. Consumers who shop around for cheaper price quotes will presumably switch car insurance companies because of the good chance of finding a lower-priced company. Remarkably, a study showed that drivers who regularly shopped around saved about $3,400 over four years compared to policyholders who didn’t regularly shop around.
If finding budget-friendly rates on Ford Explorer insurance in Tampa is the reason you’re reading this, then understanding how to choose a company and compare insurance premiums can make shopping around easier.
Finding the cheapest auto insurance coverage in Tampa is not that difficult as long as you know where to start. Practically every driver who is overpaying for auto insurance will most likely find a lower price. Nevertheless, Florida vehicle owners must know how insurance companies calculate their prices and use it to find better rates.
Auto insurance providers offering affordable rate quotes in Florida
The providers in the list below have been selected to offer quotes in Florida. If you want to find cheaper car insurance in Tampa, we recommend you visit as many as you can to find the cheapest auto insurance rates.
Insurance coverage details
The coverage information displayed next showcases detailed analysis of coverage costs for Ford Explorer models. Having knowledge of how insurance policy rates are figured can be useful when making decisions on which insurance to purchase.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer XLT 2WD | $398 | $656 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,820 | $152 |
| Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD | $398 | $656 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,820 | $152 |
| Explorer XLT 4WD | $398 | $656 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,820 | $152 |
| Explorer XLT AWD | $398 | $656 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,820 | $152 |
| Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD | $450 | $798 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $2,014 | $168 |
| Explorer Eddie Bauer AWD | $450 | $798 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $2,014 | $168 |
| Explorer Limited 2WD | $450 | $798 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $2,014 | $168 |
| Explorer Limited 4WD | $450 | $798 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $2,014 | $168 |
| Explorer Limited AWD | $450 | $798 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $2,014 | $168 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Prices above based on single female driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and Florida minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, safe-driver, claim-free, multi-policy, and homeowner. Premium amounts do not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can impact price quotes noticeably.
Can higher deductibles save money?
One of the more difficult decisions when buying insurance is how high should the physical damage deductibles be. The rates shown below may help to conceptualize the differences in premium rates when you select higher and lower insurance deductibles. The first rate table uses a $250 comprehensive and collision deductible and the second set of rates uses a $500 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer XLT 2WD | $322 | $446 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,359 | $113 |
| Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD | $322 | $446 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,359 | $113 |
| Explorer XLT 4WD | $322 | $446 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,359 | $113 |
| Explorer XLT AWD | $322 | $446 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,359 | $113 |
| Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD | $364 | $544 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,499 | $125 |
| Explorer Eddie Bauer AWD | $364 | $544 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,499 | $125 |
| Explorer Limited 2WD | $364 | $544 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,499 | $125 |
| Explorer Limited 4WD | $364 | $544 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,499 | $125 |
| Explorer Limited AWD | $364 | $544 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,499 | $125 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer XLT 2WD | $262 | $360 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,188 | $99 |
| Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD | $262 | $360 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,188 | $99 |
| Explorer XLT 4WD | $262 | $360 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,188 | $99 |
| Explorer XLT AWD | $262 | $360 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,188 | $99 |
| Explorer Eddie Bauer 4WD | $296 | $438 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,300 | $108 |
| Explorer Eddie Bauer AWD | $296 | $438 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,300 | $108 |
| Explorer Limited 2WD | $296 | $438 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,300 | $108 |
| Explorer Limited 4WD | $296 | $438 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,300 | $108 |
| Explorer Limited AWD | $296 | $438 | $418 | $24 | $124 | $1,300 | $108 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Florida minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, homeowner, and safe-driver. Prices do not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can influence premium rates considerably.
We can derive from the above data that using a $250 deductible costs an average of $16 more each month or $192 for a full year averaged for all Explorer models than selecting the higher $500 deductible. Since you would pay $250 more out of your own pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you tend to have at least 16 months between claim filings, you would most likely save money if you choose a higher deductible. The numbers below show an example of how we made this calculation.
| Average monthly premium for $250 deductibles: | $120 |
| Average monthly premium for $500 deductibles (subtract): | – $104 |
| Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $16 |
| Difference between deductibles ($500 – $250): | $250 |
| Divide difference by monthly savings: | $250 / $16 |
| Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 16 months |
One important note is that a higher deductible level means you will have to pay more of your own money at claim time. It will be required that you have some savings in the event you need to pay more for the deductible.
The information below illustrates how your deductible choice and can affect Ford Explorer insurance rates for different age categories. The rate quotes are based on a married male driver, full physical damage coverage, and no discounts are applied.
Ford Explorer insurance rates by age and gender
The example below illustrates the difference between Ford Explorer insurance premiums for male and female drivers. The costs are based on no driving violations, no at-fault accidents, comprehensive and collision coverage, $250 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
Price comparison of only insuring for liability
The chart below compares Ford Explorer insurance costs with full physical damage coverage compared to only buying the minimum liability limits required in Florida. The information is based on a clean driving record, no claims, $500 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
Should you buy full coverage or liability only?
There is no specific rule of when to stop paying for physical damage coverage, but there is a guideline you can use. If the annual cost of comprehensive and collision coverage is more than around 10% of replacement cost minus your deductible, then you might consider buying liability only.
For example, let’s say your Ford Explorer settlement value is $9,000 and you have $1,000 full coverage deductibles. If your vehicle is destroyed, the most your company would pay you is $8,000 after paying the physical damage deductible. If premiums are more than $800 annually for your policy with full coverage, then you might want to consider buying only liability coverage.
There are some situations where removing full coverage is not financially feasible. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you have to keep full coverage to satisfy the loan requirements. Also, if your emergency fund is not enough to purchase a different vehicle if your current one is damaged, you should keep full coverage.
Six discounts for lower-cost car insurance rates
Companies that sell car insurance don’t always advertise their entire list of discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so the list below details both the well known in addition to some of the lesser obvious discounts you could be receiving when you buy Tampa auto insurance online. If you aren’t receiving every discount you qualify for, it’s possible you qualify for a lower rate.
- Lower Rates for Military – Being deployed with a military unit could qualify you for better prices.
- Driver Education Discount – Teen drivers should take driver’s ed class in high school.
- Discount for Life Insurance – Not all insurance companies offer life insurance, but some may give you a discount if you purchase a life insurance policy as well.
- New Vehicle Savings – Buying a new car model can save up to 30% because newer vehicles have to meet stringent safety requirements.
- Braking Control Discount – Cars, trucks, and SUVs with ABS and/or traction control can reduce accidents so you can save 10 percent or more.
- Senior Citizen Rates – If you qualify as a senior citizen, you can get a small decrease in premiums.
One last thing about discounts, many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. A few only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. Even though the math looks like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you’re out of luck.
The information below illustrates the difference between Ford Explorer premium costs with and without discounts being applied to the rates. The premiums are based on a male driver, a clean driving record, no claims, Florida state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $1,000 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-policy, multi-car, claim-free, marriage, safe-driver, and homeowner discounts applied.
Some of the insurance companies that may have most of these discounts are:
Before you buy a policy, ask all the companies what discounts are available to you. Savings might not be offered in Tampa.
Auto insurance is unique, just like you
Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing the right insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really isn’t a one size fits all plan. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s so your insurance should reflect that For example, these questions could help you determine whether you could use an agent’s help.
- Exactly who is provided coverage by my policy?
- Do I need PIP coverage since I have good health insurance?
- Which companies will insure me after a DUI?
- Is my trailer covered?
- Am I covered if I have no license?
- Is my teenager covered with friends in the car?
- Am I covered when driving someone else’s vehicle?
- Are my custom wheels covered?
- Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my Ford Explorer is totaled?
- What is no-fault insurance?
If you’re not sure about those questions, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.
Compare rate quotes but buy from a neighborhood Tampa auto insurance agent
Some people still like to sit down with an agent and doing so can bring peace of mind An additional benefit of price shopping on the web is that drivers can save money and get lower rates and still have a local agent.
To help locate an agent, after submitting this form (opens in new window), your coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents who will give you quotes for your auto insurance coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to search for an agent since rate quotes are delivered to you directly. It’s the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping. If for some reason you want to get a comparison quote from a specific insurance company, you just need to go to their quote page and complete a quote there.
Deciding on an insurer should depend on more than just the premium amount. Here are some questions to ask:
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Are they involved in claim handling?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Omissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- Will you get a loaner vehicle if you car is being repaired?
- Does the company use OEM repair parts?
- Are they able to influence company decisions when a claim is filed?
- Can they give you a list of client referrals?
Auto insurance 101
Learning about specific coverages of your auto insurance policy aids in choosing the best coverages at the best deductibles and correct limits. The coverage terms in a policy can be impossible to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy. These are typical coverages found on the average auto insurance policy.
Comprehensive protection
Comprehensive insurance will pay to fix damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for things like hail damage, rock chips in glass, vandalism, hitting a deer and fire damage. The highest amount a auto insurance company will pay at claim time is the market value of your vehicle, so if the vehicle is not worth much consider dropping full coverage.
Uninsured or underinsured coverage
This protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. Covered claims include hospital bills for your injuries as well as damage to your Ford Explorer.
Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required (Florida limits are 10/20/10), their limits can quickly be used up. So UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family.
Auto liability
This can cover damage or injury you incur to other people or property by causing an accident. It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You commonly see limits of 10/20/10 that translate to a limit of $10,000 per injured person, a per accident bodily injury limit of $20,000, and a limit of $10,000 paid for damaged property.
Liability can pay for things like emergency aid, repair bills for other people’s vehicles, bail bonds and pain and suffering. How much liability should you purchase? That is your choice, but it’s cheap coverage so purchase as much as you can afford. Florida state minimum liability requirements are 10/20/10 but drivers should carry more coverage.
The illustration below demonstrates why minimum state limits may not provide you with enough coverage.
Medical expense coverage
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP provide coverage for expenses for things like EMT expenses, ambulance fees and pain medications. They can be utilized in addition to your health insurance program or if you lack health insurance entirely. They cover both the driver and occupants in addition to any family member struck as a pedestrian. Personal injury protection coverage is not an option in every state and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay
Collision coverage
This coverage pays for damage to your Explorer caused by collision with another car or object. A deductible applies and the rest of the damage will be paid by collision coverage.
Collision coverage pays for claims like sideswiping another vehicle, colliding with a tree and crashing into a ditch. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from vehicles that are older. It’s also possible to raise the deductible on your Explorer in order to get cheaper collision rates.
Persistence is the key to affordable rates
While you’re price shopping online, never reduce needed coverages to save money. There are a lot of situations where an insured dropped collision coverage only to find out that the few dollars in savings costed them thousands. Your focus should be to find the BEST coverage at the best possible price, not the least amount of coverage.
Cheap Ford Explorer insurance in Tampa is definitely available on the web and with local Tampa insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to have the best rate selection. Some companies may not provide online price quotes and many times these regional insurance providers only sell coverage through local independent agencies.
How to find cheaper quotes for Ford Explorer insurance in Tampa
The preferred way to find cheaper quotes for Ford Explorer insurance is to regularly compare quotes from different companies in Tampa.
- Take a little time to learn about how companies set rates and the things you can control to keep rates down. Many risk factors that increase rates such as speeding tickets, accidents and an unfavorable credit rating can be improved by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes.
- Compare price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive and direct companies can only quote rates from a single company like GEICO and Allstate, while independent agents can give you price quotes from multiple companies. Select a company
- Compare the new quotes to your current policy premium to determine if you can save on Explorer insurance. If you can save some money, verify that coverage does not lapse between policies.
- Provide proper notification to your current company of your intent to cancel your current car insurance policy and submit the completed application along with a down payment to your new insurance company. Don’t forget to keep your new proof of insurance certificate above your visor, in the console, or in the glove compartment.
One important bit of advice is to compare identical deductibles and limits on every quote request and and to look at as many different companies as possible. Doing this guarantees an accurate price comparison and the best rate selection.
To learn more, feel free to browse the resources below:
- Car Insurance: When not to Skimp (BankRate.com)
- How Much is Auto Insurance for First-time Drivers in Tampa? (FAQ)
- What Insurance is Cheapest for Veterans in Tampa? (FAQ)
- What Insurance is Cheapest for Drivers with Bad Credit in Tampa? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes for a Toyota Highlander in Tampa? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Tampa Auto Insurance for a Toyota 4Runner? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance for a GMC Acadia in Tampa? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance for a School Permit in Tampa? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Tampa Auto Insurance for Drivers with Good Credit? (FAQ)
- Dangers of fake or stolen airbags (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Alcohol Impaired Driving FAQ (iihs.org)