Anyone know of a web site that allows you to compare estimated auto insurance premiums for various cars? I just moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth area and need to get a car for the first time in several years. I know that the rates are set on my driving record/credit/commute, but also vary by type of vehicle. Is there any convenient way to find out the exact difference in rates for different vehicles? I know that most insurance companies offer online quotes, but the ones I’ve seen are for one vehicle only. If there is a substantial premium difference, this could influence which vehicle I buy.
I did order and receive the Texas Dept. of Insurance list of auto insurance rates. I’m looking for something a bit more specific.
That would be one helluva cool website! But my guts tell me you won’t find one that’s very useful. There are just too many variables that go into an insurance premium–and those variables are different from company to company and companies change rates too quickly for any central database to guaranty 100% accuracy in a quote.
Your best bet is to do the work and call around. A broker is a good place to start because they have access (and are authorized to quote & sell) for a number of different companies. They can get you a policy that works for you. If you are already insured in another state, you might check to see if they sell in Texas as well. Many companies offer discounts for long-time customers. By jumping around to different companies every 6 months or so you might be screwing yourself long-term.
That is part of my problem. I haven’t had auto insurance in years since I haven’t owned a vehicle since 1998. I know I’ll get a higher premium than if I had been continuously insured. However, I also don’t have any accidents/tickets in the past 5 years.
I used the Canadian version to find my insurance costs (deciding between a Toyota Celica GTS and a Matrix XRS). It’ll give you a decent base line (my insurance started at the listed price and dropped by 65% in the first year).
The US site only lets you look through Statefarm though (I heard they aren’t that good). At least it’ll give you an idea of the general pricing difference betwen cars. Also look at the “top ten stolen cars” to avoid one of those.