If saving money is your primary concern, then the best way to find more affordable Toyota Prius V insurance in Buffalo is to start comparing prices yearly from insurers that insure vehicles in New York. Price quotes can be compared by completing these steps.
- Take a little time to learn about the different coverages in a policy and the changes you can make to prevent high rates. Many factors that are responsible for high rates like speeding tickets, accidents and a negative credit history can be controlled by making minor changes in your lifestyle. Keep reading for additional ideas to help reduce premium rates and get discounts that may be available to you.
- Quote rates from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Exclusive agents and direct companies can give quotes from one company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while agents who are independent can provide prices from multiple sources.
- Compare the new rate quotes to your existing coverage to see if a cheaper rate is available. If you find a better price, make sure coverage does not lapse between policies.
- Provide written notification to your current company of your decision to cancel your current auto insurance policy. Submit payment and a signed application to your new insurance company. As soon as you have the new policy, put the new certificate verifying coverage in a readily accessible location in your vehicle.
A tip to remember is to compare similar limits and deductibles on every quote and and to get price quotes from as many companies as you can. Doing this helps ensure a fair rate comparison and the best price selection.
Astonishing but true, nearly 70% of consumers kept buying from the same company for a minimum of four years, and nearly the majority have never even compared rates from other companies. With the average auto insurance premium being $1,944, Buffalo drivers could save nearly $840 a year, but they mistakenly think it’s difficult to compare rate quotes online.
If you have coverage now, you stand a good chance to be able to reduce the price you pay using these methods. Finding the cheapest insurance coverage in Buffalo is really quite simple as long as you have a good starting point. But New York consumers need to have an understanding of how the larger insurance companies set your policy premium because it can help you find the best coverage.
There are several ways to compare quotes from different Buffalo insurance companies. The simplest method to find the cheapest Toyota Prius V insurance rates involves getting comparison quotes online.
Comparison shopping quotes online is easy and it replaces the need to make phone calls or go to and from local Buffalo insurance agencies. Quoting and buying Toyota Prius V insurance online has made agencies unnecessary unless you have a need for the professional assistance of a local Buffalo agent. You can, however, comparison shop online but purchase the actual policy in an agency. Keep in mind that having more price comparisons helps improve the odds of finding the best rates.
The companies shown below provide price comparisons in New York. If your goal is to find cheap car insurance in Buffalo, NY, we recommend you click on several of them to get a more complete price comparison.
Discounts for affordable insurance rates
Not too many consumers would say insurance is affordable, but you may find discounts that you may not know about. Certain discounts will be applied at the time of quoting, but some may not be applied and must be asked about in order for you to get them.
- Paperwork-free – A few larger online companies will give a small break for signing up on the internet.
- Seat Belts Save – Drivers who require all occupants to wear their seat belts can save 10% or more off the personal injury premium cost.
- Theft Deterrent System – Cars, trucks, and SUVs that have factory anti-theft systems are stolen less frequently and earn discounts up to 10% off your Buffalo car insurance quote.
- Discounts for Federal Employees – Active or former government employment may qualify for a discount when you quote Buffalo car insurance but check with your company.
- Multi-Vehicle Discounts – Buying coverage for several vehicles with the same insurance company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
You should keep in mind that most discounts do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most only cut individual premiums such as comprehensive or collision. Even though it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, you won’t be that lucky.
Some of the larger companies who may offer these money-saving discounts include:
Double check with all the companies what discounts are available to you. Some discounts listed above may not apply to policyholders in every state. For a list of insurance companies offering insurance discounts in New York, click this link.
Eight factors that determine insurance premiums
Many different elements are part of the calculation when premium rates are determined. A few of the factors are predictable such as your driving history, but other factors are more obscure such as your credit history or how safe your car is.
Why do you need liability coverage? – Liability coverage is the protection in the event that a court rules you are at fault for damages from an accident. Your policy’s liability insurance provides for a legal defense up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability is cheap compared to comp and collision, so drivers should carry high limits.
Vehicle features that cut rates – Purchasing a vehicle with anti-theft technology or alarm system can get you a discount on your car insurance. Advanced theft deterrents such as OnStar, LoJack tracking, and tamper alarms help track and prevent auto theft and help lower rates.
Never allow your car insurance policy to lapse – Driving any period of time without insurance is a big no-no and you will pay a penalty because you let your coverage have a gap. Not only will you pay higher rates, being ticketed for driving with no insurance could result in a license revocation or jail time.
Teenagers vs. older drivers – Drivers with little experience are statistically proven to be inattentive and easily distracted with other occupants in the car so they pay higher car insurance rates. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, tend to file fewer claims, and usually have better credit.
Save money by staying claim free – Auto insurance companies in New York give discounts to drivers who do not file claims often. If you file a lot of claims you can look forward to higher rates. Your insurance policy is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
Driving citations drive up costs – How you drive has a huge affect on how much you pay. Drivers who don’t get tickets pay less for auto insurance as compared to those with violations. Just one driving citation could increase your next policy renewal substantially. Drivers who get serious citations such as hit and run, DWI or reckless driving convictions may be required to file a proof of financial responsibility form (SR-22) with the DMV in their state in order to drive a vehicle legally.
Fewer miles means better costs – The higher the miles on your Toyota every year the higher your rate. Almost all companies charge to insure your cars based upon how the vehicle is primarily used. Cars used primarily for pleasure use can get a lower rate than those used for commuting. Having the wrong rating on your Prius V can cost quite a bit. Verify your car insurance policy is showing annual mileage, because improper ratings can cost you money.
Premiums may be lower depending on your job – Did you know that where you work can have an impact on rates? Jobs such as doctors, business owners, and accountants generally pay the highest rates because of stressful work requirements and long work days. Other careers like scientists, engineers and retirees pay the least.
Insurance losses for a Toyota Prius V – Insurers factor in historical loss data when they calculate premium rates for each model. Vehicles that the data shows to have a trend towards higher claims will have increased rates. The table below illustrates the loss history for Toyota Prius V vehicles.
For each policy coverage, the statistical loss for all vehicles compiled together equals 100. Values that are 100 or less suggest losses that are better than average, while percentage values above 100 point to more claims or tendency to have higher losses.
| Vehicle Model | Collision | Property Damage | Comp | Personal Injury | Medical Payment | Bodily Injury |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Prius V Hybrid | 94 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 94 | 97 |
Statistics Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
Do I need an insurance agency?
A lot of people prefer to have an agent’s advice and that is just fine! One of the benefits of comparing rates online is you may find lower rates but also keep your business local. Buying from local agencies is important especially in Buffalo.
By using this simple form, your coverage information is emailed to participating agents in Buffalo who will return price quotes for your business. It’s much easier because you don’t need to search for an agent due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. It’s the lowest rates without the usual hassles of price shopping. If you have a need to compare prices for a specific company, just navigate to their website to submit a rate quote request.
When searching for a local insurance agency, there are a couple of different agency structures and how they differ in how they quote coverages. Insurance agents are categorized either exclusive agents or independent agents.
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
These type of agents do not sell for just one brand so they can write business through lots of different companies and find you the best rates. To transfer your coverage to a different company, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you don’t have to do anything.
When searching for an agent, we recommend you compare quotes from several independent insurance agents for the best price selection.
Listed below is a small list of independent insurance agents in Buffalo that can give you price quotes.
TLC Brokerage
1660 Kensington Ave # 2 – Buffalo, NY 14215 – (716) 427-6922 – View Map
Jacob Hauck Agency Inc
801 Main St – Buffalo, NY 14203 – (716) 853-3820 – View Map
GPA Insurance Inc
520 Lee Entrance # 120 – Buffalo, NY 14228 – (716) 681-1556 – View Map
Exclusive Insurance Agencies
These type of agents write business for a single company like Allstate, Farmers Insurance, State Farm, and AAA. They are unable to give you multiple price quotes so if the price isn’t competitive there isn’t much they can do. Exclusive insurance agents are very knowledgeable in insurance sales and that can be a competitive advantage.
Below are exclusive insurance agencies in Buffalo willing to provide price quotes.
Farmers Insurance – Toni Du Bois
2460 Main St – Buffalo, NY 14214 – (716) 931-5200 – View Map
George Ihle III – State Farm Insurance Agent
7718 Buffalo Ave – Niagara Falls, NY 14304 – (716) 283-9100 – View Map
GEICO Insurance Agent
3835 McKinley Pkwy #2 – Buffalo, NY 14219 – (716) 604-0345 – View Map
Picking the best insurance agency requires more thought than just the premium amount. You should also get answers to these questions.
- Do they have cheaper tiers of coverage?
- Is insurance their full-time profession?
- By raising physical damage deductibles, how much would you save?
- Are there any extra charges for paying monthly?
- Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
How to know if you need help
When it comes to choosing the best car insurance coverage, there really is no “perfect” insurance plan. Each situation is unique.
These are some specific questions can help discover if you might need an agent’s assistance.
- Can I cancel at any time?
- If I use my vehicle for business use is it covered?
- What is motorclub and do I need it?
- Are combined or split liability limits better?
- Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
- Can my babysitter drive my car?
- Should I put collision coverage on all my vehicles?
If you’re not sure about those questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form.
Don’t give up on cheap rates
While you’re price shopping online, it’s very important that you do not buy poor coverage just to save money. There have been many cases where an insured dropped collision coverage and found out when filing a claim that the small savings ended up costing them much more. The aim is to buy enough coverage at the lowest possible cost and still be able to protect your assets.
Discount Toyota Prius V insurance in Buffalo is possible from both online companies and from local insurance agents, so you need to quote Buffalo car insurance with both to get a complete price analysis. Some car insurance companies don’t offer the ability to get a quote online and many times these smaller companies sell through local independent agencies.
People who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including delays in paying claims, questionable increases in premium, lack of trust in their agent or high prices. Whatever your reason, switching companies is pretty simple and you could end up saving a buck or two.
More detailed car insurance information can be read at these sites:
- Event Data Recorders FAQ (iihs.org)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance Rates for a Hyundai Sonata in Buffalo? (FAQ)
- What Insurance is Cheapest for Police Officers in Buffalo? (FAQ)
- Five Tips to Save on Auto Insurance (Insurance Information Institute)
- Rental Car Insurance Tips (Insurance Information Institute)
- Think You’re a Safe Driver? (State Farm)
- What is Full Coverage? (Allstate)