Best Insurance for a Ford Explorer in Charlotte

Do you want to save money by finding more competitive Ford Explorer insurance in Charlotte? Wish you could get out of an overpriced car insurance policy? It’s quite common and you’re not the only one.

Everyone knows that car insurance companies don’t want their customers to go rate shopping. Insureds who shop rates annually will most likely move their business because there is a good chance of finding a more affordable policy premium. A recent survey found that drivers who shopped around every year saved $850 each year compared to other drivers who never shopped around.

If finding the lowest rates on car insurance is the reason you’re here, then understanding how to find companies and compare cheaper coverage can help make the process easier and more efficient.

Steps to finding cheaper Ford Explorer insurance in Charlotte

The preferred way to find cheaper quotes for auto insurance rates is to do a yearly price comparison from providers who sell insurance in Charlotte.

Step 1: Read and learn about policy coverages and the measures you can control to keep rates low. Many risk factors that increase rates such as accidents, traffic violations, and a not-so-good credit history can be rectified by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes.

Step 2: Compare price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Exclusive and direct companies can provide rates from a single company like Progressive and State Farm, while independent agencies can give you price quotes for many different companies.

Step 3: Compare the new rate quotes to your existing coverage to see if a cheaper rate is available. If you find better rates, make sure there is no coverage gap between policies.

The most important part of shopping around is to use the same liability limits and deductibles on each price quote and and to get rates from as many companies as feasibly possible. This ensures an apples-to-apples comparison and a good representation of prices.

Numerous car insurance companies battle for your hard-earned dollar, so it’s not easy to compare every insurer to find the absolute lowest cost out there.

It is always a good idea to quote other rates before your policy renews because insurance prices are usually higher with each renewal. Just because you had the best deal on Ford Explorer insurance in Charlotte six months ago you can probably find a lower rate today. Ignore everything you know about car insurance because you’re going to learn the fastest way to save on car insurance.

How to get free Ford Explorer insurance quotes online

To find the best insurance prices, there are several ways of comparing rate quotes from local Charlotte insurance companies. The easiest way by far to find cheaper Ford Explorer rates is to jump online and get quotes.

Comparison shopping price quotes online is easy and it replaces the need to spend time driving to and from local insurance agencies. The ability to quote Ford Explorer insurance online eliminates the middleman unless you’re the type of person who wants the professional assistance that only an agent can give. Drivers can comparison shop online and have a local agent actually service the policy.

Keep in mind that comparing a wide range of rates will enable you to find better pricing.

The providers in the list below are our best choices to provide price comparisons in Charlotte, NC. If you wish to find the cheapest car insurance in Charlotte, we suggest you compare several of them to get a more complete price comparison.

Cheaper rates by taking advantage of discounts

Some companies do not advertise all their discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so the next list breaks down some of the more common as well as the least known discounts you could be receiving when you buy Charlotte car insurance online.

• Student Discount for Driver Training – It’s a good idea to have your young drivers take driver’s ed class as it can save substantially.
• Telematics Discount – Insureds who allow their insurance company to analyze their driving habits by using a telematic data system such as In-Drive from State Farm or Allstate’s Drivewise system could possibly reduce rates if they show good driving skills.
• E-sign Discounts – A few larger online companies may give you up to $50 for buying your policy on your computer.
• Auto/Home Discount – If you have multiple policies and place coverage with the same company you could get a discount of as much as 10 to 15 percent.
• Discounts for Government Workers – Simply working for the federal government may qualify for a discount when you quote Charlotte car insurance depending on your company.
• Cautious Driver Discount – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can save up to 40% or more on their Charlotte car insurance quote than drivers with accidents.
• Memberships – Participating in qualifying clubs or civic groups could qualify you for a break on your policy.
• New Vehicle Savings – Insuring a new Explorer is cheaper since newer models are generally safer.
• Active Military Service – Being deployed with a military unit could mean lower insurance rates.

You can save money using discounts, but most of the big mark downs will not be given to the whole policy. A few only apply to specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. So even though you would think all the discounts add up to a free policy, you won’t be that lucky. Any amount of discount will help lower the amount you have to pay.

The illustration below shows the comparison of Ford Explorer insurance rates with and without discounts applied to the policy premium. The rate quotes are based on a male driver, no accidents, no driving violations, North Carolina state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $500 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with homeowner, multi-policy, claim-free, marriage, safe-driver, and multi-car discounts applied.

Companies and the discounts they provide are detailed below.

• Farmers Insurance may offer discounts for alternative fuel, distant student, homeowner, electronic funds transfer, mature driver, youthful driver, and early shopping.
• State Farm may include discounts for safe vehicle, good driver, multiple policy, anti-theft, accident-free, and good student.
• Liberty Mutual offers premium reductions for new move discount, new vehicle discount, multi-car, multi-policy, newly retired, hybrid vehicle, and newly married.
• MetLife has discounts for multi-policy, claim-free, defensive driver, good driver, good student, accident-free
• Progressive offers discounts including continuous coverage, multi-policy, online quote discount, good student, and multi-vehicle.

When quoting, ask each company or agent which discounts you qualify for. Discounts might not apply in Charlotte. If you would like to see a list of providers with discount insurance rates in Charlotte, click here.

Facts and figures for Ford Explorer insurance

The premium information shown below outlines estimates of insurance rates for Ford Explorer models. Being able to understand how insurance rates are calculated can benefit drivers when making informed decisions when comparing rate quotes.

Premium data assumes single female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and North Carolina minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, claim-free, and multi-policy. Premium amounts do not factor in Charlotte location which can raise or lower coverage rates significantly.

Car insurance deductibles

One common question asked by Charlotte drivers is which deductibles should you choose. The rates shown below summarize the differences in premium rates when you buy lower versus higher deductibles. The first table uses a $250 deductible and the second set of prices uses a $1,000 deductible.

Data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and North Carolina minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, and claim-free. Price estimates do not factor in your specific Charlotte location which can alter auto insurance rates substantially.

Based on this data, we can arrive at the conclusion that using a $250 deductible could cost the average driver approximately $18 more each month or $216 every year across all Ford Explorer models than quoting the higher $1,000 deductible. Because you would pay $750 more to file a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you usually have at least 42 months between claims, you would probably be better off if you choose a higher deductible.

One big caveat is that a higher deductible level results in a higher out-of-pocket expense if you have a claim. You need enough savings in order to pay the deductible for vehicle repair.

Ford Explorer insurance costs by gender and age

The illustration below illustrates the difference between Ford Explorer insurance costs for male and female drivers. The premium estimates are based on no claims or driving violations, full physical damage coverage, $100 deductibles, single status, and no additional discounts are factored in.

Local agents and auto insurance

A small number of people still prefer to buy from a licensed agent and that is a personal choice. One of the best bonuses of comparing rate quotes online is you can get cheap auto insurance rates and still have a local agent. Buying from and supporting small agencies is still important in Charlotte.

To find an agent, once you fill out this simple form, your insurance coverage information is instantly submitted to participating agents in Charlotte that provide free Charlotte car insurance quotes for your coverage. You don’t have to search for any insurance agencies since price quotes are sent directly to your email. You can get cheaper auto insurance rates without having to waste a lot of time. If for some reason you want to get a price quote from a specific auto insurance provider, just jump over to their website and fill out the quote form the provide.

Independent or Exclusive: It’s your choice

When looking for a good insurance agency, you should know the types of insurance agents and how they can quote your rates. Agents in Charlotte can either be independent or exclusive.

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

Independent agents can sell policies from many different companies so as a result can place your coverage with lots of companies and get the cheapest rates. To transfer your coverage to a different company, they can switch companies in-house and you don’t have to do anything. When comparing auto insurance prices, we recommend you get several quotes from multiple independent agents to have the best price comparison.

Listed below are Charlotte independent agents that can give you cheap rate quotes.

View more Charlotte agents

Exclusive Agents

Agents of this type generally can only insure with one company and examples are Allstate and State Farm. Exclusive agencies are unable to provide rate quotes from other companies so they really need to provide good service. Exclusive insurance agents receive extensive training on sales techniques and that allows them to sell at a higher price point.

Below is a list of exclusive agents in Charlotte who can help you get rate quotes.

View more Charlotte agents

Deciding on an insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap quote. These are some valid questions you should ask.

• If you have an accident, will your rates go up?
• Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
• Which companies can they place coverage with?
• Is there a Errors and Omissions policy in force?
• Does the company use OEM repair parts?
• Is the agent CPCU or CIC certified?
• Will you work with the agent or an assistant?
• Which members of your family are coverage by the policy?

Do I need special coverages?

When it comes to coverage online or from an agent, there really isn’t a “perfect” insurance plan. Everyone’s needs are different.

For example, these questions might help in determining whether your personal situation may require specific advice.

• Do I need replacement cost coverage?
• Do I need replacement cost coverage on my Ford Explorer?
• What states are considered no-fault?
• Are combined or split liability limits better?
• Who is covered by my policy?
• When should I not buy collision coverage?
• Am I covered if I drive in a foreign country?

If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation then you might want to talk to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form.

Get Ford Explorer Insurance More Affordably

Many different elements are taken into consideration when you quote your car insurance policy. Some of the criteria are obvious like an MVR report, although some other factors are not as apparent such as your marital status or how safe your car is.

• Lower prices with alarms and GPS tracking – Choosing a vehicle with a theft deterrent system can save you a little every year. Theft deterrent systems such as tamper alarm systems, vehicle immobilizer technology and General Motors OnStar help track and prevent vehicle theft.
• Your employer can affect rates – Do you have a high-stress occupation? Careers such as judges, business owners, and miners tend to have higher premium rates due to high stress and lots of time spent away from family. On the flip side, careers such as professors, engineers and homemakers get better rates.
• Safety ratings are a factor – Cars with high safety ratings are cheaper to insure. The safest vehicles result in less severe injuries and fewer serious injuries translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims passed on to you as lower rates. If the Ford Explorer has ratings of a minimum an “acceptable” rating on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website it is probably cheaper to insure.
• You might pay higher premiums if you are single – Having a significant other may cut your premiums on your car insurance policy. Having a significant other generally demonstrates drivers are more mature than a single person and insurance companies reward insureds because married drivers get in fewer accidents.
• Too many insurance claims drive up premiums – Companies in North Carolina give the lowest premiums to policyholders who are claim-free. If you are a frequent claim filer, you can definitely plan on higher premiums or even policy non-renewal. Your insurance policy is intended for claims that pose a financial burden.

• Experienced drivers pay less – Teenage drivers in North Carolina have been known to be less responsible behind the wheel so they pay higher car insurance rates. Adding a teenage driver onto a policy can really hurt. More experienced drivers tend to be more responsible, statistically cause fewer accidents, and usually have better credit.

  The data below assumes a single driver, full coverage with $1000 deductibles, and no discounts or violations.

• Policy lapses lead to higher car insurance rates – Driving without insurance coverage in place is not a good idea and companies may charge more for letting your insurance lapse. And not only will insurance be more expensive, being ticketed for driving with no insurance might get you a steep fine or even jail time. You may have to provide proof of insurance in the form of an SR-22 filing with the North Carolina department of motor vehicles.

• Ford Explorer claim statistics – Companies include the past claim history for a vehicle to calculate a price that offsets possible losses. Vehicles that the data determines to have higher claim amounts or frequency will be charged more to insure. The information below illustrates the actual insurance loss data for Ford Explorer vehicles.

  For each insurance policy coverage type, the loss probability for all vehicles, regardless of manufacturer or model, is a value of 100. Numbers under 100 imply a favorable loss record, while values that are above 100 point to more frequent losses or larger claims.

  
  

  Ford Explorer Insurance Loss Statistics

  Vehicle Model	Collision	Property Damage	Comp	Personal Injury	Medical Payment	Bodily Injury
  Ford Explorer 4dr 2WD	80	90	79	75	70	82
  Ford Explorer 4dr 4WD	94	94	97	75	70	85

  BETTER

  AVERAGE

  WORSE

  Statistics from IIHS.org for 2013-2015 Model Years

Why you need quality insurance for your Explorer

Despite the high insurance cost for a Ford Explorer in Charlotte, car insurance may be required and benefits you in several ways.

• The majority of states have mandatory insurance requirements which means state laws require specific limits of liability insurance in order to license the vehicle. In North Carolina these limits are 30/60/25 which means you must have $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage.
• If you bought your Ford Explorer with a loan, most lenders will stipulate that you carry insurance to ensure loan repayment if the vehicle is totaled. If you default on your policy, the bank or lender will purchase a policy for your Ford at a more expensive rate and force you to reimburse them a much higher amount than you were paying before.
• Insurance protects your vehicle and your assets. Insurance will also pay for all forms of medical expenses for you, any passengers, and anyone injured in an accident. Liability insurance, one of your policy coverages, also covers all legal expenses up to the policy limit if you are named as a defendant in an auto accident. If you have damage to your Ford as the result of the weather or an accident, comprehensive and/or collision insurance will pay to restore your vehicle to like-new condition.

The benefits of carrying enough insurance outweigh the cost, particularly if you ever have a claim. According to a recent study, the average American driver is overpaying over $820 a year so compare rates each time the policy renews to ensure rates are inline.

Quote more to save more

There are still a few companies who may not offer internet price quotes and most of the time these small, regional companies only sell through independent agents. Cheaper insurance in Charlotte is definitely available from both online companies in addition to local insurance agencies, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best chance of saving money.

Drivers leave their current company for a variety of reasons including denial of a claim, being labeled a high risk driver, unfair underwriting practices and even poor customer service. No matter why you want to switch, switching companies is less work than it seems.

As you prepare to switch companies, never skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There have been many cases where drivers have reduced liability coverage limits and found out when filing a claim they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your goal should be to buy the best coverage you can find at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.

Steps to finding cheaper Ford Explorer insurance in Charlotte

If you want to find the absolute lowest rates, then the best way to get the cheapest Ford Explorer insurance in Charlotte is to start comparing prices regularly from companies who sell auto insurance in North Carolina. You can compare rates by following these steps.

1. Get an understanding of the different coverages in a policy and the modifications you can make to prevent rate increases. Many rating criteria that drive up the price such as traffic violations and a negative credit score can be remedied by making minor changes to your lifestyle.
2. Obtain price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can provide rates from one company like Progressive or State Farm, while independent agents can quote rates from many different companies. Compare rates now
3. Compare the new rate quotes to your current policy to see if a cheaper price is available in Charlotte. If you find a lower rate and switch companies, ensure there is no coverage lapse between policies.

The most important part of this process is that you use similar deductibles and liability limits on each quote and and to get price estimates from as many companies as you can. Doing this enables a level playing field and the best price selection.

To read more, take a look at these articles:

• Eight Auto Insurance Myths (Insurance Information Institute)
• Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance Rates for Drivers Over Age 50 in Charlotte? (FAQ)
• How Much is Charlotte Auto Insurance for Teenage Females? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Charlotte Car Insurance for Drivers with a DUI? (FAQ)
• Who Has Affordable Car Insurance Rates for Real Estate Agents in Charlotte? (FAQ)
• What Insurance is Cheapest for Teenagers in Charlotte? (FAQ)
• Rental Reimbursement Coverage (Allstate)
• Auto Theft Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)
• How do I File a Claim? (Insurance Information Institute)
• Vehicle Insurance (Wikipedia)