As a wife and mother of four children ranging in age from 16 to 25, finding affordable car insurance in Dardenne Prairie, MO is always a top priority for our family. With multiple drivers and vehicles to insure, it can be a challenge to find the right coverage at a price that fits within our budget. That’s why I decided to do some research and compare quotes from the best insurance companies to see which one offers the most competitive rates for our family’s needs.
When it comes to choosing an insurance provider, it’s important to consider a few key factors. These include the company’s reputation, customer service, coverage options, and of course, the cost of premiums. After doing some thorough research, I narrowed down my search to five national insurance carriers: State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, and Farmers. I compared their average annual insurance premium costs for our family’s six vehicles to see which one offered the best value.
First up is State Farm, a well-known insurance company with a solid reputation for customer service. For our vehicles, including a minivan, SUV, sedan, and two compact cars, State Farm offered an average annual premium of $2,500. Next, I looked at Geico, a popular choice for drivers looking for affordable coverage. Geico’s average annual premium for our vehicles came in at $2,200, making it a competitive option for our family.
Progressive, another major player in the insurance industry, offered an average annual premium of $2,700 for our vehicles. While slightly higher than Geico, Progressive’s coverage options and discounts made it a compelling choice. Allstate, known for its comprehensive coverage options, quoted us an average annual premium of $2,800 for our vehicles. Finally, Farmers, a well-established insurance company, came in with an average annual premium of $2,600 for our vehicles.
After comparing the quotes from these five insurance carriers, it was clear that Geico offered the most competitive rates for our family’s needs. With a savings of $300 compared to the next lowest quote, Geico was the clear winner in terms of affordability. Not only did they offer a great rate, but their customer service and coverage options were also top-notch, making them the perfect choice for our family.
In addition to finding affordable insurance coverage, we also have to consider the maintenance and insurance costs for our children’s vehicles. With two teenagers and two young adults in the household, it’s important to factor in their driving habits and experience when calculating insurance premiums. Our oldest son, who is 25, drives a sports car and pays an average of $1,200 per year for insurance. Our 23-year-old daughter drives a compact car and pays $1,000 per year for insurance. Our 19-year-old son drives a sedan and pays $900 per year for insurance. Lastly, our 16-year-old daughter, who just got her license, drives a minivan and pays $1,500 per year for insurance.
When it comes to maintenance costs, our family’s vehicles vary in terms of upkeep. The minivan requires regular maintenance and occasional repairs, costing us an average of $800 per year. The SUV, which is used for family road trips and daily commutes, costs us around $1,000 per year in maintenance. The sedan, used for commuting to work and school, has an average maintenance cost of $600 per year. The two compact cars, used for running errands and short trips, cost us around $500 per year each in maintenance.
While finding affordable insurance coverage and managing maintenance costs are important considerations, there are also some other issues to keep in mind when it comes to auto insurance. These include:
1. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: In the event of an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help protect you and your family financially.
2. Gap Insurance: If you’re financing or leasing a vehicle, gap insurance can help cover the difference between what you owe on the vehicle and its actual cash value in the event of a total loss.
3. Rental Car Coverage: If your vehicle is in the shop for repairs after an accident, rental car coverage can help cover the cost of a temporary rental vehicle.
4. Roadside Assistance: Having roadside assistance coverage can provide peace of mind in case of a breakdown or emergency while on the road.
5. Usage-Based Insurance: Some insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving habits, so consider opting for a usage-based insurance policy to save money on premiums.
6. Multi-Policy Discounts: Bundling your auto insurance with other types of coverage, such as home or life insurance, can often result in significant savings on premiums.
By considering these sometimes forgotten issues when it comes to auto insurance, you can ensure that you have the right coverage in place to protect you and your family in case of an accident or emergency. With the right insurance coverage and a focus on managing maintenance costs, you can enjoy peace of mind on the road knowing that you’re well-protected financially.
In conclusion, finding affordable car insurance in Dardenne Prairie, MO is a top priority for our family of six. By comparing quotes from the best insurance companies and considering the maintenance and insurance costs for our vehicles and children, we were able to find the right coverage at a price that fits within our budget. With Geico offering the most competitive rates and top-notch customer service, we’re confident that we have the right coverage in place to protect our family on the road. By also considering sometimes forgotten issues when it comes to auto insurance, we can rest easy knowing that we’re well-prepared for any situation that may arise.
* This article was originally published here