Car Insurance Quotes for a Ford Explorer Sport Trac in Cincinnati

It’s a fact that auto insurance companies don’t want their policyholders to compare prices. People who shop rates annually will presumably move their business because of the good chance of getting low-cost coverage. Remarkably, a study showed that people who routinely compared quotes saved about $3,500 over four years compared to drivers who never compared prices.

If finding the cheapest rates on Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance in Cincinnati is your goal, learning the best ways to shop for coverages can help you be more efficient.

Really, the only way to get discount car insurance rates in Cincinnati is to annually compare prices from insurance carriers in Ohio. Rate comparisons can be done by completing these steps.

First, get an understanding of how insurance works and the changes you can make to prevent expensive coverage. Many things that increase rates such as speeding tickets, accidents and a not-so-good credit rating can be rectified by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility.

Second, request price quotes from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Direct and exclusive agents can only provide price estimates from one company like Progressive or Farmers Insurance, while independent agencies can provide rate quotes for a wide range of insurance providers.

Third, compare the new rate quotes to the price on your current policy and see if there is a cheaper rate in Cincinnati. If you find a lower rate quote and switch companies, make sure coverage does not lapse between policies.

Fourth, provide written notification to your current company to cancel your current auto insurance policy and submit a completed application and payment for your new coverage. Once received, store the certificate of insurance in an accessible location in your vehicle.

A good tip to remember is that you’ll want to make sure you compare the same amount of coverage on every quote and and to look at as many auto insurance providers as possible. This ensures a level playing field and many rates to choose from.

Reducing your Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance rates is surprisingly easy. The only thing you need to do is take a few minutes comparing rates online with multiple companies.

It’s so fast and easy to compare rate quotes online that it makes it a waste of time to drive around to different Cincinnati agent offices. Comparing Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance rates online eliminates the need for an insurance agent unless you have a need for the extra assistance of a local Cincinnati agent. It is possible to compare online quotes but buy from a local insurance agent.

The companies in the list below have been selected to offer free rate quotes in Cincinnati, OH. To find the cheapest car insurance in Cincinnati, it’s highly recommended you compare several of them to get the cheapest price.

Best reasons to buy auto insurance in Ohio

Despite the high cost, auto insurance is most likely required but also gives you several important benefits.

First, just about all states have mandatory insurance requirements which means state laws require a specific level of liability insurance coverage in order to drive the car legally. In Ohio these limits are 25/50/25 which means you must have $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage.

Second, if you took out a loan on your car, it’s guaranteed your bank will stipulate that you have insurance to ensure the loan is repaid in case of a total loss. If you cancel or allow the policy to lapse, the lender will be forced to insure your Ford at a more expensive rate and require you to fork over for it.

Third, auto insurance protects not only your vehicle but also your assets. It will also reimburse you for many types of medical costs that are the result of an accident. Liability coverage, the one required by state law, also covers all legal expenses up to the policy limit if you cause an accident and are sued. If your Ford gets damaged, comprehensive (other-than-collision) and collision coverage will pay to repair the damage.

The benefits of having insurance outweigh the cost, particularly for liability claims. On average, a vehicle owner in Cincinnati overpays as much as $750 every year so it’s recommended you shop around at every policy renewal to save money.

Insurance statistics for a Ford Explorer Sport Trac

The rate information shown below outlines a range of insurance premium costs for Ford Explorer Sport Trac models. Learning as much as possible about how car insurance premiums are established can be valuable when making decisions when choosing a new policy provider.

Prices based on single female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and Ohio minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, claim-free, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and homeowner. Information does not factor in vehicle garaging location which can increase or decrease rates significantly.

Physical damage deductible comparison

One frequently asked question is how high should the physical damage deductibles be. The figures shown below may help to illustrate the cost difference between high and low policy deductibles. The first data set uses a $100 deductible for comp and collision and the second price table uses a $1,000 deductible.

Data based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Ohio minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, homeowner, and safe-driver. Prices do not factor in zip code location which can alter premiums greatly.

Based on this data, using a $100 deductible costs approximately $22 more each month or $264 for a full year than requesting the higher $1,000 deductible. Since you would have to pay $900 more to settle a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you go at least 41 months between claims, you would most likely save money if you decide on a higher deductible. The table below illustrates a better example of how this determination is made.

One important issue to know is that higher deductibles results in a higher out-of-pocket expense when you have a comprehensive or collision claim. You need to have enough extra money in the event you have to pay the deductible for vehicle repair.

The illustration below illustrates how your choice of deductibles and can affect Ford Explorer Sport Trac yearly insurance costs for different age categories. The price estimates are based on a married male driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, and no additional discounts are factored in.

How accidents and tickets impact rates

The example below demonstrates how traffic citations and fender-benders can raise Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance prices for different categories of driver ages. The prices are based on a married female driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, $100 deductibles, and no discounts are taken into consideration.

Rate comparison of full coverage and liability-only

The diagram below visualizes the comparison of Ford Explorer Sport Trac car insurance costs with and without physical damage coverage, medical payments, and uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage. The premium estimates are based on a clean driving record, no claims, $100 deductibles, drivers are single, and no discounts are applied to the premium.

Are you wasting money on full coverage?

There is no definitive formula that works best for making the decision to drop comp and collision coverage, but there is a general convention. If the yearly cost of full coverage is about 10% or more of any settlement you would receive from your insurance company, then it may be the right time to buy liability only.

For example, let’s say your Ford Explorer Sport Trac settlement value is $4,000 and you have $1,000 deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled, the most you would receive is $3,000 after you pay the deductible. If you are currently paying more than $300 a year for your policy with full coverage, then it may be the right time to buy liability only.

There are some circumstances where dropping full coverage is not in your best interest. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you have to keep full coverage to protect the lienholder’s interest in the vehicle. Also, if your emergency fund is not enough to purchase a different vehicle if your current one is totaled, you should keep full coverage on your policy.

Save money on Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance in Cincinnati with these eight discounts

Auto insurance companies don’t always advertise all possible discounts very clearly, so the list below details both the well known as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using when you buy Cincinnati car insurance online.

• No Accidents – Claim-free drivers pay less in comparison with insureds who have frequent claims or accidents.
• Theft Prevention Discount – Cars and trucks equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen with less frequency and that can save you a little bit as well.
• One Accident Forgiven – This one is not really a discount per se, but a few companies such as Progressive, State Farm and GEICO will turn a blind eye to one accident before raising your premiums if you are claim-free before the accident.
• Driver Training Discounts – Taking part in a defensive driver class could save 5% or more and easily pay for the cost of the class.
• Low Miles Discount – Low mileage vehicles may enable drivers to earn substantially lower prices.
• Discounts for Government Workers – Federal government employees could provide a small rate reduction with a few insurance companies.
• Discount for Home Ownership – Owning a house in Cincinnati may earn you a small savings because of the fact that having a home requires a higher level of personal finance.
• Discount for Multiple Policies – If you have multiple policies and insure them both with the same insurance company they may give you a discount of as much as 10 to 15 percent.

Don’t be surprised that most credits do not apply to the entire cost. Some only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as liability and collision coverage. So even though they make it sound like you can get free auto insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way.

The information below compares Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance premiums with and without policy discounts. The rate quotes are based on a female driver, no claims or violations, Ohio state minimum liability limits, full physical damage coverage, and $500 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with claim-free, multi-policy, multi-car, safe-driver, marriage, and homeowner discounts applied.

Some of the larger companies that may include some of the above discounts are:

• State Farm
• Farmers Insurance
• GEICO
• American Family
• Nationwide
• Progressive

Check with each company to apply every possible discount. A few discounts may not apply to policies in your state. If you would like to see a list of insurance companies that can offer you the previously mentioned discounts in Ohio, click this link.

When should I get advice from a local insurance agent?

A lot of people would prefer to talk to an insurance agent and that is not a bad decision Insurance agents will help you protect your assets and will help you if you have claims. A good thing about comparing car insurance online is you may find better rates and also buy local.

Upon completion of this quick form, your insurance data gets sent to insurance agents in Cincinnati that provide free Cincinnati car insurance quotes and help you find cheaper coverage. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to contact an agency because quoted prices will be sent to you. If you have a need to get a rate quote from a specific insurance company, you can always go to their quote page to submit a rate quote request.

Finding the right insurer is decision based upon more than just the bottom line cost. These are valid questions to ask:

• Is there a local claims center in Cincinnati?
• Do they have designations such as AIC, CPCU, or CIC?
• How often do they review coverages?
• Are they actively involved in the community?
• Can glass repairs be made at your home?
• What insurance company do they write the most business with?

Special considerations

When quoting and choosing the best insurance coverage, there really is no best way to insure your cars. Everyone’s needs are different.

These are some specific questions can aid in determining whether you would benefit from an agent’s advice.

• Exactly who is provided coverage by my policy?
• How high should deductibles be on a Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
• What does UM/UIM cover?
• Is a fancy paint job covered?
• Why does it cost so much to insure a teen driver in Cincinnati?
• Is my camper covered by my car insurance policy?

If it’s difficult to answer those questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can provide invaluable advice.

What is the best car insurance company in Cincinnati?

Insuring your vehicle with the highest-rated insurer is hard considering how many different companies there are to choose from in Ohio. The company ratings in the lists below may help you pick which car insurance providers you want to consider shopping prices with.

Top 10 Cincinnati Car Insurance Companies Overall

1. USAA
2. 21st Century
3. GEICO
4. Nationwide
5. AAA Insurance
6. Liberty Mutual
7. Safeco Insurance
8. State Farm
9. Travelers
10. American Family

Car insurance coverages and their meanings

Knowing the specifics of your car insurance policy aids in choosing the right coverages and the correct deductibles and limits. Policy terminology can be confusing and coverage can change by endorsement.

Collision insurance

This will pay to fix damage to your Explorer Sport Trac resulting from a collision with an object or car. You first must pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.

Collision can pay for claims such as colliding with another moving vehicle, colliding with a tree, driving through your garage door, sustaining damage from a pot hole and crashing into a building. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. You can also raise the deductible on your Explorer Sport Trac to bring the cost down.

Coverage for uninsured or underinsured drivers

This protects you and your vehicle’s occupants from other drivers when they are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. This coverage pays for hospital bills for your injuries as well as your vehicle’s damage.

Due to the fact that many Ohio drivers have only the minimum liability required by law (25/50/25 in Ohio), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages is important protection for you and your family.

Comprehensive car insurance

Comprehensive insurance coverage covers damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first have to pay a deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive insurance covers things such as fire damage, theft and hail damage. The highest amount a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the actual cash value, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value consider dropping full coverage.

Coverage for liability

This can cover injuries or damage you cause to people or other property that is your fault. It protects you from legal claims by others, and doesn’t cover damage sustained by your vehicle in an accident.

Liability coverage has three limits: per person bodily injury, per accident bodily injury, and a property damage limit. Your policy might show limits of 25/50/25 which stand for a limit of $25,000 per injured person, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and a total limit of $25,000 for damage to vehicles and property.

Liability can pay for things such as medical expenses, repair costs for stationary objects and bail bonds. How much liability should you purchase? That is your choice, but consider buying as much as you can afford. Ohio state minimum liability requirements are 25/50/25 but you should consider buying better liability coverage.

The next chart shows why buying the state minimum limits may not provide you with enough coverage.

Coverage for medical expenses

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP reimburse you for bills like hospital visits, prosthetic devices and ambulance fees. They are often used in conjunction with a health insurance policy or if you lack health insurance entirely. Coverage applies to all vehicle occupants as well as being hit by a car walking across the street. PIP coverage is only offered in select states but it provides additional coverages not offered by medical payments coverage

Do the work, save more money

We just showed you many ways to compare Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance premium rates in Cincinnati. The most important thing to understand is the more times you quote, the higher the chance of saving money. You may even find the best price on insurance is with a smaller regional carrier.

When you buy Cincinnati car insurance online, do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut collision coverage only to regret that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. The goal is to find the BEST coverage for the lowest cost, but do not skimp to save money.

Budget-conscious Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance can be purchased from both online companies and from local insurance agents, and you should be comparing both to get a complete price analysis. There are still a few companies who may not have online quoting and most of the time these smaller companies sell through independent agencies.

Helpful resources

• Insuring a Leased Car (Insurance Information Institute)
• Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes for Drivers Over Age 70 in Cincinnati? (FAQ)
• What Car Insurance is Cheapest for Drivers with Good Credit in Cincinnati? (FAQ)
• How Much is Auto Insurance for Drivers with Accidents in Cincinnati? (FAQ)
• Who Has Affordable Cincinnati Auto Insurance for Infrequent Drivers? (FAQ)
• Who Has Affordable Car Insurance Rates for Drivers Under 25 in Cincinnati? (FAQ)
• Things to Know Before you Cancel Insurance (Allstate)
• Electronic Stability Control FAQ (iihs.org)
• Top Signs Your Brakes are Giving Out (State Farm)
• Neck Injury FAQ (iihs.org)