Save Money on Chevy HHR Insurance in Portland

The most effective way to find the cheapest price for auto insurance rates is to start comparing rates regularly from insurers who can sell car insurance in Portland. You can compare prices by following these steps.

1. Try to learn about car insurance and the things you can change to prevent high rates. Many risk factors that cause rate increases like at-fault accidents, careless driving, and a negative credit history can be amended by paying attention to minor details. Read the full article for instructions to get cheaper rates and earn a bigger discount.
2. Get rate quotes from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can only give prices from a single company like GEICO or State Farm, while independent agencies can give you price quotes for a wide range of insurance providers.
3. Compare the new rate quotes to your current policy premium and determine if there is any savings. If you can save money, make sure there is no coverage gap between policies.
4. Provide notification to your current company of your intent to cancel your current coverage and submit the signed application along with the required initial payment to the new company. Once received, keep the new certificate verifying proof of insurance in your vehicle’s glove compartment or console.

The most important part of this process is to use the same level of coverage on every quote request and to quote with as many companies as you can. Doing this guarantees a level playing field and and a good selection of different prices.

Unthinkable but true, a large majority of drivers kept their coverage with the same auto insurance company for a minimum of four years, and virtually 40% of consumers have never even shopped around for affordable coverage. Many consumers in the U.S. could save nearly $860 every year by just shopping around, but they just don’t want to compare other rate quotes.

Cheap companies for Chevy HHR insurance in Oregon

The providers in the list below provide free rate quotes in Portland, OR. To locate cheaper car insurance in Portland, we suggest you click on several of them to find the most affordable auto insurance rates.

Insurance statistics and figures

The data table shown below outlines a range of policy rates for Chevy HHR models. Having a better understanding of how premiums are formulated can aid in making informed purchases.

Above prices assume single female driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, and Oregon minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, claim-free, multi-vehicle, multi-policy, and homeowner. Price estimates do not factor in specific Portland garaging location which can change coverage prices significantly.

Where to set your deductibles

The hardest decision when buying coverage is what deductibles to buy. The tables below illustrate how much more you’ll pay of buying low and high deductibles. The first set of rates uses a $100 comprehensive and collision deductible and the second price grid uses a $500 deductible.

Prices above based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Oregon minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-policy, homeowner, safe-driver, and multi-vehicle. Price information does not factor in vehicle location which can influence coverage rates substantially.

Using the premium rates above, we can conclude that using a $100 deductible will cost in the ballpark of $24 more each month or $288 annually than opting for the higher $500 deductible. Because you would pay $400 more to settle a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you average at least 17 months between claim filings, you would probably save some money if you choose a higher deductible.

Impact of violations and accidents on rates

The diagram below illustrates how violations and accidents raise Chevy HHR insurance costs for different age groups. The prices are based on a married male driver, full coverage, $500 deductibles, and no other discounts are factored in.

Males versus Females

The diagram below illustrates the comparison of Chevy HHR insurance costs for male and female drivers. The data assumes no claims or driving violations, full coverage, $1,000 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no policy discounts are applied.

Does it make sense to buy full coverage?

The illustration below illustrates the comparison of Chevy HHR auto insurance costs with and without full coverage. The premium estimates are based on a clean driving record, no claims, $1,000 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no discounts are applied.

When to drop comp and collision

There is no exact formula of when to phase out comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, but there is a broad guideline. If the annual cost of coverage is more than about 10% of the replacement cost minus the deductible, then you might consider buying liability only.

For example, let’s assume your Chevy HHR replacement cost is $5,000 and you have $1,000 policy deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled, the most your company would pay you is $4,000 after the deductible is paid. If premium cost is more than $400 annually for comprehensive and collision coverage, then you might want to consider buying only liability coverage.

There are some scenarios where only buying liability is not financially feasible. If you haven’t satisfied your loan, you have to maintain full coverage to protect the lienholder’s interest. Also, if you can’t afford to buy a different vehicle in the even your car is totaled, you should keep full coverage.

Do you qualify for discounts on Chevy HHR insurance in Portland?

Car insurance is not cheap, but you might find some hidden discounts that can drop the cost substantially. Many discounts should be triggered at quote time, but some must be specifically requested prior to getting the savings.

• Smart Student Discounts – This discount can earn a discount of 20% or more. This discount can apply until age 25.
• Portland Homeowners Pay Less – Simply owning a home can earn you a little savings since owning and maintaining a home shows financial diligence.
• Senior Citizen Discount – If you’re over the age of 55, you could receive a small decrease in premiums.
• Discount for Low Mileage – Keeping the miles down on your Chevy can earn substantially lower prices.
• Sign Early and Save – A few larger companies give discounts for switching companies before your current coverage expires. The savings is around 10%.
• Discount for New Cars – Buying a new car instead of a used HHR is cheaper because new vehicles keep occupants safer.
• Auto/Home Discount – If you combine your auto and home policies and insure them both with the same insurance company you may save up to 20% off your total HHR insurance premium.

It’s important to understand that most discounts do not apply to all coverage premiums. The majority will only reduce individual premiums such as medical payments or collision. So despite the fact that it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, company stockholders wouldn’t be very happy.

The diagram below shows the comparison of Chevy HHR insurance premiums with and without discounts. The prices are based on a female driver, no claims or violations, Oregon state minimum liability limits, full physical damage coverage, and $1,000 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-policy, multi-car, safe-driver, claim-free, marriage, and homeowner discounts applied.

Popular auto insurance companies and the discounts they provide are outlined below.

• The Hartford may include discounts for defensive driver, anti-theft, driver training, air bag, good student, and vehicle fuel type.
• American Family policyholders can earn discounts including good student, good driver, TimeAway discount, multi-vehicle, early bird, and accident-free.
• Progressive includes discounts for multi-policy, online quote discount, good student, multi-vehicle, online signing, and continuous coverage.
• Travelers has savings for home ownership, IntelliDrive, hybrid/electric vehicle, payment discounts, student away at school, multi-policy, and new car.
• Farmers Insurance offers discounts for good student, early shopping, teen driver, business and professional, homeowner, and multi-car.
• USAA discounts include loyalty savings, driver training, vehicle storage, multi-vehicle, annual mileage, multi-policy, and family discount.
• Liberty Mutual offers premium reductions for preferred payment discount, newly married, exclusive group savings, hybrid vehicle, safety features, multi-policy, and multi-car.

It’s a good idea to ask each company or agent which discounts they offer. Discounts may not apply to policies in Portland. To choose auto insurance companies that offer the discounts shown above in Oregon, click this link.

Informed Consumers Can Cut Insurance Costs

When buying auto insurance it’s important to understand the rating factors that go into determining your premiums. If you understand what positively or negatively impacts your premiums, this allows you to make good choices that could help you find lower rates.

The items below are a partial list of the pieces used by your company to calculate your rates.

File policy claims and pay more – If you are the type of insured that files lots of claims you can definitely plan on higher premiums or even policy non-renewal. Auto insurance companies in Oregon give most affordable rates to drivers who are not frequent claim filers. Your car insurance is intended for claims that you cannot pay yourself.

Bad credit will cost you – A driver’s credit score can be a huge factor in calculating your auto insurance rates. Drivers with excellent credit tend to file fewer claims than drivers who have lower credit scores. So if your credit history can be improved, you could pay less to insure your Chevrolet HHR by repairing your credit.

Single drivers take more risk – Having a wife or husband may save some money on auto insurance. Having a spouse translates into being more mature and responsible and statistics prove married drivers tend to have fewer serious accidents.

Liability coverage – The liability coverage on your policy kicks in if ever a jury decides you are liable for damages from an accident. Liability insurance provides legal defense coverage up to the limits shown on your policy. This coverage is very inexpensive as compared to coverage for physical damage, so insureds should have plenty of protection for their assets.

Safety first – Cars with five star safety ratings tend to be cheaper to insure. Safer cars protect occupants better and fewer serious injuries translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims and lower rates for you.

Your address can influence price – Living in a rural area is a good thing when insuring your vehicles. Urban drivers regularly have much more traffic and more severe claims. Fewer drivers means a lower chance of having an accident and lower theft and vandalism rates.

Buying auto insurance from Portland insurance agents

A lot of people just want to go talk to an agent and doing so can bring peace of mind Agents will help you protect your assets and help you file claims. One of the great benefits of getting online price quotes is that drivers can save money and get better rates and also buy local. Buying from local agencies is important particularly in Portland.

Once you complete this quick form, your information is instantly submitted to local insurance agents who will give you bids for your coverage. It makes it easy because there is no need to contact any insurance agencies due to the fact that quote results will go to the email address you provide. If you want to quote rates from a specific insurance company, just search and find their rate quote page and give them your coverage information.

The type of car insurance agent you choose is important

When narrowing the list to find a reliable agent, you should know the different agency structures and how they can quote your rates. Portland agents can be described as either independent or exclusive depending on the company they work for. Either type can sell auto insurance policies, but it’s good to learn why they differ since it can impact the selection process.

Independent Agents (or Brokers)

These agents do not work for one specific company so as a result can place your coverage amongst many companies and potentially find a lower price. If they find a lower price, they can switch companies in-house without you having to go to a different agency.

If you need cheaper auto insurance rates, you absolutely need to get insurance quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for maximum quote selection. Many write coverage with smaller companies that may provide cheaper auto insurance rates.

Shown below are independent agencies in Portland that may be able to provide free auto insurance quotes.

• Vern Fonk
  9955 SE Washington St #103 – Portland, OR 97216 – (971) 213-1015 – View Map
• Stamm Stuart Bybee Insurance
  16455 SE Division St – Portland, OR 97236 – (971) 254-1148 – View Map
• Matthew K Barnett Agency
  3332 N Lombard St – Portland, OR 97217 – (503) 285-2546 – View Map

More insurance agents

Exclusive Agents

These type of agents can only place business with one company and some examples include American Family, State Farm, and Allstate. They are unable to compare other company’s rates so always compare other rates. Exclusive agents are trained well on what they offer which helps overcome the inability to quote other rates. Some people will only buy insurance from these agents mostly because of the prominent brand name rather than low price.

The following are exclusive agencies in Portland that can give you price quote information.

• Mariko Locke – State Farm Insurance Agent
  5048 SE Hawthorne Blvd a – Portland, OR 97215 – (503) 232-2444 – View Map
• American Family Insurance – Lee Cannon
  8085 SE 16th Ave – Portland, OR 97202 – (503) 235-1545 – View Map
• H.Q. La – State Farm Insurance Agent
  1827 NE 44th Ave #110 – Portland, OR 97213 – (503) 236-3776 – View Map

More insurance agents

Choosing a insurance agent is decision based upon more than just the bottom line cost. Any good agent in Portland should know the answers to these questions.

• Is the agent and/or agency licensed to do business in Oregon?
• What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
• Does the agent have professional designations like CIC, CPCU or AIC?
• Which companies do they recommend if they are an independent agency?
• Do they reduce claim amounts on high mileage vehicles?
• Will you get a loaner vehicle if you car is being repaired?

Ratings for Oregon car insurance companies

Picking the top insurance provider can be difficult considering how many choices there are in Oregon. The company rank data shown below may help you analyze which companies you want to consider purchasing from.

Top 10 Portland Car Insurance Companies Overall

1. USAA
2. American Family
3. State Farm
4. The Hartford
5. AAA Insurance
6. GEICO
7. The General
8. Titan Insurance
9. Progressive
10. Mercury Insurance

You can lower your insurance rates

Cheaper insurance in Portland is attainable from both online companies and from local agencies, and you need to price shop both to get a complete price analysis. Some insurance companies do not offer rates over the internet and these smaller providers only sell coverage through local independent agencies.

People change insurance companies for a variety of reasons including questionable increases in premium, an unsatisfactory settlement offer, policy cancellation or delays in responding to claim requests. Regardless of your reason, finding the right insurance provider is not as difficult as it may seem.

We just presented a lot of ways to get a better price on Chevy HHR insurance in Portland. The most important thing to understand is the more times you quote, the better your chances of lowering your prices. Consumers could even find that the lowest premium rates come from some of the smallest insurance companies.

Much more information about insurance in Oregon is available at these links:

• Cellphones, Texting and Driving (iihs.org)
• Who Has Cheap Portland Auto Insurance Rates After a Speeding Ticket? (FAQ)
• What Car Insurance is Cheapest for a Nissan Sentra in Portland? (FAQ)
• How Much is Portland Car Insurance for Young Drivers? (FAQ)
• Five Steps to Filing an Auto Insurance Claim (Insurance Information Institute)
• How Does Hitting a Deer Impact Insurance Rates? (Allstate)
• Senior Drivers (Insurance Information Institute)
• Bodily Injury Coverage (Liberty Mutual)