It’s easy to assume that auto insurance companies don’t want you to compare rates. Drivers who get comparison quotes at least once a year are very likely to switch companies because there is a good chance of finding a more affordable policy. Remarkably, a study showed that drivers who compared rates regularly saved approximately $865 annually compared to people who never shopped around for lower prices.
If saving the most money on BMW 328i insurance in Stockton is why you’re reading this, then having a grasp of how to shop for coverages can make it easier to find better rates.
If you want to find the absolute lowest rates, then the best way to get low-cost car insurance rates is to start comparing prices regularly from different companies in Stockton.
- Step 1: Try to comprehend how companies price auto insurance and the factors you can control to keep rates down. Many rating factors that cause high rates like high-risk driving behaviors and a less-than-favorable credit rating can be eliminated by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes.
- Step 2: Compare price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can only give prices from a single company like Progressive or State Farm, while independent agencies can provide rate quotes from multiple companies.
- Step 3: Compare the price quotes to your current policy premium and see if there is a cheaper rate in Stockton. If you find a lower rate quote and change companies, make sure coverage is continuous and does not lapse.
- Step 4: Tell your current company of your intention to cancel your current auto insurance policy. Submit the completed application along with a down payment for your new policy. As soon as you can, store the proof of insurance paperwork above your visor, in the console, or in the glove compartment.
A good tip to remember is that you’ll want to make sure you compare the same liability limits and deductibles on each price quote and and to get quotes from as many car insurance companies as possible. Doing this enables the most accurate price comparison and a complete price analysis.
Get lower-cost BMW 328i insurance in Stockton with discounts
Auto insurance companies don’t necessarily list the complete list of policy discounts very well, so the list below details both the well known as well as some of the hidden discounts you could be receiving when you buy Stockton auto insurance online. If you aren’t receiving every discount available, you are not getting the best rate possible.
- Early Renewal Discounts – A few car insurance companies give discounts for switching companies early. Ten percent is about the average savings.
- ABS Brakes – Vehicles that have anti-lock braking systems can reduce accidents and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
- Anti-theft Discount – Cars and trucks equipped with anti-theft or alarm systems are stolen less frequently and can earn a small discount on your policy.
- Multiple Vehicles – Drivers who insure multiple cars or trucks with one company may reduce the rate for each vehicle.
- Memberships – Affiliation with a civic or occupational organization in Stockton is a simple method to lower premiums on your next renewal.
- Discount for Life Insurance – Insurance companies who offer life insurance give lower premium rates if you buy auto and life insurance together.
You can save money using discounts, but most of the big mark downs will not be given to the whole policy. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears you could get a free car insurance policy, company stockholders wouldn’t be very happy. Any amount of discount will help reduce your policy premium.
The information below shows the comparison of BMW 328i car insurance rates with and without discounts. The premium estimates are based on a male driver, no tickets, no at-fault accidents, California 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-car, homeowner, multi-policy, safe-driver, claim-free, and marriage discounts applied.
Auto insurance companies that may offer some of the discounts shown above include:
When getting free Stockton auto insurance quotes, it’s a good idea to all companies you are considering what discounts are available to you. Some discounts might not apply in Stockton. To see a list of insurance companies who offer free BMW 328i insurance quotes in California, click here to view.
The most recommended method to get policy rate comparisons for BMW 328i insurance in Stockton is to know the fact most insurance companies allow for online access to compare rate quotes. The one thing you need to do is provide a little information including types of safety features, how much school you completed, if your license is active, and whether your vehicle is owned or leased. Your details gets sent immediately to many different companies and they return quotes instantly.
To compare rates for your BMW 328i now, click here then complete the form.
The car insurance companies shown below are ready to provide free quotes in California. If several companies are displayed, we recommend you click on several of them to get a more complete price comparison.
BMW 328i coverage analysis
The premium table displayed next covers estimates of coverage prices for BMW 328i models. Having knowledge of how insurance quotes are formulated can help customers make decisions when shopping your coverage around.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328I 4-Dr Sedan | $428 | $834 | $596 | $36 | $178 | $2,072 | $173 |
| 328I 4-Dr Sedan | $428 | $834 | $596 | $36 | $178 | $2,072 | $173 |
| 328I Station Wagon | $476 | $960 | $508 | $30 | $152 | $2,126 | $177 |
| 328I 2-Dr Coupe | $476 | $960 | $508 | $30 | $152 | $2,126 | $177 |
| 328I 2-Dr Coupe | $476 | $960 | $508 | $30 | $152 | $2,126 | $177 |
| 328I xDrive 4-Dr Sedan | $476 | $960 | $596 | $36 | $178 | $2,246 | $187 |
| 328I xDrive 4-Dr Sedan | $476 | $960 | $596 | $36 | $178 | $2,246 | $187 |
| 328I 2-Dr Convertible | $476 | $960 | $596 | $36 | $178 | $2,246 | $187 |
| 328I 2-Dr Convertible | $476 | $960 | $596 | $36 | $178 | $2,246 | $187 |
| 328I 2-Dr Coupe | $476 | $960 | $508 | $30 | $152 | $2,126 | $177 |
| 328I xDrive 2-Dr Coupe | $476 | $960 | $508 | $30 | $152 | $2,126 | $177 |
| 328I xDrive Station Wagon | $476 | $960 | $508 | $30 | $152 | $2,126 | $177 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Table data represents single female driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, homeowner, claim-free, multi-vehicle, and multi-policy. Estimates do not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can revise insurance rates greatly.
Should you raise deductibles?
One common question asked by Stockton drivers is what deductibles to buy. The rates shown below show the premium difference when you select higher and lower coverage deductibles. The first set of rates uses a $250 comprehensive and collision deductible and the second set of prices uses a $500 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328I 4-Dr Sedan | $386 | $678 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,689 | $141 |
| 328I 4-Dr Sedan | $386 | $678 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,689 | $141 |
| 328I Station Wagon | $430 | $780 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,745 | $145 |
| 328I 2-Dr Coupe | $430 | $780 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,745 | $145 |
| 328I 2-Dr Coupe | $430 | $780 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,745 | $145 |
| 328I xDrive 4-Dr Sedan | $430 | $780 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,835 | $153 |
| 328I xDrive 4-Dr Sedan | $430 | $780 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,835 | $153 |
| 328I 2-Dr Convertible | $430 | $780 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,835 | $153 |
| 328I 2-Dr Convertible | $430 | $780 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,835 | $153 |
| 328I 2-Dr Coupe | $430 | $780 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,745 | $145 |
| 328I xDrive 2-Dr Coupe | $430 | $780 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,745 | $145 |
| 328I xDrive Station Wagon | $430 | $780 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,745 | $145 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328I 4-Dr Sedan | $314 | $546 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,460 | $122 |
| 328I 4-Dr Sedan | $314 | $546 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,460 | $122 |
| 328I Station Wagon | $348 | $630 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,488 | $124 |
| 328I 2-Dr Coupe | $348 | $630 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,488 | $124 |
| 328I 2-Dr Coupe | $348 | $630 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,488 | $124 |
| 328I xDrive 4-Dr Sedan | $348 | $630 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,578 | $132 |
| 328I xDrive 4-Dr Sedan | $348 | $630 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,578 | $132 |
| 328I 2-Dr Convertible | $348 | $630 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,578 | $132 |
| 328I 2-Dr Convertible | $348 | $630 | $442 | $26 | $132 | $1,578 | $132 |
| 328I 2-Dr Coupe | $348 | $630 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,488 | $124 |
| 328I xDrive 2-Dr Coupe | $348 | $630 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,488 | $124 |
| 328I xDrive Station Wagon | $348 | $630 | $376 | $22 | $112 | $1,488 | $124 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Table data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-vehicle, homeowner, safe-driver, and multi-policy. Price information does not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can lower or raise coverage prices substantially.
Based on the data above, we can derive that using a $250 deductible will cost you roughly $21 more each month or $252 for a full year than quoting the higher $500 deductible. Since the policyholder would be required to pay $250 more out-of-pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you usually have more than 12 months between claim filings, you would most likely save money if you elect the higher deductible.
How to calculate when to raise deductibles
| Average monthly premium for $250 deductibles: | $147 |
| Average monthly premium for $500 deductibles (subtract): | – $126 |
| Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $21 |
| Difference between deductibles ($500 – $250): | $250 |
| Divide difference by monthly savings: | $250 / $21 |
| Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 12 months |
The chart below shows how different deductible levels and can raise or lower BMW 328i insurance premiums for different age categories. The prices are based on a single male driver, full physical damage coverage, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
Full coverage or liability only
The diagram below illustrates the comparison of BMW 328i car insurance costs with and without physical damage coverage, medical payments, and uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage. The rates are based on a clean driving record, no claims, $500 deductibles, single marital status, and no discounts are applied.
When to drop comprehensive and collision
There is no set guideline of when to eliminate full coverage, but there is a general guideline. If the annual cost of comprehensive and collision coverage is 10% or more of the replacement cost minus the deductible, then it might be time to buy liability only.
For example, let’s say your BMW 328i replacement value is $9,000 and you have $1,000 full coverage deductibles. If your vehicle is destroyed, the most you would receive is $8,000 after paying the physical damage deductible. If it’s costing you more than $800 annually to have full coverage, then you might consider buying liability only.
There are a few situations where dropping physical damage coverage is not recommended. If you haven’t satisfied your loan, you have to maintain full coverage to protect the lienholder’s interest in the vehicle. Also, if you cannot afford to purchase a different vehicle in the even your car is totaled, you should not drop full coverage.
Lower Your Stockton Insurance Premiums
Consumers need to have an understanding of the different types of things that go into determining the level of your policy premiums. When consumers understand what impacts premium levels, this allows you to make educated decisions that could result in lower rates.
The following are a few of the “ingredients” car insurance companies consider when setting your rates.
Guys are more aggressive – The statistics show women tend to be less risk to insure than men. Now that doesn’t mean females are better at driving than males. Both sexes get in at-fault accidents in similar percentages, but the men get into accidents with more damage. Not only are claims higher, but men get higher numbers of serious violations like reckless driving and DUI. Males from age 16 to 21 have the highest risk to insure and therefore are the most expensive to insure.
The example below illustrates the comparison of BMW 328i car insurance rates for male and female drivers. The rate quotes are based on no accidents, no driving violations, comp and collision included, $250 deductibles, single marital status, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Your liability insurance limits – Your policy’s liability coverage is the protection if a court rules you are at fault for physical damage or personal injury to other. Your policy’s liability insurance provides legal defense coverage up to the limits shown on your policy. It is affordable coverage when compared to the cost of physical damage coverage, so insureds should have plenty of protection for their assets.
Poor driving habits leads to higher premiums – Having a clean driving record impacts your car insurance rates tremendously. Only having one chargeable violation could increase your next policy renewal twenty percent or more. Drivers with clean records pay less for auto insurance as compared to careless drivers. Drivers who have gotten flagrant tickets like DUI or willful reckless driving may find that they have to to complete a SR-22 with their state in order to legally drive a vehicle.
The diagram below shows how violations and at-fault fender-benders influence BMW 328i annual premium costs for each different age category. The premium estimates are based on a married female driver, full physical damage coverage, $1,000 deductibles, and no discounts are factored in.
Physical damage deductibles – The deductibles you choose are how much you are willing to pay if a covered claim is submitted. Physical damage protection, aka comp and collision, covers damage that occurs to your car. Examples of some claims that would be covered are collision with another vehicle, collision with a deer, and damage caused by road hazards. The more the insured is willing to pay, the lower your rates will be.
Small claims can cost you – Insurance companies in California give lower rates to policyholders who are not frequent claim filers. If you file claims often, you can pretty much guarantee increased rates or even have your policy non-renewed. Insurance coverage is intended to be relied upon for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
Getting married can lower rates – Having a wife or husband may earn you lower rates when shopping for car insurance. Marriage usually means you are more responsible and it’s statistically proven that being married results in fewer claims.
Big cities have higher premiums – Choosing to live in less populated areas is a positive aspect when buying car insurance. Lower population means reduced accidents and also fewer theft and vandalism claims. People in densely populated areas have to deal with more traffic problems and higher rates of accident claims. More time on the road can result in more accidents.
Is your car built for speed? – The performance level of the vehicle you need insurance for makes a huge difference in your auto insurance rates. Lower cost passenger vehicles usually are quite affordable to insure, but there are many factors that impact the final cost.
The next chart assumes a married male driver age 20, full coverage with $250 deductibles, and no discounts or violations. It shows BMW 328i insurance rates compared to other models that have a range of performance rating factors.
You are unique and your car insurance should be too
When choosing your policy for your personal vehicles, there really isn’t a cookie cutter policy. Your situation is unique.
For instance, these questions might point out if your insurance needs would benefit from professional advice.
- How can I get high-risk coverage after a DUI?
- Can I rent a car in Mexico?
- Should I get collision insurance on every vehicle?
- Which companies will insure me after a DUI?
- What can I do if my company denied a claim?
- Can I afford to buy a different vehicle if my BMW 328i is totaled?
If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you might consider talking to a licensed agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form.
Exclusive and independent car insurance agents
Some consumers would prefer to get advice from a local agent and there is nothing wrong with that. The best thing about getting free rate quotes online is that you can obtain cheap car insurance rates and still have a local agent. Supporting neighborhood insurance agencies is definitely important in Stockton.
After filling out this simple form, your insurance data is emailed to participating agents in Stockton who will give you bids for your insurance coverage. There is no need to contact an agency since price quotes are sent straight to your inbox. You can most likely find cheaper rates and work with a local agent. If for some reason you want to compare rates from one company in particular, you just need to go to their quote page and submit a quote form there.
If you are searching for a local Stockton insurance agent, it can be helpful to understand the types of insurance agents and how they are distinctly different. Agents in Stockton can either be exclusive agents or independent agents.
Independent Car Insurance Agents (or Brokers)
Agents that elect to be independent are not employed by one company so they have the ability to put coverage with a variety of different insurance companies and find you cheaper rates. If your agent finds better pricing, the business is moved internally which requires no work on your part.
When shopping rates, we recommend you get some free quotes from a few independent agents to ensure the widest selection of prices. Many write coverage with companies that do not advertise much which may provide better rates.
The following is a partial list of independent agencies in Stockton that can give you free rate quotes.
- RVA Insurance Agency, Inc
1341 West Robinhood Drive, ste A-1 – Stockton, CA 95207 – (209) 898-0650 – View Map - Mark Berbower Insurance Agency
2 W Swain Rd – Stockton, CA 95207 – (209) 405-1088 – View Map - Insurance Services of Stockton
1150 W Robinhood Dr # 1A – Stockton, CA 95207 – (209) 474-6174 – View Map
Exclusive Insurance Agencies
These agents can only place business with one company and some examples include AAA, Allstate, State Farm, or Farmers Insurance. They are unable to compare rates from other companies so it’s a take it or leave it situation. Exclusive agencies receive a lot of sales training in insurance sales which aids in selling service over price. A lot of people use the same exclusive agent mostly because of the brand rather than low rates.
Below is a short list of exclusive insurance agencies in Stockton willing to provide price quote information.
- Allstate Insurance Agent: Richard Perry
7895 N Pershing Ave – Stockton, CA 95207 – (209) 477-9936 – View Map - Don Widmer – State Farm Insurance Agent
2155 W March Ln a – Stockton, CA 95207 – (209) 951-4008 – View Map - Farmers Insurance – Jason Ramey
5250 Claremont Ave #138 – Stockton, CA 95207 – (209) 472-6080 – View Map
Deciding on a insurance agent should depend on more than just a cheap price. Some important questions to ask are:
- Do you work with a CSR or direct with the agent?
- What insurance companies do they work with in Stockton?
- Do they carry Errors and Omissions coverage?
- Are they paid to recommend certain coverages?
- How long have they worked with personal auto insurance coverage?
- Can they provide you with a list of referrals?
- Do they make recommendations based only on price?
Three reasons car insurance is important
Despite the fact that car insurance is not cheap in Stockton, insurance serves an important purpose.
- Most states have minimum mandated liability insurance limits which means you are required to carry a specific minimum amount of liability in order to drive the car legally. In California these limits are 15/30/5 which means you must have $15,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 of property damage coverage.
- If you took out a loan on your 328i, it’s most likely the lender will have a requirement that you have full coverage to ensure the loan is repaid in case of a total loss. If the policy lapses, the lender will be forced to insure your BMW at a much higher rate and require you to fork over the higher price.
- Car insurance preserves not only your vehicle but also your financial assets. It will also provide coverage for many types of medical costs that are the result of an accident. As part of your policy, liability insurance also covers all legal expenses up to the policy limit if you are sued as the result of your driving. If your vehicle suffers damage from an accident or hail, comprehensive (other-than-collision) and collision coverage will pay to restore your vehicle to like-new condition.
The benefits of buying car insurance definitely exceed the cost, particularly when you have a large claim. The average driver in America is wasting up to $850 per year so compare quotes from several companies every year to be sure current rates are still competitive.
More quotes mean more auto insurance savings
Some companies do not offer the ability to get a quote online and most of the time these regional insurance providers only sell through independent insurance agencies. Lower-priced auto insurance in Stockton is available both online and from local agencies, and you should compare price quotes from both to have the best chance of lowering rates.
When searching for the cheapest BMW 328i rate quotes, never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There have been many situations where someone dropped comprehensive coverage or liability limits and found out when filing a claim that it was a big mistake. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage for the lowest price, but do not sacrifice coverage to save money.
Insureds switch companies for a variety of reasons including policy cancellation, questionable increases in premium, being labeled a high risk driver or denial of a claim. Whatever your reason, switching companies can be pretty painless.
More detailed auto insurance information is available in the articles below:
- Smart Auto Insurance Tips (Insurance Information Institute)
- How Much are Stockton Car Insurance Quotes for Seniors? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Car Insurance Rates for State Employees in Stockton? (FAQ)
- What is the Cheapest Car Insurance in Stockton, California? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Stockton Auto Insurance for a Nissan Rogue? (FAQ)
- Warning systems don’t curb driver distraction (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Anti-Lock Brake FAQ (iihs.org)
- Auto Insurance Basics (Insurance Information Institute)
- Prom Night Tips for Teen Drivers (State Farm)