It’s an obvious conclusion that auto insurance companies want to prevent you from shopping around. Consumers who rate shop once a year are likely to switch to a new company because they have a good chance of finding more affordable rates. Remarkably, a study showed that drivers who faithfully checked for cheaper rates saved $850 each year compared to other drivers who never compared prices.
If finding discount rates on insurance is the reason for your visit, then having some knowledge of how to quote and compare insurance can make it easier for you to save money.
If you want to find the absolute lowest rates, then the best way to get discount auto insurance rates is to start doing a yearly price comparison from insurance carriers in Oakland.
- Try to learn a little about coverages and the measures you can take to lower rates. Many rating criteria that drive up the price like at-fault accidents, careless driving, and an unfavorable credit rating can be eliminated by making small lifestyle or driving habit changes.
- Compare rates from direct, independent, and exclusive agents. Exclusive and direct companies can give quotes from one company like GEICO or Allstate, while agents who are independent can quote prices from multiple companies.
- Compare the new rate quotes to your current policy premium to see if switching to a new carrier will save money. If you can save some money and switch companies, make sure coverage is continuous and does not lapse.
The most important part of shopping around is to make sure you enter the same deductibles and limits on every quote and and to get quotes from as many companies as possible. This ensures the most accurate price comparison and many rates to choose from.
If you are already insured, you stand a good chance to be able to reduce premiums using these tips. Locating the best rates in Oakland can be made easier if you know where to look. But California vehicle owners must know how big insurance companies compete online.
Discounts can help lower rates on Hyundai Sonata insurance in Oakland
Companies that sell car insurance don’t necessarily list their entire list of discounts in a way that’s easy to find, so the list below gives a summary of some of the best known as well as the least known savings tricks you should be using when you buy Oakland auto insurance online.
- ABS Braking Discount – Cars that have steering control and anti-lock brakes can reduce accidents and will save you 10% or more on Sonata insurance in Oakland.
- Data Collection Discounts – Policyholders that allow their company to analyze vehicle usage through the use of a telematics system such as Snapshot from Progressive or Drivewise from Allstate may get a rate reduction if they exhibit good driving behavior.
- Life Insurance Discount – If the company offers life insurance, you could get better premium rates if you take out a life policy as well.
- Sign Online – Some of the larger companies will give you a small discount just for signing your application on the internet.
- Bundled Policy Discount – If you combine your auto and homeowners policies with one company you will save at least 10 to 15 percent or more.
- Defensive Driver – Taking part in a course in defensive driving could save 5% or more and also improve your driving technique.
- Discounts for Government Workers – Active or former government employment could qualify for a slight premium decrease with a few insurance companies.
- Military Discounts – Having a deployed family member could trigger a small discount.
Just know that many deductions do not apply to the entire policy premium. Most only apply to the cost of specific coverages such as comprehensive or collision. So despite the fact that it appears it’s possible to get free car insurance, companies wouldn’t make money that way. Any qualifying discounts will definitely lower the amount you pay for coverage.
The chart below shows the difference between Hyundai Sonata car insurance rates with and without some available policy discounts. The premium estimates are based on a male driver, no tickets, no at-fault accidents, California state minimum liability limits, comp and collision included, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-car, claim-free, homeowner, marriage, safe-driver, and multi-policy discounts applied.
Some companies who might offer some of the above discounts are:
Before buying, ask every company which discounts can lower your rates. Depending on the company, some discounts might not apply everywhere.
How to lower your Hyundai Sonata insurance cost in Oakland, CA
Just remember that making a lot of price comparisons helps increase your odds of locating the best rates. Some insurance companies are not set up to provide price estimates online, so you should also compare prices on coverage from those companies, too.
The car insurance companies shown below can provide comparison quotes in California. If you want to find the best cheap car insurance in Oakland, we recommend you visit as many as you can to get the best price comparison.
Premium rates and analysis
The price information shown below highlights a range of coverage costs for Hyundai Sonata models. Having a better understanding of how prices are formulated is important for making decisions on the best policy coverages.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata GLS 4-Dr Sedan | $182 | $354 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,302 | $109 |
| Sonata GLS 4-Dr Sedan | $182 | $354 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,302 | $109 |
| Sonata GLS 4-Dr Sedan | $182 | $354 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,302 | $109 |
| Sonata SE 4-Dr Sedan | $182 | $418 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,366 | $114 |
| Sonata SE 4-Dr Sedan | $182 | $418 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,366 | $114 |
| Sonata Limited 4-Dr Sedan | $204 | $418 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,388 | $116 |
| Sonata Limited 4-Dr Sedan | $204 | $418 | $564 | $34 | $168 | $1,388 | $116 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data based on single female driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, claim-free, and multi-policy. Price estimates do not factor in vehicle location which can impact coverage rates considerably.
Deductible analysis
When comparing car insurance rates, the most common question is the level to set your comp and collision deductibles. The comparisons below sum up how much more you’ll pay when you choose different physical damage coverage deductibles. The first rate quote example uses a $250 comprehensive and collision deductible and the second rate chart uses a $500 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata GLS 4-Dr Sedan | $342 | $576 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,623 | $135 |
| Sonata GLS 4-Dr Sedan | $342 | $576 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,623 | $135 |
| Sonata GLS 4-Dr Sedan | $342 | $576 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,623 | $135 |
| Sonata SE 4-Dr Sedan | $342 | $678 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,725 | $144 |
| Sonata SE 4-Dr Sedan | $342 | $678 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,725 | $144 |
| Sonata Limited 4-Dr Sedan | $386 | $678 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,769 | $147 |
| Sonata Limited 4-Dr Sedan | $386 | $678 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,769 | $147 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonata GLS 4-Dr Sedan | $278 | $464 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,422 | $119 |
| Sonata GLS 4-Dr Sedan | $278 | $464 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,422 | $119 |
| Sonata GLS 4-Dr Sedan | $278 | $464 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,422 | $119 |
| Sonata SE 4-Dr Sedan | $278 | $546 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,504 | $125 |
| Sonata SE 4-Dr Sedan | $278 | $546 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,504 | $125 |
| Sonata Limited 4-Dr Sedan | $314 | $546 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,540 | $128 |
| Sonata Limited 4-Dr Sedan | $314 | $546 | $500 | $30 | $150 | $1,540 | $128 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Above prices assume married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, multi-vehicle, multi-policy, and homeowner. Premium amounts do not factor in specific location which can impact premium rates noticeably.
Based on the figures above, using a $250 deductible will cost you about $18 more each month or $216 each year than opting for the higher $500 deductible. Since you would have to pay $250 more out of your own pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you average at least 14 months between claims, you would come out ahead going with the higher deductible.
Tickets and at-fault accidents raise rates
The information below demonstrates how traffic citations and accident claims can impact Hyundai Sonata insurance premiums for different age groups of insureds. The premiums assume a single male driver, comp and collision included, $250 deductibles, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Comparison of car insurance rates by age and gender in Oakland
The example below illustrates the difference between Hyundai Sonata insurance premiums for male and female drivers. The data assumes no claims or driving citations, full physical damage coverage, $500 deductibles, marital status is single, and no policy discounts are applied.
Hyundai Sonata full coverage rates compared to liability only
The illustration below illustrates the comparison of Hyundai Sonata auto insurance rates with and without physical damage coverage. The prices are based on no violations or claims, $500 deductibles, single status, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
Guidelines for dropping full coverage
There is no definitive rule of when to stop paying for comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, but there is a guideline you can use. If the yearly cost for physical damage coverage is about 10% or more of the settlement you would receive from your company, then it’s probably a good time to buy liability coverage only.
For example, let’s assume your Hyundai Sonata replacement cost is $4,000 and you have $1,000 full coverage deductibles. If your vehicle is severely damaged, the most you would receive is $3,000 after paying your deductible. If you are paying in excess of $300 a year to have full coverage, then it could be time to drop full coverage.
There are some conditions where removing full coverage is not a good plan. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you have to keep full coverage in order to satisfy the requirements of the loan. Also, if you don’t have enough money to buy a different vehicle in case of an accident, you should keep full coverage.
Insurance is unique, just like you
Always keep in mind that when comparing proper insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no “best” method to buy coverage. Your situation is unique so your insurance should reflect that
These are some specific questions can help discover if your situation will benefit from professional help.
- Which companies are cheaper for teen drivers?
- Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
- Do I have coverage when using my vehicle for my home business?
- Does my liability insurance cover pulling a trailer or camper?
- Where can I get insurance after a DUI in California?
- Will damage be repaired with OEM parts?
- How do I insure my teen driver?
- Am I covered when driving on a suspended license?
- If my Hyundai Sonata is totaled, can I afford another vehicle?
If you’re not sure about those questions but a few of them apply then you might want to talk to a licensed agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form or you can also visit this page to select a carrier
Get rate quotes but buy from a local neighborhood Oakland car insurance agent
A lot of people still prefer to go talk to an agent and often times that is recommended The biggest benefit of getting free rate quotes online is that you can obtain the lowest rates but still work with a licensed agent.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this quick form, your information gets sent to insurance agents in Oakland who want to provide quotes for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to search for any insurance agencies as quotes are delivered to you instantly. You can find the lowest rates without requiring a lot of work. If you have a need to get a rate quote for a specific company, you can always go to their quote page and fill out the quote form the provide.
Deciding on an insurer should include more criteria than just the quoted price. The answers to these questions are important, too.
- What discounts might you be missing?
- Will high miles depreciate repair valuations?
- Do they review policy coverages at every renewal?
- Which insurance company do they prefer to write with?
- Do they receive special compensation for putting your coverage with one company over another?
- Is auto insurance their primary focus in Oakland?
Different types of Oakland auto insurance agents
When looking for a reliable insurance agent, you should know the different types of agents and how they are distinctly different. Car insurance agents can either be independent agents or exclusive agents depending on their employer.
Exclusive Car Insurance Agencies
Agents that elect to be exclusive can only write with one company and examples are State Farm, AAA, and Liberty Mutual. Exclusive agents are unable to give you multiple price quotes so you might not find the best rates. Exclusive agencies are usually well trained on their company’s products and that enables them to sell even at higher rates.
Below is a short list of exclusive insurance agents in Oakland who can help you get rate quotes.
Judy Chambers – State Farm Insurance Agent
1305 Franklin St #400 – Oakland, CA 94612 – (510) 832-2195 – View Map
Allstate Insurance: Liz Drennan
4170 Piedmont Ave c – Oakland, CA 94611 – (510) 594-2090 – View Map
Farmers Insurance – Sharon Li
320 13th St #103 – Oakland, CA 94612 – (510) 986-1128 – View Map
Independent Agents (or Brokers)
Independent agencies often have many company appointments so they can quote policies with multiple insurance companies and find the cheapest car insurance rates. If they find a lower price, they simply move your policy to a different company and you don’t have to do anything. When searching for an agent, it’s recommended you include rate quotes from a couple of independent agencies for the best price selection.
Below is a short list of independent agencies in Oakland that can give you price quote information.
Susan Bernosky – Strahan Ins Services Inc
5940 College Ave a – Oakland, CA 94618 – (510) 450-9051 – View Map
Thandi Insurance Brokerage
2859 Mandela Pkwy – Oakland, CA 94608 – (510) 452-1566 – View Map
Travel Insurance Agency
610 16th St #508 – Oakland, CA 94612 – (510) 452-3366 – View Map
After talking to the agent and getting good responses to any questions you have and locked in a price quote, you may have found an insurance agent that can be trusted to properly insure your vehicles. Just be aware that it’s your coverage and you can cancel coverage at any time so don’t assume you are locked into a policy with no way to switch.
Best car insurance company in Oakland
Choosing the best insurance provider can be a challenge considering how many companies sell coverage in Oakland. The information listed below could help you decide which companies you want to consider when comparing rate quotes.
Top 10 Oakland Car Insurance Companies by A.M. Best Rank
- USAA – A++
- Travelers – A++
- State Farm – A++
- GEICO – A++
- Esurance – A+
- Nationwide – A+
- Allstate – A+
- Mercury Insurance – A+
- Progressive – A+
- Titan Insurance – A+
Top 10 Oakland Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Value
- USAA
- American Family
- The Hartford
- AAA of Southern California
- Titan Insurance
- The General
- AAA Insurance
- State Farm
- Mercury Insurance
- Nationwide
Smart consumers save more
As you restructure your insurance plan, do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There are many occasions where an accident victim reduced liability coverage limits only to discover later they didn’t purchase enough coverage. The ultimate goal is to purchase plenty of coverage at an affordable rate while still protecting your assets.
Some companies do not offer online price quotes and these small insurance companies only sell coverage through independent agents. More affordable auto insurance in Oakland can be sourced on the web as well as from independent agents in Oakland, and you need to comparison shop both to have the best selection.
Additional auto insurance information can be found on the following sites:
- Warning systems don’t curb driver distraction (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- How Much is Oakland Auto Insurance for Postal Workers? (FAQ)
- How Much is Car Insurance for 16 Year Olds in Oakland? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Oakland Auto Insurance for Drivers Over Age 60? (FAQ)
- Prom Night Tips for Teen Drivers (State Farm)
- State Car Insurance Guides (GEICO)
- Speed and Speed Limit FAQ (iihs.org)