Cheaper 1996 Ford Contour Insurance Quotes

Want cheaper insurance rates for your Ford Contour? No sane person looks forward to paying premiums for insurance, especially when they are aware that the cost is way too high.

People have multiple insurers to purchase coverage from, and even though it’s nice to have a selection, more options can take longer to find the lowest cost provider.

It’s a great practice to price shop coverage before your next renewal because prices change quite often. Despite the fact that you may have had the best price for Contour coverage a year ago a different company probably has better rates today. You can find a lot of wrong information about insurance on the web, but in a few minutes you can learn the best ways to find cheap insurance.

Finding affordable coverage is not rocket science. Basically, anyone who has to buy insurance stands a good chance to be able to find better rates. Nevertheless, car owners can benefit from knowing how the larger insurance companies determine prices and take advantage of how the system works.

Informed consumers know how to buy insurance cheaper

A large part of saving on insurance is knowing the factors that help calculate your policy premiums. If you know what determines base rates, this enables you to make decisions that could result in lower premium levels.

  • Add-on coverages can add up – There are quite a few add-on coverages that you can buy but may not be useful. Add-on coverages like roadside assistance, death and dismemberment, and extra life insurance coverage could be just wasting money. They may seem like a good idea initially, but if they’re wasting money consider taking them off your policy.
  • Insurance rates and your job – Do you have a high-stress occupation? Occupations such as real estate brokerspolice officers and medical professionals generally pay higher average rates due to intense work situations and incredibly demanding work hours. Other occupations such as actors, athletes and retirees pay lower than average rates for Contour coverage.
  • GPS tracking and theft deterrents reduce premiums – Driving a car with anti-theft technology or alarm system can help bring down rates. Theft prevention features like vehicle immobilizer systems, General Motors OnStar and LoJack tracking systems all help stop vehicle theft.
  • Lower rates come with age – Mature drivers tend to be more responsible, tend to file fewer claims , and are generally more financially stable.Youthful drivers have been known to be careless and easily distracted when at the wheel of a vehicle therefore insurance rates are much higher.
  • See if your company offers a multi-policy discount – The majority of insurance companies give discounts to clients who consolidate policies with them such as combining an auto and homeowners policy. This can amount to anywhere from five to ten percent in most cases. Even though this discount sounds good, it’s in your best interest to compare other insurance prices to make sure you are getting the best deal.
  • Credit rating impacts costs – Your credit score is likely to be a major factor in determining premium rates. So if your credit is lower than you’d like, you could save money insuring your 1996 Ford Contour if you improve your credit rating. Drivers who have high credit scores tend to be more responsible and file fewer claims than those with lower credit scores.
  • Save annual miles and save money – Driving more miles each year the more you’ll pay to insure it. Most companies charge to insure your cars determined by how the vehicle is used. Autos that sit idle most of the time receive better premium rates than those used for commuting. Having the wrong rating on your Contour is throwing money out the window. Double check that your insurance declarations sheet properly reflects the proper vehicle usage, because improper ratings can cost you money.

Buy car insurance online

To find cheaper car insurance quotes, there are several ways to get quotes from different insurance companies. By far the easiest way to find the lowest Ford Contour rates is to perform an online rate comparison. It is quite easy and can be accomplished in a couple minutes as outlined below.

The most efficient method consumers can make multiple comparisons is to use a rate comparison form like this one (opens in new window). This easy form saves time by eliminating repetitive form submissions for every car insurance company. Just one form gets rate comparisons instantly.

Another way to compare prices requires a visit to each company’s website and repeat the quote process again and again. For example, let’s say you want to see prices from Geico, Farmers and Travelers. To get each rate you have to visit each site and enter your information, and that explains why we recommend the first method.

To view a list of companies in your area, click here.

Whichever method you choose, be sure to compare the same information for every company. If your comparisons have unequal deductibles or liability limits you will not be able to determine the lowest rate for your Ford Contour. Quoting even small variations in coverages could throw off the whole comparison. It’s important to know that comparing all the rates in your area helps increase your odds of locating the best rates. Not every company allows you to get price estimates online, so it’s important to also get rates from those companies as well.

Big names are not always cheapest

Insurance providers like 21st Century, Allstate and State Farm consistently run ads in print and on television. They all advertise the message that drivers can save some big amount just by moving your policy. How do they all make almost identical claims? It’s all in the words they use.

Most companies offer their best rates for the type of driver that will add to their bottom line. An example of a desirable insured might be over the age of 40, has no driving citations, and insures a new vehicle. A propective insured who matches those parameters will get low car insurance rates and as a result will probably save if they switch.

Drivers who do not meet those standards must pay higher prices which translates to the customer not purchasing. The wording the ads use say “drivers that switch” not “everyone who quotes” save that much when switching. That’s the way insurance companies can claim big savings. This illustrates why it’s extremely important to get car insurance quotes as often as possible. Because you never know with any certainty which company will be your best fit.

Lower rates by qualifying for discounts

Companies offering auto insurance don’t list every disount available very well, so the list below details some of the more common and also the lesser-known discounts that you may qualify for. If you do not double check each discount possible, you’re just leaving money on the table.

  • Distant Student – Any of your kids who attend college more than 100 miles from home and do not have access to a covered vehicle may be insured at a cheaper rate.
  • Anti-lock Brake Discount – Cars with anti-lock braking systems prevent accidents so you can save 10 percent or more.
  • Air Bag Discount – Vehicles equipped with air bags could see savings of 20 to 30 percent.
  • Theft Deterent System – Cars, trucks, and SUVs optioned with advanced anti-theft systems are less likely to be stolen and earn discounts up to 10% off your car insurance quote.
  • Save over 55 – If you’re over the age of 55, you may be able to get a discount up to 10% for Contour coverage.
  • Defensive Driver – Taking a class that teaches safe driver techniques can save you 5% or more and also improve your driving technique.
  • Professional Memberships – Being a member of certain professional organizations could trigger savings when getting a car insurance quote.
  • Accident Waiver – This one is not really a discount per se, but a handful of insurance companies allow you one accident before hitting you with a surcharge so long as you are claim-free for a particular time prior to the accident.
  • Lower Rates for Military – Having an actively deployed family member could mean lower car insurance rates.
  • Save with More Vehicles Insured – Buying coverage for more than one vehicle with one company could earn a price break for each car.

Discounts lower rates, but most of the big mark downs will not be given to your bottom line cost. Most only cut specific coverage prices like collision or personal injury protection. So even though you would think all the discounts add up to a free policy, company stockholders wouldn’t be very happy.

Large car insurance companies and their offered discounts are included below.

  • State Farm policyholders can earn discounts including safe vehicle, anti-theft, Steer Clear safe driver discount, driver’s education, good driver, and student away at school.
  • Farmers Insurance offers discounts including homeowner, alternative fuel, mature driver, bundle discounts, electronic funds transfer, youthful driver, and teen driver.
  • Geico includes discounts for defensive driver, anti-theft, multi-policy, good student, and membership and employees.
  • American Family offers premium reductions for good student, Steer into Savings, defensive driver, TimeAway discount, mySafetyValet, and multi-vehicle.
  • Nationwide may have discounts that include Farm Bureau membership, anti-theft, business or organization, family plan, defensive driving, accident-free, and easy pay.
  • Progressive has discounts for multi-policy, good student, homeowner, multi-vehicle, online signing, continuous coverage, and online quote discount.

Check with all companies you are considering which discounts can lower your rates. All car insurance discounts may not be available everywhere. To see car insurance companies who offer online car insurance quotes, click here to view.

Car insurance is unique, just like you

When buying proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really is no “best” method to buy coverage. Each situation is unique so this has to be addressed. These are some specific questions could help you determine if you may require specific advice.

  • Am I getting all the discounts available?
  • Can I afford low physical damage deductibles?
  • How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in my state?
  • Where can I get insurance after a DUI in my state?
  • Is my dog or cat covered if injured in an accident?
  • When would I need additional glass coverage?
  • Should I drop comprehensive coverage on older vehicles?
  • Does my 1996 Ford Contour need full coverage?
  • When can my company non-renew my policy?

If you’re not sure about those questions but you think they might apply to your situation, you may need to chat with a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, complete this form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area.

Auto insurance coverages

Knowing the specifics of your insurance policy can help you determine the right coverages and proper limits and deductibles. Policy terminology can be confusing and coverage can change by endorsement. Below you’ll find typical coverages offered by insurance companies.

Auto liability insurance

This coverage can cover injuries or damage you cause to other’s property or people. It protects YOU from legal claims by others, and doesn’t cover damage to your own property or vehicle.

Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You might see policy limits of 25/50/25 that translate to a $25,000 limit per person for injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and a limit of $25,000 paid for damaged property.

Liability coverage pays for claims such as court costs, legal defense fees, attorney fees, medical expenses and pain and suffering. How much liability should you purchase? That is a personal decision, but you should buy as high a limit as you can afford.

Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers

This protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when other motorists do not carry enough liability coverage. This coverage pays for medical payments for you and your occupants and also any damage incurred to your Ford Contour.

Since a lot of drivers carry very low liability coverage limits, their liability coverage can quickly be exhausted. For this reason, having high UM/UIM coverages should not be overlooked.

Comprehensive (Other than Collision)

Comprehensive insurance coverage will pay to fix damage from a wide range of events other than collision. You first have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.

Comprehensive can pay for claims like hail damage, damage from flooding, falling objects, a broken windshield and rock chips in glass. The highest amount you’ll receive from a claim is the ACV or actual cash value, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value it’s not worth carrying full coverage.

Collision insurance

Collision insurance will pay to fix damage to your Contour resulting from a collision with another car or object. You have to pay a deductible then your collision coverage will kick in.

Collision coverage protects against things such as rolling your car, colliding with another moving vehicle and hitting a parking meter. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from older vehicles. Another option is to bump up the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Medical expense insurance

Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for immediate expenses like X-ray expenses, hospital visits, nursing services, rehabilitation expenses and chiropractic care. They are used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. Coverage applies to both the driver and occupants and also covers if you are hit as a while walking down the street. PIP coverage is not an option in every state but can be used in place of medical payments coverage

Final thoughts

We’ve covered many ways to get a better price on 1996 Ford Contour insurance. The key thing to remember is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your prices. Drivers may discover the biggest savings come from an unexpected company. Smaller companies may have significantly lower prices on certain market segments than their larger competitors like Allstate or State Farm.

When shopping online for insurance coverage, do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. Too many times, consumers will sacrifice collision coverage only to discover later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your aim should be to find the BEST coverage for the lowest cost while still protecting your assets.

Some companies may not provide the ability to get quotes online and these smaller companies prefer to sell through independent insurance agencies. Budget-friendly insurance coverage is available from both online companies in addition to many insurance agents, so you should be comparing quotes from both to get a complete price analysis.

Additional insurance coverage information can be found below: