1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Car Insurance Rates

No car owner enjoys paying for insurance, especially when they are aware that it costs too dang much. Due to the abundance of insurance companies to choose from, it can be impossible to locate the right insurance company.

It’s a good idea to shop coverage around yearly since prices change frequently. Just because you had the lowest rates on C-Class insurance on your last policy the chances are good that you can find a lower rate quote today. Block out anything you think you know about insurance because you’re about to learn the tricks you need to know to get good coverage at a lower rate.

The purpose of this post is to help educate you on how car insurance quotes work. If you currently have a car insurance policy, you stand a good chance to be able to cut costs considerably using this strategy. Consumers only need to know the proper methods to find the lowest price online.

Insurance premium influencing factors

Many different elements are considered when you get a price on insurance. A few of the factors are predictable such as your driving record, but other factors are more transparent such as your marital status or your vehicle rating.

Listed below are some of the items used by insurance companies to determine your prices.

  • Deter theft and pay less – Buying a car with a theft deterrent system can save you some money. Systems that thwart theives like LoJack tracking devices, vehicle tamper alarm systems or GM’s OnStar system all aid in stopping car theft.
  • Insurance is expensive for youthful drivers – More experienced drivers are more cautious drivers, tend to file fewer claims and receive fewer citations.Young drivers are statistically shown to be inattentive when driving therefore auto insurance rates are much higher.
  • Liability coverage is critical – The liability coverage on your policy is the coverage that protects you in the event that you are responsible for damages caused by your negligence. Liability insurance provides legal defense to defend your case. Carrying liability coverage is mandatory and cheap compared to insuring for physical damage coverage, so do not cut corners here.
  • Credit rating impacts prices – Your credit rating is likely to be a major factor in determining what you pay. People with very good credit scores tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than those with lower credit ratings. Therefore, if your credit is not that good, you could be paying less to insure your 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class if you improve your credit rating.
  • Stress out and pay more – Do you work in a high-stress field? Jobs such as fire fightersair traffic controllers and stock brokers have the highest rates because of intense work situations and extremely grueling work hours. On the flip side, careers such as scientists, students and performers pay lower than average rates on C-Class insurance.
  • Marriage equates to better premiums – Having a spouse may save some money when buying auto insurance. Having a spouse generally demonstrates drivers are more stable financially and statistics prove married drivers tend to have fewer serious accidents.

Discounts can really help lower rates

Car insurance is easily one of your largest bills, but you may qualify for discounts to help offset the cost. Many discounts should be triggered when you quote, but once in a while a discount must be specially asked for in order for you to get them.

  • Good Grades Discount – Maintaining excellent grades could provide a savings of up to 20% or more. Many companies even apply the discount to college students until age 25.
  • Theft Prevention Discount – Cars and trucks with anti-theft systems are less likely to be stolen and that can save you a little bit as well.
  • Discount for Passive Restraints – Factory options such as air bags and/or automatic seat belt systems can receive discounts of up to 25% or more.
  • More Vehicles More Savings – Buying coverage for several vehicles on a single policy could earn a price break for each car.
  • Accident-Free Discounts – Claim-free drivers pay much less in comparison to accident-prone drivers.
  • Student Driver Training – Teen drivers should complete a driver education course if offered at their school.
  • Anti-lock Brake Discount – Cars with ABS and/or traction control are safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
  • Early Signing – Some insurance companies give discounts for switching companies prior to your current policy expiring. It can save you around 10%.

You can save money using discounts, but some credits don’t apply to all coverage premiums. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like all the discounts add up to a free policy, companies wouldn’t make money that way.

For a list of insurers that offer the discounts shown above, click here.

Save $461 a year. For real?

Consumers can’t escape the ads for car insurance savings by companies like Progressive, Geico, Allstate and State Farm. All the ads advertise claims that people will save if you switch to them.

How does each company lower your rates? It’s all in the numbers.

All the different companies quote their best rates for the type of driver that earns them a profit. One example of a profitable risk profile could possibly be between 25 and 40, has no driving citations, and has excellent credit. Any customer that matches those criteria receive the lowest rate quotes and therefore will save if they switch.

People who do not match those standards may receive a higher premium which translates to the prospect going elsewhere. The trick is to say “people who switch” but not “everyone who gets a quote” save that much. That’s the way companies can claim big savings.

Because each company has a different risk profile, you really need to get as many free auto insurance quotes as possible. It’s just not possible to know the company that will have the lowest rate quotes.

Will just any policy work for me?

When choosing adequate coverage for your vehicles, there really is not a “perfect” insurance plan. Every insured’s situation is different so your insurance should reflect that These are some specific questions can aid in determining whether you would benefit from an agent’s advice.

  • Should I waive the damage coverage when renting a car?
  • Will my vehicle be repaired with OEM or aftermarket parts?
  • Can I make deliveries for my home business?
  • Do I get a pro-rated refund if I cancel my policy early?
  • How can I get my company to pay me more for my totalled car?
  • Am I covered if I hit a deer?
  • Is my ex-spouse still covered by my policy?

If you don’t know the answers to these questions, you may need to chat with an insurance agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It is quick, free and can provide invaluable advice.

Auto insurance 101

Understanding the coverages of your auto insurance policy can help you determine the best coverages for your vehicles. Auto insurance terms can be impossible to understand and coverage can change by endorsement. These are the normal coverages available from auto insurance companies.

Collision coverages – This will pay to fix damage to your C-Class caused by collision with an object or car. You will need to pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.

Collision can pay for things such as backing into a parked car, crashing into a building, hitting a parking meter and rolling your car. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so consider removing coverage from lower value vehicles. You can also increase the deductible to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive coverages – Comprehensive insurance coverage will pay to fix damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible then your comprehensive coverage will pay.

Comprehensive can pay for claims such as a broken windshield, fire damage and hitting a deer. The maximum payout you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the cash value of the vehicle, so if the vehicle is not worth much it’s probably time to drop comprehensive insurance.

Coverage for medical payments – Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and medical payments coverage provide coverage for short-term medical expenses like hospital visits, prosthetic devices, EMT expenses, doctor visits and ambulance fees. The coverages can be used in conjunction with a health insurance policy or if you are not covered by health insurance. Coverage applies to all vehicle occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is not universally available and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay

Liability – Liability coverage will cover damages or injuries you inflict on other people or property that is your fault. This insurance protects YOU against claims from other people. Liability doesn’t cover your injuries or vehicle damage.

Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident and property damage. You commonly see liability limits of 100/300/100 which means $100,000 bodily injury coverage, a limit of $300,000 in injury protection per accident, and property damage coverage for $100,000. Alternatively, you may have a combined limit that pays claims from the same limit rather than limiting it on a per person basis.

Liability coverage pays for claims like pain and suffering, repair costs for stationary objects, medical services and bail bonds. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is your choice, but you should buy as large an amount as possible.

Uninsured and underinsured coverage – Your UM/UIM coverage protects you and your vehicle when the “other guys” either have no liability insurance or not enough. This coverage pays for injuries to you and your family and also any damage incurred to your Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Due to the fact that many drivers have only the minimum liability required by law, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. So UM/UIM coverage is a good idea. Normally the UM/UIM limits are identical to your policy’s liability coverage.

More effort can pay off

We’ve covered some good ideas how to shop for 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class insurance online. The key concept to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your rates. You may be surprised to find that the biggest savings come from the smaller companies. These smaller insurers can often provide lower rates in certain areas than their larger competitors like Allstate and Progressive.

Budget-conscious 1996 Mercedes-Benz C-Class insurance is attainable on the web as well as from independent agents, and you should compare rates from both so you have a total pricing picture. Some insurance providers don’t offer online rate quotes and most of the time these smaller companies sell through local independent agents.

As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, you should never buy less coverage just to save a little money. There have been many situations where consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret at claim time that a couple dollars of savings turned into a financial nightmare. Your strategy should be to purchase plenty of coverage at the best price.

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