It’s safe to conclude that insurance companies want to keep you from comparing prices. People who compare other rates will most likely buy a different policy because of the good chance of finding discount prices. A recent survey found that people who shopped around every year saved $850 each year compared to policyholders who don’t make a habit of comparing rates.
If finding budget-friendly insurance in Nashville is your ultimate goal, then having an understanding of how to find and compare coverages can make it easier to shop your coverage around.
It takes a few minutes, but the best way to find better pricing on auto insurance rates in Nashville is to compare prices annually from providers in Tennessee. Rates can be compared by following these guidelines.
- First, read about the coverage provided by your policy and the modifications you can make to prevent high rates. Many risk factors that drive up the price like speeding tickets, accidents and a negative credit history can be controlled by making minor driving habit or lifestyle changes. This article gives additional ideas to help prevent expensive coverage and find possible discounts that are available.
- Second, request price quotes from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct and exclusive agents can only give rate quotes from one company like Progressive and State Farm, while independent agencies can provide rate quotes from multiple insurance companies. View rates
- Third, compare the new rate quotes to the price on your current policy and see if there is a cheaper rate. If you find a lower rate and make a switch, make sure there is no lapse between the expiration of your current policy and the new one.
- Fourth, provide written notification to your current company to cancel your current auto insurance policy. Submit a down payment and signed policy application to the new company. Once coverage is bound, store the proof of insurance certificate with the vehicle registration.
The key thing to know about shopping around is to use identical coverage information on every quote request and to quote with all possible companies. This ensures a fair price comparison and the best price selection.
Determine discounts to get cheap Nashville insurance rates
Not many people think insurance is cheap, but there could be available discounts that can help lower your rates. Many discounts should be triggered when you get a quote, but a few must be requested specifically prior to receiving the credit. If you are not receiving all the discounts available, you are paying more than you should be.
- Save over 55 – Drivers over the age of 55 are able to get better insurance rates.
- Discount for Good Grades – Getting good grades could provide a savings of up to 20% or more. The discount lasts until age 25.
- Membership in Organizations – Being in specific professional or occupational memberships or organizations could earn you a nice discount on your policy.
- Seat Belts Save more than Lives – Drivers who always wear seat belts and also require passengers to buckle up could save 15% off the medical payments premium.
- Theft Deterrent System – Vehicles with anti-theft systems have a lower chance of being stolen and that can save you a little bit as well.
- Discount for Home Ownership – Being a homeowner may earn you a small savings because maintaining a house is proof of financial responsibility.
- Discount for Life Insurance – Larger insurance carriers have a break if you buy life insurance from them.
- Waiver for an Accident – Not necessarily a discount, but certain companies will let one accident slide before they charge you more for coverage if you have no claims for a particular time prior to the accident.
- Save with More Vehicles Insured – Purchasing coverage when you have multiple cars with the same insurance company qualifies for this discount.
A little disclaimer on discounts, most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. Some only reduce individual premiums such as comp or med pay. Even though it may seem like you would end up receiving a 100% discount, that’s just not realistic. But all discounts will bring down the amount you pay for coverage.
The illustration below shows the difference between Dodge Caliber annual premium costs with and without policy discounts. The premium estimates are based on a male driver, no driving violations, no at-fault accidents, Tennessee state minimum liability limits, comp and collision included, and $250 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-policy, marriage, claim-free, multi-car, safe-driver, and homeowner discounts applied.
Insurance companies that may offer policyholders some of the above discounts include:
Double check with every prospective company the best way to save money. Savings might not be offered in your area.
The method we recommend to compare policy rates for Dodge Caliber insurance in Nashville is to know the trick all the major auto insurance companies actually pay money for the chance to compare rate quotes. The one thing you need to do is give them some information like level of coverage desired, daily mileage, if it has an anti-theft system, and an estimate of your credit level. The data is then submitted to many of the top insurers and they return rate quotes very quickly.
To compare rates for your Dodge Caliber now, click here and find out if lower rates are available in Nashville.
The companies shown below provide price quotes in Nashville, TN. If multiple companies are listed, we recommend you compare several of them in order to find the cheapest rates.
Detailed insurance information
The coverage table shown below outlines a range of coverage prices for Dodge Caliber models. Understanding how insurance premiums are calculated can be valuable when making smart choices when selecting a coverage provider.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Express | $186 | $440 | $304 | $18 | $90 | $1,038 | $87 |
| Caliber Heat | $186 | $440 | $304 | $18 | $90 | $1,038 | $87 |
| Caliber SE | $186 | $440 | $304 | $18 | $90 | $1,038 | $87 |
| Caliber Mainstreet | $186 | $440 | $304 | $18 | $90 | $1,038 | $87 |
| Caliber Rush | $186 | $440 | $304 | $18 | $90 | $1,038 | $87 |
| Caliber SXT | $186 | $440 | $304 | $18 | $90 | $1,038 | $87 |
| Caliber Uptown | $186 | $440 | $304 | $18 | $90 | $1,038 | $87 |
| Caliber R/T | $214 | $518 | $304 | $18 | $90 | $1,144 | $95 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Table data assumes married female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and Tennessee minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, claim-free, multi-policy, homeowner, and safe-driver. Price information does not factor in specific location which can affect coverage prices noticeably.
Higher deductibles save money
One of the more difficult decisions when buying insurance is how high should your deductibles be. The following tables can help illustrate the price difference between high and low comp and collision deductibles. The first rate table uses a $250 physical damage coverage deductible and the second price chart uses a $1,000 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Express | $194 | $376 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $987 | $82 |
| Caliber Heat | $194 | $376 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $987 | $82 |
| Caliber SE | $194 | $376 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $987 | $82 |
| Caliber Mainstreet | $194 | $376 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $987 | $82 |
| Caliber Rush | $194 | $376 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $987 | $82 |
| Caliber SXT | $194 | $376 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $987 | $82 |
| Caliber Uptown | $194 | $376 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $987 | $82 |
| Caliber R/T | $224 | $444 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $1,085 | $90 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caliber Express | $120 | $236 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $748 | $62 |
| Caliber Heat | $120 | $236 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $748 | $62 |
| Caliber SE | $120 | $236 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $748 | $62 |
| Caliber Mainstreet | $120 | $236 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $748 | $62 |
| Caliber Rush | $120 | $236 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $748 | $62 |
| Caliber SXT | $120 | $236 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $748 | $62 |
| Caliber Uptown | $120 | $236 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $748 | $62 |
| Caliber R/T | $138 | $278 | $288 | $18 | $86 | $808 | $67 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Prices above based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Tennessee minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, claim-free, safe-driver, homeowner, and multi-vehicle. Prices do not factor in Nashville location which can change rates greatly.
We can estimate from the data above that using a $250 deductible will cost in the ballpark of $20 more each month or $240 annually than quoting the higher $1,000 deductible. Because you would pay $750 more to file a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you tend to average more than 38 months between claim filings, you would most likely save money by selecting a higher deductible.
The diagram below shows how choosing a deductible and can impact Dodge Caliber insurance costs for different age categories. The information is based on a single male driver, comp and collision included, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Rate difference between full and liability-only coverage
The illustration below shows the comparison of Dodge Caliber annual premium costs with full coverage compared to only the Tennessee minimum liability coverage. The prices are based on a clean driving record, no claims, $250 deductibles, marital status is single, and no other discounts are factored in.
Should you buy full coverage or liability only?
There is no definitive rule that works best for making the decision to drop physical damage coverage on your policy, but there is a general school of thought. If the yearly cost for physical damage coverage is more than around 10% of replacement cost minus your deductible, then you may need to consider dropping full coverage.
For example, let’s say your Dodge Caliber replacement cost is $5,000 and you have $1,000 full coverage deductibles. If your vehicle is destroyed, the most you would get paid by your company is $4,000 after the deductible is paid. If you are currently paying more than $400 a year for your policy with full coverage, then you might consider buying liability only.
There are some circumstances where eliminating full coverage is not recommended. If you haven’t satisfied your loan, you have to keep full coverage as part of the loan conditions. Also, if your finances do not allow you to purchase a different vehicle in case of an accident, you should not remove full coverage.
Nashville Insurance Rates are Influenced by These Factors
One of the most helpful ways to save on car insurance is to to have a grasp of some of the things that help calculate car insurance rates. When you know what positively or negatively influences your rates, this allows you to make good choices that may result in lower rates. Many different elements are part of the calculation when pricing auto insurance. A few of the factors are predictable like an MVR report, although others are less apparent like your continuous coverage or your financial responsibility.
The following are a few of the “ingredients” utilized by car insurance companies to help set prices.
- Safety first – Vehicles that have high safety ratings are cheaper to insure. Safe vehicles reduce injuries and lower rates of occupant injuries translates into fewer and smaller insurance claims which can result in lower premiums.
- Better car insurance rates for continuous car insurance coverage – Having a gap between insurance policy dates will be a fast way to increase your rates. And not only will your rates increase, failure to provide proof of insurance will get you a fine, jail time, or a revoked license. Then you may be required to prove you have insurance by filing a SR-22 with the Tennessee motor vehicle department.
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Car insurance rates and age – Teenage drivers in Tennessee are proven to be easily distracted when at the wheel of a vehicle so they pay higher car insurance rates. Older drivers tend to be more responsible, cause fewer claims and accidents, and are safer drivers.
The following data uses these assumptions: single driver, full coverage with $100 deductibles, and no discounts or violations.
- Proper usage rating affects costs – Driving more miles in a year’s time the more it will cost to insure it. A lot of insurance companies calculate rates based upon how the vehicle is primarily used. Autos used primarily for pleasure use receive lower rates than vehicles that are driven to work every day. Verify your declarations sheet correctly shows the correct driver usage. Having the wrong rating on your Caliber can result in significantly higher rates.
- Higher coverage deductibles are cheaper – Physical damage protection, otherwise known as comp (or other than collision) and collision, insures against damage to your Dodge. Some examples of covered claims could be running into the backend of another car, vandalism, and burglary. The deductibles you choose tell how much you are willing to pay if a claim is determined to be covered. The larger the amount you are required to pay out-of-pocket, the lower your rates will be.
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Does auto insurance cost less for women? – Statistics demonstrate that females take fewer risks when driving. That doesn’t necessarily mean that females are better drivers. They both are in fender benders in similar numbers, but guys tend to have higher claims. Not only that, but men also get more serious tickets such as DWI and reckless driving.
The example below visualizes the comparison of Dodge Caliber auto insurance rates for male and female drivers. The price estimates are based on no claims or driving citations, comp and collision included, $250 deductibles, marital status is single, and no other discounts are factored in.
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Is your car built for speed? – The performance of the car you own makes a significant difference in your rates. The lowest base rates are usually for small economy passenger cars, but many other things help determine your insurance rates.
The chart below is based on a married male driver age 40, full coverage with $500 deductibles, and no discounts or violations. The data compares Dodge Caliber policy rates compared to other models of vehicles that have different risk factors.
Car insurance can be complex
When buying adequate coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is not a one-size-fits-all type of policy. Everyone’s needs are different and your car insurance should be unique as well. For instance, these questions may help you determine if you would benefit from an agent’s advice.
- When should I drop full coverage on my Dodge Caliber?
- When should I remove my kid from my policy?
- Do they offer discounts for home and auto coverage?
- Is my nanny covered when driving my vehicle?
- Which is better, split liability limits or combined limits?
- How much cheaper are high deductibles?
- Which companies are cheaper for teen drivers?
If you don’t know the answers to these questions but one or more may apply to you, you might consider talking to an agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, simply complete this short form or click here for a list of car insurance companies in your area. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and can help protect your family.
Auto insurance is available from your local insurance agencies
Certain consumers would rather go talk to an agent and that is a personal choice. Experienced insurance agents can point out coverage gaps and give you someone to call. One of the great benefits of comparing auto insurance online is the fact that drivers can get cheaper car insurance rates and also buy local. And supporting local insurance agencies is especially important in Nashville.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this quick form, your insurance coverage information gets sent to local insurance agents who will gladly provide quotes to get your business. It’s much easier because you don’t need to drive around as quotes are delivered straight to your inbox. If you have a need to compare prices from one company in particular, you can always go to their quote page and submit a quote form there.
Exclusive agents vs. Independent agents
If you want to buy auto insurance from a local Nashville insurance agency, it’s helpful to know the types of agencies and how they work. Nashville agents are either exclusive agents or independent agents. Either type can do a good job, but it’s worth mentioning the differences because it can influence your agent selection.
Independent Auto Insurance Agents (or Brokers)
Independent insurance agents do not have single company limitations and that allows them to write policies with multiple insurance companies and find the cheapest auto insurance rates. If premiums increase, they simply move the coverage in-house and you won’t have to switch agencies.
When shopping rates, it’s a good idea to include at least one independent agent to have the best price comparison. Most also have access to smaller regional carriers which may have better rates.
Below are Nashville independent insurance agencies who can help you get free price quotes.
- Eric Jans Insurance Agency
1805 Ordway Pl – Nashville, TN 37206 – (615) 478-7146 – View Map - Robins Insurance Agency, Inc.
30 Burton Hills Blvd #300 – Nashville, TN 37215 – (615) 665-9200 – View Map - Nationwide Insurance: Gaffney Insurance Agency and Financial Services LLC
946 Jefferson St #103 – Nashville, TN 37208 – (615) 733-3133 – View Map
Exclusive Agencies
Agents in the exclusive channel can only place business with one company such as Farmers Insurance, Allstate, or State Farm. These agents are unable to provide other company’s prices so you need to shop around if the rates are high. Exclusive agents are well schooled on what they offer which can be an advantage. Some insured continue to use the same exclusive agent mainly due to high brand loyalty and strong financial ratings.
Shown below are exclusive agencies in Nashville willing to provide price quotes.
- Michael Davis – State Farm Insurance Agent
2817 West End Ave #209 – Nashville, TN 37203 – (615) 321-3388 – View Map - Phil Hardeman – State Farm Insurance Agent
3708 Nolensville Rd c – Nashville, TN 37211 – (615) 832-0630 – View Map - Eric Osborne – State Farm Insurance Agent
2301 21st Ave S #350 – Nashville, TN 37212 – (615) 837-9000 – View Map
Finding the right auto insurance agent requires more thought than just a cheap price quote. Any agent in Nashville should be willing to answer these questions.
- Is there any savings for paying the full premium?
- Is there a Errors and Omissions policy in force?
- Will they take your side in the event of a claim?
- Do they offer claims assistance after hours?
- What is the financial rating for the quoted company?
- Do they have a Better Business Bureau rating in Nashville?
After talking to the agent and getting good responses to your questions and cheap Caliber insurance quotes, you may have found an auto insurance agent that is reliable enough to provide auto insurance coverage.
Car insurance is not optional in Tennessee
Despite the high insurance cost for a Dodge Caliber in Nashville, insuring your vehicle may be required and benefits you in several ways.
- Almost all states have compulsory liability insurance requirements which means you are required to buy specific limits of liability insurance in order to be legal. In Tennessee these limits are 25/50/15 which means you must have $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $15,000 of property damage coverage.
- If you took out a loan on your Caliber, more than likely the lender will stipulate that you buy full coverage to guarantee payment of the loan. If you cancel or allow the policy to lapse, the bank or lender will purchase a policy for your Dodge at an extremely high rate and force you to pay the higher price.
- Insurance safeguards both your assets and your Dodge. It will also cover medical bills for you, your passengers, and anyone else injured in an accident. Liability coverage, the one required by state law, will also pay for a defense attorney if anyone sues you for causing an accident. If mother nature or an accident damages your car, collision and comprehensive (also known as other-than-collision) coverage will pay all costs to repair after the deductible has been paid.
The benefits of insuring your car definitely exceed the cost, particularly when you have a large claim. According to a survey of 1,000 drivers, the average driver is currently overpaying as much as $830 a year so you should quote and compare rates every year to ensure rates are inline.
You can lower your insurance rates
Budget-conscious Dodge Caliber insurance can be found online and from local agencies, and you should compare rates from both to have the best selection. There are still a few companies who don’t offer price quotes online and these small insurance companies work with independent insurance agencies.
We just presented a lot of information how to compare Dodge Caliber insurance rates in Nashville. The key concept to understand is the more you quote Nashville car insurance, the better chance you’ll have of finding inexpensive Nashville car insurance quotes. You may even discover the most savings is with the smaller companies. Regional companies may only write in your state and offer lower car insurance rates than their larger competitors like State Farm, GEICO and Nationwide.
To read more, feel free to visit the resources below:
- Safety Belts FAQ (iihs.org)
- Who Has Cheap Nashville Car Insurance Rates for Lyft Drivers? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Nashville Auto Insurance for a Jeep Wrangler? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Nashville Car Insurance Rates for a Kia Forte? (FAQ)
- Child Safety FAQ (iihs.org)
- Parking Tips to Reduce Door Dings (State Farm)