Save on 2006 Dodge Dakota Insurance Quotes

Searching for lower insurance coverage rates for your Dodge Dakota? Did you fall for a flashy sales pitch and buy high-priced insurance coverage? Trust us when we tell you there are many people just like you. Companies like State Farm, Geico and Farmers Insurance increase brand awareness with TV and radio ads and consumers find it hard to see past the geckos and flying pigs and take the time to shop coverage around.

You should take the time to price shop coverage occasionally because insurance rates go up and down regularly. Even if you got the lowest price on Dakota coverage six months ago you can probably find a lower rate today. So just forget anything you know (or think you know) about insurance coverage because you’re about to learn one of the easiest ways to reduce your cost while increasing coverage.

Why your Dodge Dakota might be costing you more

It’s important that you understand the factors that help determine the rates you pay for insurance. Having a good understanding of what impacts premium levels helps enable you to make changes that may reward you with much lower annual insurance costs.

The following are some of the items that factor into rates.

  • The more you drive the more you pay – Driving more miles each year the higher your rate. Almost all companies apply a rate based on their usage. Cars and trucks not used for work or commuting qualify for better rates as compared to vehicles used primarily for driving to work. Ask your agent if your insurance coverage shows the proper vehicle usage. If your policy improperly rates your Dakota may be costing you.
  • Don’t get talked into coverage you don’t need – There are a lot of extra coverages you can purchase on your Dakota policy. Coverages for personal injury protection, better glass coverage and motor club memberships may be costing you every month. They may seem like a good idea initially, but if you don’t need them eliminate them to save money.
  • Liability coverage is peace of mind – Your policy’s liability coverage provides coverage in the event that you are found to be at fault for causing damage or personal injury in an accident. It will provide legal defense coverage up to the limits shown on your policy. Liability is cheap as compared to coverage for physical damage, so buy as much as you can afford.
  • Too many insurance claims drive up costs – Insurance companies provide cheaper rates to people who do not file claims often. If you frequently file small claims, you can definitely plan on higher rates. Your insurance policy is intended to be relied upon for the large, substantial claims.
  • Pay less after the wedding – Being married actually saves money on your insurance policy. Having a significant other translates into being more mature than a single person it has been statistically shown that drivers who are married are more cautious.
  • Safer cars are cheaper to insure – Vehicles with good safety scores are cheaper to insure. These vehicles reduce injuries and any reduction in injury severity means less money paid by your insurance company and thus lower rates. If your Dodge Dakota is rated at least an “acceptable” rating on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website or four stars on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website you are probably receiving a discount.
  • Never let your coverage lapse – Allowing your coverage to lapse will be a sure-fire way to bump up your insurance costs. Not only will you pay more, but not being able to provide proof of insurance will get you a hefty fine and possibly a revoked license.
  • Mature drivers pay less – Young drivers have a tendency to be more careless behind the wheel so they pay higher insurance rates. Having to add a youthful driver to your policy can be quite pricey. Older drivers are viewed as being more responsible, file fewer claims and are safer drivers.

Cut your car insurance rates with discounts

The price of auto insurance can be rather high, but you can get discounts that many people don’t even know exist. Certain discounts will be triggered automatically when you purchase, but less common discounts must be asked about before they will apply. If you’re not getting every credit possible, you’re paying more than you need to.

  • Bundle and Save – If you insure your home and vehicles with the same company you will save approximately 10% to 15%.
  • Sign Online – Certain companies give back up to $50 for buying your policy over the internet.
  • New Car Discount – Buying coverage on a new vehicle can be considerably cheaper due to better safety requirements for new cars.
  • Life Insurance – Some companies give a break if you buy life insurance.
  • Theft Prevention System – Cars that have factory anti-theft systems help deter theft and earn discounts up to 10%.
  • Payment Discounts – If paying your policy premium upfront instead of paying each month you could save 5% or more.
  • Government Employees – Active or retired federal employment can earn a discount up to 10% on Dakota coverage with certain companies.
  • Early Switch Discount – Some companies give discounts for switching policies before your current expiration date. It’s a savings of about 10%.
  • Military Rewards – Having a deployed family member may qualify for rate reductions.
  • Senior Discount – If you’re over the age of 55, you may qualify for reduced rates on Dakota coverage.

Drivers should understand that many deductions do not apply to all coverage premiums. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like medical payments or collision. So when it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, companies don’t profit that way. But any discount will bring down your premiums.

For a list of providers with the best car insurance discounts, click here to view.

You are unique and your auto insurance should be too

When it comes to buying adequate coverage, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Each situation is unique and a cookie cutter policy won’t apply. Here are some questions about coverages that might point out whether your personal situation might need an agent’s assistance.

  • Do I need roadside assistance coverage?
  • Does coverage extend to a rental car in a foreign country?
  • Does insurance cover damages from a DUI accident?
  • Does coverage extend to Mexico or Canada?
  • Does my 2006 Dodge Dakota qualify for pleasure use?
  • Am I covered by my employer’s commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
  • What if I owe more than I can insure my car for?

If you can’t answer these questions but you know they apply to you, you might consider talking to an agent. To find an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form or click here for a list of auto insurance companies in your area. It is quick, free and you can get the answers you need.

Auto insurance 101

Having a good grasp of insurance helps when choosing which coverages you need at the best deductibles and correct limits. The coverage terms in a policy can be impossible to understand and nobody wants to actually read their policy. These are typical coverage types found on the average insurance policy.

Medical expense insurance

Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP kick in for expenses such as chiropractic care, dental work and pain medications. They can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance program or if you lack health insurance entirely. It covers you and your occupants in addition to getting struck while a pedestrian. PIP coverage is not an option in every state and may carry a deductible

Collision coverage

Collision insurance pays for damage to your Dakota resulting from colliding with another car or object. You first must pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.

Collision coverage pays for claims like sideswiping another vehicle, damaging your car on a curb, scraping a guard rail and crashing into a ditch. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Another option is to choose a higher deductible to get cheaper collision coverage.

Liability insurance

Liability insurance will cover damages or injuries you inflict on people or other property in an accident. It protects YOU against claims from other people. It does not cover your injuries or vehicle damage.

It consists of three limits, bodily injury for each person, bodily injury for the entire accident, and a limit for property damage. You commonly see limits of 25/50/25 which stand for $25,000 bodily injury coverage, a total of $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and property damage coverage for $25,000. Some companies may use one number which is a combined single limit which limits claims to one amount with no separate limits for injury or property damage.

Liability coverage pays for things such as structural damage, pain and suffering, funeral expenses and medical expenses. How much liability coverage do you need? That is your choice, but consider buying as much as you can afford.

Protection from uninsured/underinsured drivers

This gives you protection from other motorists when they do not carry enough liability coverage. This coverage pays for medical payments for you and your occupants as well as damage to your Dodge Dakota.

Because many people only purchase the least amount of liability that is required, it only takes a small accident to exceed their coverage. So UM/UIM coverage is important protection for you and your family. Frequently these coverages are set the same as your liablity limits.

Comprehensive (Other than Collision)

This pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first have to pay a deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage protects against things like a broken windshield, vandalism and falling objects. The maximum payout you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible it’s not worth carrying full coverage.

The bottom line

You just read quite a bit of information on how to save on 2006 Dodge Dakota insurance. The key concept to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better chance you’ll have of finding lower rates. You may even discover the lowest premiums are with a small local company. They may cover specific market segments cheaper compared to the large companies like Progressive or Geico.

When buying insurance coverage, never skimp on coverage in order to save money. In too many instances, consumers will sacrifice comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret they didn’t have enough coverage. The proper strategy is to buy enough coverage at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.

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