Regrettably, nearly 70% of drivers have purchased from the same company for four years or more, and practically 40% of car insurance customers have never even shopped around for affordable coverage. North Carolina insurance shoppers can cut their rates by nearly 10% a year by just comparing quotes, but most tend to underestimate the rate savings if they switch to a new company.
The most effective way to find affordable car insurance rates in Raleigh is to compare prices annually from insurers that sell auto insurance in North Carolina. Rate comparisons can be done by following these guidelines.
First, gain an understanding of how your policy works and the measures you can take to prevent expensive coverage. Many things that cause high rates like accidents, traffic tickets, and a substandard credit history can be amended by improving your driving habits or financial responsibility.
Second, quote rates from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Direct and exclusive agents can only quote rates from one company like Progressive or Farmers Insurance, while agents who are independent can give you price quotes for a wide range of insurance providers.
Third, compare the new rate quotes to your current policy premium and determine if there is any savings. If you find a lower rate quote and buy the policy, make sure the effective date of the new policy is the same as the expiration date of the old one.
Fourth, provide proper notification to your current company to cancel the current policy and submit a down payment along with a completed application to your new carrier. When you receive it, keep the new certificate verifying coverage along with the vehicle’s registration papers.
The most important part of this process is to use identical limits and deductibles on each quote and to quote with as many car insurance companies as possible. This ensures a fair price comparison and a thorough selection of prices.
Quoting and comparing rates for more affordable policy in Raleigh is easy if you know what you’re doing. Nearly every car owner who shops for auto insurance stands a good chance to find lower prices. But North Carolina vehicle owners must comprehend the way companies sell insurance online and take advantage of how the system works.
Buy Raleigh Ford Fusion insurance online
When quoting car insurance, remember that comparing all the rates in your area increases the chance that you will find more affordable insurance.
The car insurance companies shown below provide quotes in Raleigh, NC. If you wish to find the best car insurance in Raleigh, we suggest you compare several of them in order to find the most affordable rates.
Get cheaper Ford Fusion insurance in Raleigh with discounts
Companies don’t always advertise every possible discount very well, so below is a list some of the more common and the harder-to-find credits available to you.
- No Claim Discounts – Insureds with no claims or accidents get the best auto insurance rates compared to policyholders that have many claims.
- Service Members Pay Less – Being on active deployment in the military may qualify for rate reductions.
- Own a Home – Being a homeowner can help you save on auto insurance because of the fact that having a home shows financial diligence.
- Passive Restraints and Air Bags – Factory air bags can get savings of 25 to 30%.
- Student in College – Kids living away from Raleigh attending college and won’t have access to an insured vehicle could qualify for this discount.
A little note about advertised discounts, most of the big mark downs will not be given to the overall cost of the policy. Most only reduce the price of certain insurance coverages like comp or med pay. If you do the math and it seems like it’s possible to get free car insurance, insurance companies wouldn’t stay in business. But all discounts will lower the cost of coverage.
The chart below visualizes the comparison of Ford Fusion yearly insurance costs with and without discounts being applied to the rates. The information is based on a male driver, no claims or driving citations, North Carolina state minimum liability limits, full physical damage coverage, and $250 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with safe-driver, claim-free, marriage, multi-policy, multi-car, and homeowner discounts applied.
Car insurance companies that may include these money-saving discounts are:
When getting a coverage quote, ask all companies you are considering what discounts are available to you. Some of the earlier mentioned discounts may not be available in your state.
Facts and figures for Ford Fusion insurance
The price information displayed next highlights estimates of prices for Ford Fusion models. Having insight into how insurance policy premiums are determined can assist in making smart choices when buying a policy.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fusion S 4-Dr Sedan | $148 | $270 | $234 | $14 | $70 | $736 | $61 |
| Fusion SE 4-Dr Sedan | $168 | $318 | $234 | $14 | $70 | $804 | $67 |
| Fusion Hybrid 4-Dr Sedan | $168 | $366 | $292 | $18 | $88 | $932 | $78 |
| Fusion SEL 4-Dr Sedan | $168 | $318 | $234 | $14 | $70 | $804 | $67 |
| Fusion Sport 4-Dr Sedan | $168 | $318 | $234 | $14 | $70 | $804 | $67 |
| Fusion SEL AWD 4-Dr Sedan | $186 | $366 | $234 | $14 | $70 | $870 | $73 |
| Fusion Sport AWD 4-Dr Sedan | $186 | $366 | $234 | $14 | $70 | $870 | $73 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data assumes married female driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, and North Carolina minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, multi-policy, claim-free, homeowner, and multi-vehicle. Information does not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can decrease or increase rates significantly.
The example below shows how different deductible levels and can change Ford Fusion yearly insurance costs for each age group. The data assumes a single female driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, and no discounts are applied.
Reckless driving habits raise Raleigh auto insurance rates
The information below illustrates how speeding tickets and accidents can impact Ford Fusion insurance rates for each age group. The data is based on a married male driver, comp and collision included, $100 deductibles, and no discounts are taken into consideration.
Difference between liability only and full coverage rates
The chart below compares Ford Fusion insurance costs with and without physical damage coverage. The premiums assume no claims or violations, $500 deductibles, single marital status, and no discounts are applied.
Should you be buying full coverage?
There is no written rule for eliminating full coverage on your policy, but there is a guideline you can consider. If the annual cost of coverage is more than around 10% of the vehicle’s replacement cost less your deductible, then you might want to think about dropping full coverage.
For example, let’s pretend your Ford Fusion book value is $9,000 and you have $1,000 deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled in an accident, you would only receive $8,000 after the deductible is paid. If premium cost is more than $800 a year for full coverage, then you may need to consider dropping full coverage.
There are some scenarios where buying only liability insurance is not a good idea. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you have to maintain full coverage as part of the loan conditions. Also, if you cannot afford to purchase a different vehicle if your current one is damaged, you should not eliminate full coverage.
Car insurance agents near you
A lot of people still prefer to get advice from a local agent and doing so can bring peace of mind A good thing about comparing rates online is the fact that drivers can get the best rates but also keep your business local. And supporting small agencies is definitely important in Raleigh.
For easy comparison, once you complete this quick form, the coverage information is immediately sent to local insurance agents in Raleigh that can give you free Raleigh car insurance quotes for your coverage. There is no reason to search for any insurance agencies due to the fact that quote results will go to you. You can find lower rates and a licensed agent to talk to. If for some reason you want to quote rates from a particular provider, you just need to find their quoting web page and complete a quote there.
Different types of auto insurance agents in Raleigh
When narrowing the list to find a reputable agency, it’s helpful to know the different types of agents that differ in how they can insure your vehicles. Insurance agencies are either exclusive or independent (non-exclusive).
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent agencies can quote rates with many companies so they can write business with lots of companies and potentially find a lower price. To move your coverage to a new company, they can switch companies in-house and you don’t have to switch agencies. If you are comparing insurance prices, it’s a good idea to include rate quotes from a couple of independent agencies to get the best comparison. Most can insure with additional companies that you may not be familiar with which could offer lower prices.
The following are independent agents in Raleigh who may provide free rate quotes.
- Bagwell and Bagwell Insurance
2626 Glenwood Ave #300 – Raleigh, NC 27608 – (919) 832-6667 – View Map - Nationwide Insurance: Snotherly Ins Agency Inc
2308 Wake Forest Rd – Raleigh, NC 27608 – (919) 832-5832 – View Map - Carolina Capital Insurance Group
1100 Logger Ct., Bldg. D-101 – Raleigh, NC 27609 – (919) 747-9002 – View Map
Exclusive Agents
Exclusive agents are contracted to one company like Farmers Insurance and State Farm. They are unable to provide other company’s prices so they really need to provide good service. Exclusive agents receive extensive training in insurance sales which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums. Some insured continue to use the same exclusive agent primarily because of loyalty to the company and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.
Shown below is a list of exclusive agencies in Raleigh that can give you price quotes.
- Mary Wilson – State Farm Insurance – Raleigh
9660 Falls of Neuse Rd #165 – Raleigh, NC 27615 – (919) 872-1225 – View Map - Allstate Insurance: Brandon Reece
9204 Falls of Neuse Rd Ste 100 – Raleigh, NC 27615 – (919) 329-2580 – View Map - GEICO Insurance Agent
5011 Falls of Neuse Rd A – Raleigh, NC 27609 – (919) 862-1300 – View Map
Choosing the best car insurance agent requires you to look at more than just a cheap quote. The questions below may impact your decision as well.
- Do they offer claims assistance after hours?
- Are all drivers listed on the coverage quote?
- Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
- Where would your vehicle be repaired?
- Does the quote include credit and driving reports?
- What kind of financial rating does the company have?
Once you have satisfactory answers for all questions you ask as well as offering an affordable quote, you may have found an auto insurance agent that meets your needs to properly insure your vehicles. Just understand that consumers can cancel your policy when you choose so never assume that you are obligated to any specific company with no way to switch.
When to get professional advice
Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing adequate coverage, there really is no “best” method to buy coverage. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s and your insurance should be unique as well.
Here are some questions about coverages that may help you determine whether or not you would benefit from professional advice.
- Am I covered while delivering pizza?
- Am I covered by my employer’s commercial auto policy when driving my personal car for business?
- Am I covered if I wreck a rental car?
- Does my insurance cover my expensive audio equipment?
- I have health insurance so do I need medical payments coverage?
- Am I covered if my car is in a flood?
- What is GAP insurance?
- Who sells insurance for high-risk drivers?
If you can’t answer these questions, then you may want to think about talking to an agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or click here for a list of insurance companies in your area.
What Determines Ford Fusion Insurance Premiums?
Consumers need to have an understanding of some of the things that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. If you know what determines base rates, this helps enable you to make changes that may result in lower auto insurance prices.
Stay claim-free and lower rates – Companies in North Carolina generally give most affordable rates to people who are claim-free. If you file a lot of claims you can pretty much guarantee much higher rates or policy non-renewal. Insurance coverage is intended for major claims that would cause financial hardship.
Insurance prices and driver gender – Statistics demonstrate that females tend to be a little less risky than males. However, this does not mean females are better at driving than males. Women and men get in accidents at about the same rate, but the male of the species cause more damage and cost insurance companies more money. Men also statistically get cited for more serious violations like DUI and reckless driving. Males from age 16 to 21 are most likely to cause an accident so they pay the highest premiums.
The illustration below shows the comparison of Ford Fusion car insurance costs for male and female drivers. The premiums are based on no claims or driving violations, full coverage, $100 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no discounts are applied to the premium.
Does your occupation cost you more? – Did you know your career choice can influence rates? Jobs like lawyers, architects, and financial analysts tend to have higher premiums than the average policyholder attributed to intense work requirements and incredibly demanding work hours. On the other hand, careers such as scientists, students and performers pay lower than average rates.
A good credit score can save money – Credit history is a big factor in determining premium rates. Drivers with excellent credit tend to be better drivers and file fewer claims than drivers who have poor credit. If your credit score can be improved, you could potentially save money when insuring your Ford Fusion if you clean up your credit.
Long commutes cost more – Driving more miles each year the more you will pay for auto insurance. A lot of companies calculate prices based upon how you use the vehicle. Cars that are left in the garage get more affordable rates than those that get driven frequently. It’s always a good idea to double check that your auto insurance policy is rated on the correct driver usage. Having the wrong rating on your Fusion can cost quite a bit.
Policy add-ons may be wasting money – There are quite a few optional add-on coverages that can add up on your auto insurance policy. Coverages like personal injury protection, better glass coverage, and additional equipment coverage are some examples. The coverages may be enticing initially, but if you have no use for them eliminate them to save money.
Ford Fusion insurance loss statistics – Companies analyze claim trends for every vehicle to help calculate a profitable premium price. Models that statistically have higher claim amounts or frequency will have higher premium rates.
The table below demonstrates the compiled insurance loss statistics for Ford Fusion vehicles. For each type of coverage, the claim probability for all vehicles as a whole is considered to be 100. Values that are under 100 mean the vehicle has better than average losses, while percentage values above 100 point to more claims or a tendency for claims to be larger.
| Make and Model | Collision | Property Damage | Comp | Personal Injury | Medical Payment | Bodily Injury |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fusion 2WD | 110 | 95 | 108 | 116 | 111 | 105 |
| Ford Fusion 4WD | 115 | 85 | 120 | 88 | 77 | 71 |
| Ford Fusion Hybrid | 125 | 97 | 98 | 92 | 93 | 95 |
| Ford Fusion Plug-in Hybrid | 128 | 87 | 91 | 88 | 91 | 107 |
Data Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for 2013-2015 Model Years
It may be expensive, but it’s not optional
Even though it’s not necessarily cheap to insure a Ford in Raleigh, insuring your vehicle is required by state law in North Carolina and it also provides benefits you may not be aware of.
- Most states have minimum liability requirements which means state laws require a minimum amount of liability coverage if you don’t want to risk a ticket. In North Carolina these limits are 30/60/25 which means you must have $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage.
- If your Ford Fusion has a lienholder, almost every bank will force you to buy full coverage to guarantee loan repayment. If coverage lapses or is canceled, the bank may insure your Ford at a significantly higher premium and require you to pay for the expensive policy.
- Insurance protects not only your vehicle but also your financial assets. It will also pay for medical bills for you, your passengers, and anyone else injured in an accident. Liability insurance, one of your policy coverages, will also pay for a defense attorney if someone files suit against you as the result of an accident. If your Ford gets damaged, collision and comprehensive coverages will cover the repair costs.
The benefits of insuring your Fusion greatly outweigh the cost, particularly if you ever have a claim. On average, a vehicle owner in Raleigh overpays as much as $825 a year so you should quote your policy with other companies at every renewal to be sure current rates are still competitive.
Cheap car insurance premiums are possible
Lower-priced Ford Fusion insurance in Raleigh is definitely available both online and from local insurance agents, and you should compare price quotes from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some car insurance companies do not offer online rate quotes and these smaller companies only sell through local independent agents.
We’ve covered quite a bit of information on how to shop for Ford Fusion insurance online. It’s most important to understand that the more companies you get prices for, the better likelihood of getting cheaper Raleigh car insurance quotes. You may even be surprised to find that the most savings is with the least-expected company. They may only write in your state and offer lower prices than their larger competitors like GEICO and State Farm.
As you restructure your insurance plan, do not reduce needed coverages to save money. There are a lot of situations where drivers have reduced collision coverage only to regret that it was a big error on their part. The proper strategy is to buy the best coverage you can find at the best cost, but do not skimp to save money.
Additional information is available on the following sites:
- Learn About Car Insurance (GEICO)
- How Much is Auto Insurance for First-time Drivers in Raleigh? (FAQ)
- What Insurance is Cheapest for a Chevrolet Equinox in Raleigh? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Raleigh Auto Insurance for a Toyota RAV4? (FAQ)
- Vehicle Safety Ratings (iihs.org)
- Shopping for a Safe Car (Insurance Information Institute)
- Car Insurance FAQ (Trusted Choice)