If your goal is the lowest price, then the best way to find low-cost prices for auto insurance rates is to compare quotes annually from different companies who provide auto insurance in Baltimore.
- Spend some time learning about how companies price auto insurance and the things you can control to prevent expensive coverage. Many factors that result in higher prices like tickets, at-fault accidents, and bad credit can be improved by being financially responsible and driving safely. This article gives the details to help prevent high rates and find possible discounts that are available.
- Compare rates from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Direct companies and exclusive agencies can only provide price estimates from a single company like GEICO and State Farm, while agents who are independent can provide rate quotes for many different companies.
- Compare the new rates to the premium of your current policy to see if a cheaper rate is available. If you can save money, verify that coverage does not lapse between policies.
- Notify your company or agent to cancel your existing policy and submit a down payment and signed policy application to your new company or agent. As soon as you have the new policy, store the proof of insurance paperwork along with your vehicle registration.
The most important part of shopping around is to use similar coverage information on each price quote and and to get rates from as many different companies as possible. This enables an accurate price comparison and maximum price selection.
It’s a known fact that insurance companies want to keep your business as long as possible. Drivers who shop around for cheaper price quotes will probably buy a different policy because there is a great chance of finding a lower-priced policy. A recent car insurance study discovered that consumers who regularly compared rates saved over $70 a month compared to people who never compared prices.
If finding the cheapest rates on car insurance in Baltimore is why you’re here, then having some insight into how to choose a company and compare coverage rates can help you succeed in saving money.
Locating the most cost-effective car insurance policy in Baltimore is really quite simple as long as you have a good starting point. If you have a policy now or are looking for a new policy, use these money-saving tips to reduce premiums while maintaining coverages. Smart shoppers just need to know the least time-consuming way to buy car insurance online.
Finding a better price on car insurance can be relatively painless. The only thing you need to do is spend a few minutes comparing price quotes from online providers.
It’s so simple to compare car insurance rate quotes online makes it a waste of time to spend your day driving to local Baltimore insurance agencies. Comparing Kia Soul insurance rate quotes online reduces the need to sit down with an agent unless you have a complicated situation and need the trained guidance of a local agency. Although you can compare the best prices online but still have the advice of a local agent.
The following companies are ready to provide free quotes in Baltimore, MD. If multiple companies are listed, we recommend you visit as many as you can to find the lowest car insurance rates.
Three reasons car insurance is important
Despite the high cost of buying insurance for a Kia Soul in Baltimore, paying for car insurance serves several important purposes.
- Almost all states have minimum liability requirements which means you are required to carry specific minimum amounts of liability coverage if you drive a vehicle. In Maryland these limits are 30/60/15 which means you must have $30,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $60,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $15,000 of property damage coverage.
- If you bought your Kia with a loan, most banks will stipulate that you buy full coverage to guarantee loan repayment. If the policy lapses, the lender may have to buy a policy to insure your Kia for a much higher rate and force you to reimburse them a much higher amount than you were paying before.
- Insurance safeguards both your car and your assets. It will also reimburse you for most medical and hospital costs for both you and anyone you injure as the result of an accident. Liability insurance also covers legal expenses if you cause an accident and are sued. If you receive damage to your vehicle caused by a storm or accident, collision and comprehensive (also known as other-than-collision) coverage will pay to repair the damage.
The benefits of having insurance definitely exceed the price paid, especially for larger claims. According to a survey of 1,000 drivers, the average driver is wasting up to $830 a year so shop around once a year at a minimum to ensure rates are inline.
Kia Soul detailed coverage information
The coverage information shown next outlines estimates of insurance policy prices for Kia Soul models. Understanding how car insurance prices are established can be useful when making informed decisions when comparing rates.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soul | $244 | $482 | $528 | $32 | $158 | $1,444 | $120 |
Soul Plus | $244 | $482 | $528 | $32 | $158 | $1,444 | $120 |
Soul Exclaim | $276 | $482 | $528 | $32 | $158 | $1,476 | $123 |
Soul Sport | $276 | $482 | $528 | $32 | $158 | $1,476 | $123 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Table data assumes single female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and Maryland minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, multi-policy, safe-driver, homeowner, and claim-free. Rates do not factor in zip code location which can revise prices greatly.
Policy deductible comparison
One common question asked by Baltimore drivers is which deductible level should you buy. The comparisons below can help you understand the premium difference when you buy lower versus higher comp and collision deductibles. The first rate table uses a $100 deductible and the second price grid uses a $500 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soul | $350 | $632 | $406 | $24 | $122 | $1,559 | $130 |
Soul Plus | $350 | $632 | $406 | $24 | $122 | $1,559 | $130 |
Soul Exclaim | $394 | $632 | $406 | $24 | $122 | $1,603 | $134 |
Soul Sport | $394 | $632 | $406 | $24 | $122 | $1,603 | $134 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Soul | $256 | $426 | $406 | $24 | $122 | $1,234 | $103 |
Soul Plus | $256 | $426 | $406 | $24 | $122 | $1,234 | $103 |
Soul Exclaim | $288 | $426 | $406 | $24 | $122 | $1,266 | $106 |
Soul Sport | $288 | $426 | $406 | $24 | $122 | $1,266 | $106 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Table data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Maryland minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, claim-free, multi-policy, multi-vehicle, and safe-driver. Premium amounts do not factor in vehicle location which can decrease or increase premiums considerably.
Based on these figures, using a $100 deductible costs roughly $27 more each month or $324 every year than requesting the higher $500 deductible. Because you would pay $400 more to settle a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you average at least 15 months between claim filings, you would more than likely save some money by going with a higher deductible. Below is a better example of how this calculation is made.
Average monthly premium for $100 deductibles: | $132 |
Average monthly premium for $500 deductibles (subtract): | – $105 |
Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $27 |
Difference between deductibles ($500 – $100): | $400 |
Divide difference by monthly savings: | $400 / $27 |
Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 15 months |
An important thing to remember is that raising deductibles to save money means you will have to pay more of your own money when you do file a claim. You need to have some savings in the event you need to pay the higher deductible in order to repair your vehicle.
The chart below demonstrates how deductible levels and can change Kia Soul premium costs for different age groups. The price estimates are based on a single male driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, and no policy discounts are applied.
Drive responsibly or pay higher rates
The chart below demonstrates how speeding tickets and fender-benders influence Kia Soul insurance premiums for each different age group. The price estimates are based on a single female driver, full physical damage coverage, $100 deductibles, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Car insurance rates by gender and age in Baltimore
The diagram below shows the difference between Kia Soul insurance costs for male and female drivers. The data is based on a clean driving record, no at-fault accidents, comp and collision included, $500 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are applied.
Full coverage rates vs. liability-only
The diagram below illustrates the difference between Kia Soul car insurance rates with full physical damage coverage compared to only buying the minimum liability limits required in Maryland. The data is based on no claims, a clean driving record, $100 deductibles, drivers are single, and no discounts are applied.
Are you wasting money on full coverage?
There is no clear-cut formula that works best for making the decision to drop physical damage coverage, but there is a general school of thought. If the annual cost of having full coverage is more than 10% of replacement cost minus your deductible, then you might consider buying liability only.
For example, let’s assume your Kia Soul replacement value is $6,000 and you have $1,000 full coverage deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled, the most your company will settle for is $5,000 after paying your deductible. If premiums are more than $500 a year for physical damage coverage, then it might be time to buy liability only.
There are a few cases where eliminating full coverage is not in your best interest. If you haven’t satisfied your loan, you must maintain physical damage coverage as part of the loan requirements. Also, if your emergency fund is not enough to purchase a different vehicle if your current one is in an accident, you should not eliminate full coverage.
Lower rate quotes on Kia Soul insurance in Baltimore with these nine car insurance discounts
Some companies do not advertise every discount very clearly, so below is a list both the well known and also the lesser-known credits available to bring down your rates.
- Mature Driver Discount – Drivers over the age of 55 can possibly qualify for a slight reduction on a Baltimore car insurance quote.
- ABS Braking Discount – Cars, trucks, and SUVs that have anti-lock braking systems are safer to drive and therefore earn up to a 10% discount.
- Payment Discounts – If you pay your entire premium ahead of time as opposed to paying monthly you may reduce your total bill.
- Federal Employees – Federal government employees could cut as much as 10% off depending on your company.
- Multi-Vehicle Discounts – Buying coverage for multiple cars or trucks on a single policy can reduce the rates for all insured vehicles.
- Seat Belts Save – Forcing all vehicle occupants to buckle their seat belts may be able to save a few bucks off the PIP or medical payment premium.
- New Car Discount – Buying a new car instead of a used Soul can be considerably cheaper since newer models are generally safer.
- Discount for Low Mileage – Low mileage vehicles may enable drivers to earn better rates on cars that stay parked.
- Claim-Free Discount – Insureds with no claims or accidents can earn big discounts when compared to accident-prone drivers.
A quick disclaimer, most discount credits are not given to the entire cost. Some only reduce specific coverage prices like comp or med pay. So even though you would think it’s possible to get free car insurance, insurance companies wouldn’t stay in business.
The illustration below illustrates the comparison of Kia Soul annual premium costs with and without discounts applied to the policy premium. The prices are based on a female driver, a clean driving record, no at-fault accidents, Maryland state minimum liability limits, full coverage, and $250 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-policy, multi-car, marriage, safe-driver, claim-free, and homeowner discounts applied.
Companies and a selection of discounts are shown below.
- Progressive has savings for online quote discount, good student, online signing, multi-vehicle, multi-policy, continuous coverage, and homeowner.
- Farmers Insurance policyholders can earn discounts including alternative fuel, bundle discounts, pay in full, switch companies, distant student, and early shopping.
- Farm Bureau includes discounts for good student, renewal discount, youthful driver, multi-policy, safe driver, and 55 and retired.
- State Farm may offer discounts for driver’s education, good driver, passive restraint, multiple policy, student away at school, and defensive driving training.
- GEICO may have discounts that include military active duty, defensive driver, federal employee, air bags, seat belt use, driver training, and membership and employees.
- SAFECO may include discounts for bundle discounts, anti-lock brakes, multi-car, homeowner, drive less, and safe driver.
- Liberty Mutual offers discounts including hybrid vehicle, safety features, new vehicle discount, teen driver discount, multi-car, exclusive group savings, and multi-policy.
If you need lower rates, check with each company or agent how many discounts you can get. All car insurance discounts may not apply to policyholders in your area. If you would like to choose from a list of insurers with significant discounts in Baltimore, click this link.
Independent or exclusive insurance agents
A lot of people prefer to talk to an insurance agent and that can be a smart move Professional insurance agents are highly skilled in risk management and give you someone to call. One of the best bonuses of comparing auto insurance online is the fact that drivers can get lower rates and still buy from a local agent.
Upon completion of this short form, your information is transmitted to local insurance agents who will gladly provide quotes and help you find cheaper coverage. There is no reason to contact any insurance agencies because quoted prices will be sent immediately to you. If you have a need to get a price quote from a particular provider, just navigate to their website and fill out their quote form.
Finding the right insurer requires you to look at more than just a cheap quote. Below are some questions you should ask.
- Will you get a loaner vehicle if you car is being repaired?
- Is auto insurance their primary focus in Baltimore?
- Do they reduce claim amounts on high mileage vehicles?
- Can glass claims be handled at your home?
- How many years have they been established?
- Is the coverage adequate for your vehicle?
The type of auto insurance agent you choose is important
If you are wanting to purchase auto insurance from a reputable insurance agent or broker, it helps to know the two types of insurance agents from which to choose. Auto insurance policy providers can be classified as either exclusive or independent agents depending on their company appointments. Both types of agents can insure your vehicles, but it is important to understand the differences because it may have an impact on the kind of agent you use.
Exclusive Insurance Agents
These agents have only one company to place business with such as AAA, State Farm, Farmers Insurance, and Allstate. Exclusive agencies are unable to give you multiple price quotes so always compare other rates. Exclusive insurance agents receive a lot of sales training on the products they sell which can be an advantage.
Listed below are exclusive agencies in Baltimore willing to provide comparison quotes.
Raul Braun – State Farm Insurance Agent
8609 Old Harford Rd – Baltimore, MD 21234 – (410) 663-3100 – View Map
Charmaine Barnes – State Farm Insurance Agent
900 S Ellwood Ave – Baltimore, MD 21224 – (410) 675-1900 – View Map
Allstate Insurance: Kent Schwab
401 Jefferson Ave – Towson, MD 21286 – (410) 433-4700 – View Map
Independent Agents
Independent agencies are appointed with more than one company so they can quote policies with any number of different companies and help determine which has the cheapest rates. If premiums increase, they simply move your policy to a different company which makes it simple for you. When comparing rate quotes, you will definitely want to contact several independent agencies to get the best comparison.
Shown below are Baltimore independent agents willing to provide price quotes.
Ugele Insurance
408 E 25th St – Baltimore, MD 21218 – (410) 366-6566 – View Map
Concrete Insurance
6405 Belair Rd – Baltimore, MD 21206 – (410) 433-0313 – View Map
Nationwide Insurance: Robert Frank Stastny
6822 Harford Rd – Baltimore, MD 21234 – (410) 254-1500 – View Map
Everyone needs different insurance coverages
When selecting the best insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really isn’t a one size fits all plan. Every insured’s situation is different and your insurance should unique, too.
These are some specific questions might help in determining whether your personal situation could use an agent’s help.
- Am I covered while delivering pizza?
- Is there a penalty for late payment?
- Should I pay a claim out-of-pocket?
- Do I benefit by insuring my home with the same company?
- Do I need special coverage while pulling a rented trailer?
- What can I do if my company won’t pay a claim?
- Does insurance cover tools stolen from my truck?
- Does my insurance cover a custom paint job?
- What is covered by UM/UIM coverage?
- What policy terms are available?
If you can’t answer these questions but a few of them apply, you might consider talking to an insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, take a second and complete this form or go to this page to view a list of companies. It’s fast, doesn’t cost anything and may give you better protection.
What is the best car insurance company in Baltimore?
Finding the best car insurance company is hard considering how many companies sell coverage in Maryland. The information in the next section could help you pick which providers you want to consider purchasing coverage from.
Top 10 Baltimore Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Customer Service
- USAA
- Travelers
- Mercury Insurance
- AAA Insurance
- Nationwide
- Safeco Insurance
- Progressive
- State Farm
- The Hartford
- The General
Top 10 Baltimore Car Insurance Companies Ranked by Claims Service
- Travelers
- Nationwide
- Allstate
- State Farm
- Liberty Mutual
- GEICO
- American Family
- Esurance
- Titan Insurance
- AAA Insurance
Car insurance policy specifics
Knowing the specifics of your policy aids in choosing which coverages you need and proper limits and deductibles. The terms used in a policy can be ambiguous and even agents have difficulty translating policy wording. Below you’ll find the usual coverages found on the average car insurance policy.
UM/UIM Coverage
This provides protection from other motorists when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered losses include medical payments for you and your occupants and damage to your Kia Soul.
Since a lot of drivers carry very low liability coverage limits (Maryland limits are 30/60/15), their limits can quickly be used up. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage is important protection for you and your family.
Auto collision coverage
This pays for damage to your Soul resulting from colliding with an object or car. You have to pay a deductible and then insurance will cover the remainder.
Collision insurance covers claims such as hitting a mailbox, colliding with a tree and sideswiping another vehicle. Paying for collision coverage can be pricey, so consider dropping it from lower value vehicles. It’s also possible to bump up the deductible on your Soul to save money on collision insurance.
Medical costs insurance
Med pay and PIP coverage provide coverage for short-term medical expenses for things like surgery, hospital visits, chiropractic care, dental work and nursing services. They can be utilized in addition to your health insurance policy or if you are not covered by health insurance. It covers not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants in addition to if you are hit as a while walking down the street. Personal Injury Protection is not available in all states and may carry a deductible
Liability insurance
This can cover damage that occurs to a person or their property by causing an accident. Split limit liability has three limits of coverage: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You might see policy limits of 30/60/15 which stand for a $30,000 limit per person for injuries, a total of $60,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and a limit of $15,000 paid for damaged property.
Liability coverage protects against claims such as attorney fees, medical services, bail bonds and court costs. How much liability coverage do you need? That is up to you, but buy higher limits if possible. Maryland state law requires minimum liability limits of 30/60/15 but it’s recommended drivers buy better liability coverage.
The next chart demonstrates why low liability limits may not be adequate coverage.
Comprehensive or Other Than Collision
This coverage pays for damage that is not covered by collision coverage. A deductible will apply and then insurance will cover the rest of the damage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for things such as fire damage, damage from flooding and a tree branch falling on your vehicle. The maximum amount a car insurance company will pay at claim time is the market value of your vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value consider removing comprehensive coverage.
Smart consumers save more
Lower-priced Kia Soul insurance in Baltimore is definitely available online in addition to local insurance agencies, and you need to price shop both to get a complete price analysis. A few companies may not provide the ability to get a quote online and many times these smaller companies provide coverage only through local independent agents.
When shopping online for car insurance, never buy lower coverage limits just to save a few bucks. There are a lot of situations where an accident victim reduced comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to find out that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. Your aim should be to buy enough coverage at the best cost while not skimping on critical coverages.
More articles
- How Can I Save Money on Auto Insurance? (Insurance Information Institute)
- Who Has Affordable Baltimore Car Insurance for a GMC Sierra? (FAQ)
- How Much are Auto Insurance Quotes for a Ford Fusion in Baltimore? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Baltimore Car Insurance for a Toyota RAV4? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Auto Insurance Quotes for Retired Military in Baltimore? (FAQ)
- Who Has the Cheapest Baltimore Auto Insurance Quotes for a Nissan Altima? (FAQ)
- Hybrid vehicles cost insurers more (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
- Property Damage Coverage (Liberty Mutual)
- Teen Driving Statistics (GEICO)
- Determining Your Vehicle’s Value and Repair Cost (Insurance Information Institute)