Ford Explorer insurance rates image courtesy of QuoteInspector.com
Are you looking for more competitive auto insurance rates in Austin, TX? Austin buyers have lots of choices when searching for the best price on Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance. You can either spend your time calling around getting price quotes or save time using the internet to get rate quotes. There is a better way to shop for auto insurance so we're going to tell you the proper way to quote coverages for a Ford and locate the lowest possible price from Austin insurance agents and online providers.
Locating the best rates in Austin can be easy if you know a few tricks. If you already have coverage, you stand a good chance to be able to buy cheaper auto insurance using this strategy. Drivers just need to know the most effective way to shop online from multiple companies.
Low-cost Ford insurance price quotes in Austin
The providers in the list below are ready to provide free quotes in Texas. If multiple providers are shown, it's highly recommended you click on several of them to get the most competitive price.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer Sport Trac XLT 2WD | $280 | $560 | $462 | $28 | $138 | $1,468 | $122 |
| Explorer Sport Trac Limited 2WD | $322 | $560 | $462 | $28 | $138 | $1,510 | $126 |
| Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4WD | $206 | $322 | $430 | $26 | $128 | $1,112 | $93 |
| Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4WD | $206 | $312 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $1,036 | $86 |
| Explorer Sport Trac Limited AWD | $302 | $456 | $392 | $24 | $118 | $1,292 | $108 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Prices based on married male driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, and Texas minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-vehicle, safe-driver, homeowner, and multi-policy. Premium amounts do not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can affect insurance rates considerably.
Raise deductibles and save
The hardest decision when buying coverage is where should you set your physical damage deductibles. The data tables below approximate the difference in cost when you choose different policy deductibles. The first set of prices uses a $250 comprehensive and collision deductible and the second price chart uses a $1,000 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer Sport Trac XLT 2WD | $256 | $408 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $1,207 | $101 |
| Explorer Sport Trac Limited 2WD | $294 | $408 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $1,245 | $104 |
| Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4WD | $294 | $408 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $1,245 | $104 |
| Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4WD | $332 | $496 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $1,371 | $114 |
| Explorer Sport Trac Limited AWD | $332 | $496 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $1,371 | $114 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explorer Sport Trac XLT 2WD | $158 | $256 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $932 | $78 |
| Explorer Sport Trac Limited 2WD | $182 | $256 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $956 | $80 |
| Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4WD | $182 | $256 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $956 | $80 |
| Explorer Sport Trac Limited 4WD | $206 | $312 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $1,036 | $86 |
| Explorer Sport Trac Limited AWD | $206 | $312 | $382 | $22 | $114 | $1,036 | $86 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Table data assumes married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Texas minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-vehicle, claim-free, homeowner, multi-policy, and safe-driver. Table data does not factor in specific zip code location which can increase or decrease insurance rates considerably.
Based on the figures above, using a $250 deductible costs about $25 more each month or $300 annually than requesting the higher $1,000 deductible. Since you would have to pay $750 more to settle a claim with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you tend to average more than 30 months between claim filings, you would save more money going with the higher deductible.
How to decide to raise your deductibles
| Average monthly premium for $250 deductibles: | $107 |
| Average monthly premium for $1,000 deductibles (subtract): | - $82 |
| Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $25 |
| Difference between deductibles ($1,000 - $250): | $750 |
| Divide difference by monthly savings: | $750 / $25 |
| Number of months required between physical damage coverage claims in order to save money by choosing the higher deductible | 30 months |
One important note is that a higher deductible means you will have to cover more of the damage yourself at claim time. You must have some funds available in the event you need to pay the higher deductible in order to repair your vehicle.
How careless driving impacts auto insurance rates
The information below shows how speeding tickets and at-fault claims influence Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance rates for different age categories. Data assumes a married female driver, full physical damage coverage, $250 deductibles, and no discounts are factored in.
Get cheaper Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance in Austin with discounts
Some insurers don't necessarily list all their discounts very well, so we researched a few of the more common and also the lesser-known discounts that you can inquire about if you buy Austin car insurance online.
- ABS Brakes - Cars, trucks, and SUVs with anti-lock braking systems prevent accidents and the ABS can save up to 10%.
- Use Seat Belts - Requiring all passengers to buckle their seat belts can save a little off PIP or medical payments premium.
- Auto/Life Discount - Insurance companies who offer life insurance give lower insurance rates if you buy a life policy as well.
- Good Grades Discount - Getting good grades could provide a savings of up to 20% or more. You can use this discount normally until age 25.
- Driver's Education for Students - Teen drivers should successfully complete driver's ed class in school.
- Own a Home and Save - Just owning your own home may trigger a policy discount on insurance because it is proof that your finances are in order.
Remember that many deductions do not apply to the overall cost of the policy. Most only reduce the cost of specific coverages such as liability, collision or medical payments. Even though the math looks like all those discounts means the company will pay you, you won't be that lucky. Any qualifying discounts will help lower your policy cost.
Popular insurance companies and some of the discounts can be found below.
- AAA includes discounts for anti-theft, pay-in-full, multi-policy, education and occupation, AAA membership discount, good driver, and good student.
- Progressive offers discounts for multi-vehicle, multi-policy, continuous coverage, online quote discount, good student, online signing, and homeowner.
- State Farm policyholders can earn discounts including good driver, multiple autos, anti-theft, good student, safe vehicle, and accident-free.
- Esurance may include discounts for defensive driver, homeowner, online quote, multi-policy, paid-in-full, safety device, and emergency road assistance.
- Nationwide offers premium reductions for family plan, good student, Farm Bureau membership, defensive driving, business or organization, accident-free, and multi-policy.
Before you buy a policy, ask each insurance company to give you their best rates. Savings may not apply in Austin. For a list of insurance companies that offer many of these discounts in Texas, click here.
Insurance can get complicated
When selecting proper insurance coverage for your vehicles, there really isn't a single plan that fits everyone. Coverage needs to be tailored to your specific needs.
Here are some questions about coverages that could help you determine if your insurance needs might need an agent's assistance.
- Does having multiple vehicles earn me a discount?
- Am I covered if I crash into my own garage door?
- When should I drop full coverage on my Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
- Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
- How do I file an SR-22 for a DUI in Texas?
- Are my friends covered when driving my Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
- Does my policy cover my teen driver if they drive my company car?
- What are the best liability limits?
- When should my teen driver be added to my policy?
- Do I need replacement cost coverage on my Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
If you don't know the answers to these questions but you think they might apply to your situation, then you may want to think about talking to a licensed agent. If you want to speak to an agent in your area, take a second and complete this form. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.
Buying insurance from Austin insurance agencies
Many people prefer to talk to a local agent and doing so can bring peace of mind Agents are trained risk managers and help submit paperwork. An additional benefit of getting free rate quotes online is the fact that drivers can get cheap insurance quotes and still have an agent to talk to.
Once you complete this form (opens in new window), your insurance coverage information is sent to companies in Austin who can give free rate quotes for your insurance coverage. There is no reason to do any legwork because quoted prices will be sent to you instantly. If you have a need to compare rates from a particular provider, just find their quoting web page and complete a quote there.
Choosing the best provider should depend on more than just the price. The answers to these questions are important, too.
- Do they specialize in personal lines coverage in Austin?
- Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
- Do they have adequate Errors and Omissions coverage? This protects you if they make a mistake.
- Does their agency support local causes in Austin?
- Is their price quote a firm figure or are their hidden costs?
- How much can you save by raising your physical damage deductibles?
Two types of auto insurance agents
If you are wanting to purchase insurance from a reliable insurance agent, it's important to understand the types of insurance agents that you can choose from. Insurance agents in Austin can be classified as either independent agents or exclusive agents depending on their employer. Either can sell and service insurance coverage, but it is important to understand the difference in the companies they write for because it can influence the type of agent you choose.
Exclusive Insurance Agents
These type of agents can only quote rates from one company and some examples include Farmers Insurance, State Farm, Allstate, and AAA. These agents are not able to compare other company's rates so you might not find the best rates. Exclusive agents receive extensive training on their company's products and that enables them to sell even at higher rates. Consumers often use the same agent mostly because of the brand rather than low rates.
Below are exclusive insurance agencies in Austin who can help you get price quotes.
- Gary Shanahan - State Farm Insurance Agent
5145 N FM 620 b170 - Austin, TX 78732 - (512) 458-2593 - View Map - Bridgette Hearne - State Farm Insurance Agent
3407 W Slaughter Ln b - Austin, TX 78748 - (512) 441-3704 - View Map - Bennie Council - State Farm Insurance Agent
6448 US-290 f110 - Austin, TX 78723 - (512) 454-4524 - View Map
Independent Insurance Agents
Independent insurance agents are not restricted to one company and that is an advantage because they can write policies with multiple insurance companies and find you the best rates. To transfer your coverage to a different company, your agent can just switch to a different company without you having to go to a different agency.
When searching for an agent, you will want to include rate quotes from at a minimum one independent agency for the best price selection. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller regional carriers which could offer lower prices.
Shown below is a list of independent insurance agencies in Austin that are able to give price quotes.
- Stanley Insurance Agency
512 W Stassney Ln #113 - Austin, TX 78745 - (512) 445-5555 - View Map - EZ Insurance Agency - North
7600 N Lamar Blvd # E - Austin, TX 78752 - (512) 445-2700 - View Map - EZ Insurance Agency
343 S Congress Ave - Austin, TX 78704 - (512) 444-3279 - View Map
Advertising myths
Texas drivers can't escape the ads for the lowest price insurance from the likes of State Farm, Allstate and GEICO. They all seem to make the point that drivers can save some big amount just by moving your insurance policy to them.
How is it possible that every company can offer drivers better rates? Just pay attention to how they say it.
Insurance companies require specific criteria for the type of driver that earns them the highest profit. For example, a profitable customer could be between the ages of 40 and 55, owns a home, and drives less than 5,000 miles a year. A customer that hits that "sweet spot" receive the lowest rate quotes in Austin and have a good chance to cut their rates substantially.
Drivers who do not meet those criteria will get higher premiums with the end result being the customer not buying. The ad wording is "customers that switch" not "everybody who quotes" save money. That's the way companies can lure you into getting a quote. This really illustrates why you really should get price quotes at each policy renewal. It's just not possible to know which company will have the lowest rate quotes.
In conclusion
We covered some good ideas how you can shop for Ford Explorer Sport Trac insurance online. It's most important to understand that the more companies you get auto insurance rates for, the higher the chance of saving money. Consumers may even find the most savings is with the smaller companies.
Cheaper car insurance in Austin can be purchased both online as well as from independent agents in Austin, and you need to price shop both in order to have the best chance of saving money. Some car insurance companies may not offer price quotes online and most of the time these smaller companies provide coverage only through independent agents.
As you go through the steps to switch your coverage, do not skimp on coverage in order to save money. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut physical damage coverage and learned later that saving that couple of dollars actually costed them tens of thousands. Your objective should be to get the best coverage possible for the lowest price.
Additional information can be found below:
- How do I File a Claim? (Insurance Information Institute)
- Who Has the Cheapest Austin Auto Insurance Quotes for High Mileage Drivers? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Austin Auto Insurance for Drivers Requiring a SR22? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Car Insurance Quotes for College Graduates in Austin? (FAQ)
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage (Allstate)
- Auto Insurance FAQ (Farmers Insurance)
- Prom Night Tips for Teen Drivers (State Farm)