If you want to save the most money, the best way to find the cheapest price for Honda Element insurance is to compare prices once a year from providers in New Orleans.
Step 1: Try to understand how companies price auto insurance and the things you can change to keep rates in check. Many factors that drive up the price like distracted driving and an unfavorable credit rating can be eliminated by making lifestyle changes or driving safer. This article provides instructions to help prevent high rates and find additional discounts you may qualify for.
Step 2: Request rate estimates from direct carriers, independent agents, and exclusive agents. Exclusive and direct companies can only provide price estimates from one company like GEICO or Farmers Insurance, while independent agents can provide rate quotes from many different companies. View rates
Step 3: Compare the quotes to the price on your current policy to see if a cheaper rate is available. If you find a lower rate and decide to switch, ensure there is no coverage lapse between policies.
Step 4: Give proper notification to your current agent or company to cancel the current policy and submit any necessary down payment along with the completed application to your new agent or company. Once coverage is bound, keep the new certificate verifying coverage above your visor, in the console, or in the glove compartment.
One bit of advice is that you’ll want to make sure you compare the same liability limits and deductibles on every price quote and and to get price quotes from as many companies as you can. Doing this helps ensure a fair price comparison and the most accurate and complete price analysis.
It’s easy to assume that insurance companies don’t want policyholders to compare prices from other companies. Drivers who shop around annually are inclined to switch to a new company because there is a high probability of finding good coverage at a lower price. A survey found that people who compared prices regularly saved about $865 a year as compared to drivers who don’t make a habit of comparing rates.
If finding the lowest price for Honda Element insurance is your goal, then having a good understanding how to shop for insurance can help you succeed in saving money.
Shopping for the best-priced protection in New Orleans is not as hard as you may think. Practically everyone who wants cheaper insurance will more than likely be able to find lower rates. But Louisiana consumers must know how big insurance companies price online insurance and take advantage of how the system works.
Rates and information analytics
The table shown next showcases detailed analysis of rate quotes for Honda Element models. Having a good understanding how insurance premiums are figured can help drivers make smart buying decisions.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Element LX 2WD | $384 | $816 | $604 | $36 | $180 | $2,020 | $168 |
Element LX 4WD | $384 | $816 | $604 | $36 | $180 | $2,020 | $168 |
Element EX 2WD | $384 | $816 | $604 | $36 | $180 | $2,020 | $168 |
Element EX 4WD | $384 | $816 | $604 | $36 | $180 | $2,020 | $168 |
Element SC 2WD | $384 | $816 | $604 | $36 | $180 | $2,020 | $168 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Table data assumes single female driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $100 deductibles, and Louisiana minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, homeowner, multi-policy, and multi-vehicle. Premium amounts do not factor in zip code location which can impact prices significantly.
Deductible analysis
One common question asked by New Orleans drivers is how high or low should comp and collision deductibles be. The tables below can help you visualize the rate fluctuation of buying low and high insurance deductibles. The first rate estimation uses a $250 deductible for comp and collision and the second set of rates uses a $500 deductible.
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Element LX 2WD | $358 | $604 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,619 | $135 |
Element LX 4WD | $358 | $604 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,619 | $135 |
Element EX 2WD | $358 | $604 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,619 | $135 |
Element EX 4WD | $358 | $604 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,619 | $135 |
Element SC 2WD | $358 | $604 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,619 | $135 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Element LX 2WD | $292 | $488 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,412 | $118 |
Element LX 4WD | $292 | $488 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,412 | $118 |
Element EX 2WD | $292 | $488 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,412 | $118 |
Element EX 4WD | $292 | $488 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,412 | $118 |
Element SC 2WD | $292 | $488 | $464 | $28 | $140 | $1,412 | $118 |
Get Your Own Custom Quote Go |
Table data represents married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Louisiana minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, multi-policy, safe-driver, multi-vehicle, and homeowner. Rate information does not factor in New Orleans location which can change rates substantially.
Based on the above data, using a $250 deductible will cost you approximately $17 more each month or $204 a year than choosing the higher $500 deductible. Due to the fact that you would have to pay $250 more if you file a claim with a $500 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you normally go at least 15 months between claims, you would probably come out ahead if you opt for a higher deductible.
Calculation for raising deductibles
Average monthly premium for $250 deductibles: | $135 |
Average monthly premium for $500 deductibles (subtract): | – $118 |
Monthly savings from raising deductible: | $17 |
Difference between deductibles ($500 – $250): | $250 |
Divide difference by monthly savings: | $250 / $17 |
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 get cheaper rates means you pay more out-of-pocket when you have a claim. You must have some extra funds in the event you have to pay more for the deductible.
Yearly auto insurance costs for men versus women
The example below visualizes the comparison of Honda Element insurance costs for male and female drivers. Data assumes no claims, a clean driving record, comprehensive and collision coverage, $250 deductibles, drivers are single, and no discounts are applied.
Honda Element full coverage rates compared to liability only
The information below illustrates the difference between Honda Element insurance rates with and without physical damage coverage. The prices are based on no driving violations, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, drivers are single, and no other discounts are factored in.
When to stop buying comprehensive and collision coverage
There is no definitive guideline to exclude physical damage coverage, but there is a guideline you can consider. If the yearly cost for physical damage coverage is more than about 10% of the replacement cost of your vehicle minus the policy deductible, then it might be time to buy liability only.
For example, let’s pretend your Honda Element replacement value is $4,000 and you have $1,000 policy deductibles. If your vehicle is totaled, the most your company will settle for is $3,000 after the policy deductible has been paid. If premium cost is more than $300 a year for your policy with full coverage, then it might be time to consider dropping full coverage.
There are some scenarios where only buying liability is not advised. If you still have a lienholder on your title, you are required to maintain full coverage in order to satisfy the requirements of the loan. Also, if you can’t afford to buy a different vehicle in case of an accident, you should not eliminate full coverage.
Seven discounts for cheap car insurance rates
Car insurance can cost a lot, but you might be missing out on some discounts to help offset the cost. Certain reductions will be credited at the time of quoting, but some need to be specifically requested in order for you to get them.
- Save with a New Car – Buying car insurance coverage on a new vehicle may earn a small discount because newer vehicles keep occupants safer.
- Passive Restraints – Cars that have air bags or automatic seat belts can get savings up to 30%.
- Drive Safe and Save – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can pay as much as 50% less than their less cautious counterparts.
- Senior Citizens – If you’re over the age of 55, you can get a small decrease in premiums.
- Multiple Vehicles – Buying a policy with several vehicles with the same company can reduce rates for all insured vehicles.
- Drive Less and Save – Driving less may enable drivers to earn lower rates on the low mileage vehicles.
- Theft Deterrent – Anti-theft and alarm system equipped vehicles are stolen with less frequency and will qualify for a discount on a New Orleans auto insurance quote.
One last thing about discounts, most discounts do not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only reduce specific coverage prices like physical damage coverage or medical payments. So despite the fact that it appears adding up those discounts means a free policy, it doesn’t quite work that way. But any discount will positively reduce your policy premium.
The chart below shows the comparison of Honda Element insurance costs with and without discounts applied to the policy premium. The rate quotes are based on a female driver, no violations or accidents, Louisiana 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 claim-free, multi-car, marriage, safe-driver, homeowner, and multi-policy discounts applied.
A few popular companies and a partial list of their discounts include:
- State Farm has discounts for Drive Safe & Save, driver’s education, Steer Clear safe driver discount, student away at school, defensive driving training, and passive restraint.
- Farmers Insurance may offer discounts for multi-car, switch companies, youthful driver, early shopping, and pay in full.
- GEICO may include discounts for seat belt use, anti-theft, emergency military deployment, federal employee, multi-policy, air bags, and driver training.
- American Family policyholders can earn discounts including air bags, multi-vehicle, accident-free, bundled insurance, defensive driver, early bird, and mySafetyValet.
- Nationwide discounts include easy pay, accident-free, good student, family plan, Farm Bureau membership, business or organization, and multi-policy.
- Progressive may have discounts that include good student, online quote discount, online signing, homeowner, and continuous coverage.
If you need lower rates, check with each company the best way to save money. Depending on the company, some discounts might not apply in every state. If you would like to view insurers that offer many of these discounts in Louisiana, click here.
Specific coverages for a Honda Element
Knowing the specifics of a auto insurance policy helps when choosing the best coverages at the best deductibles and correct limits. Auto insurance terms can be confusing and reading a policy is terribly boring.
Comprehensive coverages
Comprehensive insurance covers damage OTHER than collision with another vehicle or object. You first have to pay a deductible and the remainder of the damage will be paid by comprehensive coverage.
Comprehensive coverage pays for claims like a tree branch falling on your vehicle, hitting a bird, rock chips in glass, vandalism and falling objects. The maximum amount you can receive from a comprehensive claim is the market value of your vehicle, so if your deductible is as high as the vehicle’s value consider dropping full coverage.
Uninsured and underinsured coverage
Your UM/UIM coverage gives you protection from other drivers when they either have no liability insurance or not enough. Covered losses include medical payments for you and your occupants as well as your vehicle’s damage.
Because many people only carry the minimum required liability limits (15/30/25), it doesn’t take a major accident to exceed their coverage limits. That’s why carrying high Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist coverage should not be overlooked. Usually the UM/UIM limits are set the same as your liability limits.
Coverage for medical payments
Coverage for medical payments and/or PIP provide coverage for expenses such as X-ray expenses, prosthetic devices, nursing services, funeral costs and EMT expenses. The coverages can be utilized in addition to your health insurance policy or if there is no health insurance coverage. Medical payments and PIP cover not only the driver but also the vehicle occupants and also covers any family member struck as a pedestrian. Personal Injury Protection is only offered in select states but can be used in place of medical payments coverage
Liability coverages
This provides protection from damage or injury you incur to a person or their property. Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You might see policy limits of 15/30/25 which stand for $15,000 in coverage for each person’s injuries, a per accident bodily injury limit of $30,000, and property damage coverage for $25,000. Some companies may use one limit called combined single limit (CSL) which provides one coverage limit rather than limiting it on a per person basis.
Liability insurance covers things like court costs, funeral expenses, repair bills for other people’s vehicles, bail bonds and medical services. The amount of liability coverage you purchase is a decision to put some thought into, but consider buying as much as you can afford. Louisiana state law requires minimum liability limits of 15/30/25 but drivers should carry higher limits.
The next chart shows why buying the state minimum limits may not provide you with enough coverage.
Collision protection
This coverage covers damage to your Element from colliding with another vehicle or an object, but not an animal. You will need to pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be paid by your insurance company.
Collision coverage protects against things such as crashing into a ditch, damaging your car on a curb and driving through your garage door. Collision coverage makes up a good portion of your premium, so you might think about dropping it from vehicles that are 8 years or older. Drivers also have the option to bump up the deductible on your Element to save money on collision insurance.
New Orleans car insurance companies ranked
Picking a good quality auto insurance company can be difficult considering how many different companies there are to choose from in New Orleans. The company rank data listed below may help you select which providers to look at purchasing from.
Company | Value | Customer Service | Claims | Customer Satisfaction | A.M Best Rating | Overall Score |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Travelers | 93 | 98 | 99 | 88% | A++ | 95.1 |
USAA | 83 | 99 | 100 | 91% | A++ | 94.1 |
Mercury Insurance | 97 | 96 | 88 | 89% | A+ | 93.4 |
AAA Insurance | 91 | 95 | 92 | 90% | A | 93.3 |
Nationwide | 85 | 95 | 97 | 89% | A+ | 92.4 |
Allstate | 77 | 100 | 97 | 88% | A+ | 90.7 |
State Farm | 80 | 94 | 96 | 88% | A++ | 90.6 |
The Hartford | 88 | 93 | 91 | 87% | A+ | 90.4 |
Safeco Insurance | 91 | 95 | 85 | 88% | A | 90.2 |
Progressive | 88 | 94 | 83 | 88% | A+ | 90.1 |
American Family | 91 | 86 | 95 | 83% | A | 89.7 |
Esurance | 86 | 90 | 94 | 90% | A+ | 89.5 |
The General | 86 | 93 | 89 | 84% | A- | 88.2 |
GEICO | 79 | 89 | 95 | 87% | A++ | 87.8 |
Titan Insurance | 86 | 82 | 92 | 86% | A+ | 86.5 |
21st Century | 86 | 82 | 90 | 84% | A | 86.4 |
Liberty Mutual | 79 | 87 | 95 | 78% | A | 85.3 |
Farmers Insurance | 77 | 80 | 80 | 84% | A | 80.3 |
Compare Rates Now Go |
Data Source: Insure.com Best Car Insurance Companies
Don’t give up on cheaper coverage
As you prepare to switch companies, do not reduce coverage to reduce premium. There have been many situations where drivers have reduced comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret that their decision to reduce coverage ended up costing them more. The ultimate goal is to purchase a proper amount of coverage at the best cost but still have enough coverage for asset protection.
Lower-priced Honda Element insurance in New Orleans is definitely available from both online companies and from local insurance agents, and you should compare rates from both in order to have the best chance of saving money. A few companies may not offer online rate quotes and most of the time these small insurance companies only sell through independent insurance agents.
In this article, we covered some good ideas how to compare Honda Element insurance premium rates in New Orleans. The key concept to understand is the more price quotes you have, the better your chances of lowering your prices. You may even discover the lowest priced insurance comes from some of the smallest insurance companies.
Much more information about insurance in Louisiana is located below:
- Determining Auto Insurance Rates (GEICO)
- How Much is Auto Insurance for a Honda CR-V in New Orleans? (FAQ)
- How Much is Auto Insurance for Drivers with Good Credit in New Orleans? (FAQ)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance Rates for a Nissan Sentra in New Orleans? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Car Insurance Quotes for a Dodge Grand Caravan in New Orleans? (FAQ)
- Teen Driving and Texting (State Farm)
- No-Fault Auto Insurance Statistics (Insurance Information Institute)