Save Money on Audi A3 Insurance in Columbus

If you want to save the most money, the best way to get affordable Audi A3 insurance is to start comparing rates regularly from different companies that sell auto insurance in Columbus.

Step 1: Read and learn about how car insurance works and the things you can control to keep rates in check. Many policy risk factors that cause rate increases like inattentive driving and poor credit can be eliminated by making minor changes to your lifestyle.

Step 2: Obtain price quotes from independent agents, exclusive agents, and direct companies. Direct and exclusive agents can provide rates from one company like GEICO or Allstate, while independent agencies can provide prices for a wide range of insurance providers.

Step 3: Compare the new rates to your current policy premium to see if a cheaper price is available in Columbus. If you find better rates and make a switch, make sure coverage does not lapse between policies.

The key thing to remember is that you’ll want to make sure you compare similar deductibles and liability limits on each quote request and and to get price estimates from all possible companies. Doing this provides the most accurate price comparison and a complete selection of prices.

It’s a fact that auto insurance companies don’t want policyholders to compare prices from other companies. Insureds who shop around for the cheapest price will presumably buy a different policy because there is a great chance of finding a policy with better rates. A recent survey discovered that drivers who compared price quotes annually saved approximately $70 a month compared to those who don’t make a habit of comparing rates.

If finding the cheapest rates on car insurance is your ultimate objective, knowing how to get price quotes and compare coverage rates can help simplify the process.

The providers in the list below have been selected to offer free rate quotes in Columbus, OH. If several companies are displayed, it’s highly recommended you get prices from several of them to get a more complete price comparison.

Auto insurance data for an Audi A3

The data table displayed below showcases a range of coverage prices for Audi A3 models. Learning as much as possible about how car insurance premiums are determined can aid in making decisions on the best policy coverages.

Prices based on single female driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1000 deductibles, and Ohio minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, homeowner, multi-vehicle, and multi-policy. Estimates do not factor in specific location information which can decrease or increase coverage rates significantly.

Physical damage deductible comparison

The hardest decision when buying coverage is how high should the physical damage deductibles be. The comparison tables below may help to conceptualize the rate difference between high and low deductibles. The first set of rates uses a $250 comprehensive and collision deductible and the second price chart uses a $1,000 deductible.

Data based on married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and Ohio minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include homeowner, claim-free, safe-driver, multi-vehicle, and multi-policy. Rate information does not factor in specific garaging location which can alter insurance rates significantly.

Using the data above, we can ascertain that using a $250 deductible will cost in the ballpark of $19 more each month or $228 each year than opting for the higher $1,000 deductible. Since you would have to pay $750 more out-of-pocket with a $1,000 deductible as compared to a $250 deductible, if you have at least 39 months between claims, you would come out ahead if you choose the higher deductible.

The chart below shows how choosing a deductible and can increase or decrease Audi A3 yearly insurance costs for different insured age categories. The costs are based on a single female driver, comp and collision included, and no discounts are applied to the premium.

Bad driving habits will cost you more

The chart below illustrates how speeding tickets and accident claims increase Audi A3 annual premium costs for different insured age categories. The premiums assume a married female driver, comp and collision included, $250 deductibles, and no discounts are applied.

Premiums by gender and age

The example below illustrates the comparison of Audi A3 car insurance costs for male and female drivers. The rate quotes are based on no driving violations, no at-fault accidents, comp and collision included, $500 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no discounts are applied.

Audi A3 full coverage rates compared to liability only

The chart below visualizes the comparison of Audi A3 insurance rates with liability coverage only compared to full coverage. The premium estimates are based on a clean driving record, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, single status, and no discounts are applied to the premium.

When to stop paying for full coverage

There is no definitive guideline to exclude comp and collision coverage, but there is a general school of thought. If the yearly cost for physical damage coverage is more than 10% of the settlement you would receive from your company, then it might be time to buy liability only.

For example, let’s assume your Audi A3 settlement value is $9,000 and you have $1,000 policy deductibles. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the most your company would pay you is $8,000 after you pay the deductible. If premiums are more than $800 annually for your policy with full coverage, then it may be the right time to buy liability only.

There are some cases where removing full coverage is not a good idea. If you haven’t paid off your loan, you must maintain physical damage coverage as part of the loan conditions. Also, if your finances do not allow you to purchase a different vehicle if your current one is damaged, you should keep full coverage on your policy.

Why you need A3 insurance in Ohio

Even though it can be expensive, insurance is required in Ohio but also provides important benefits.

• Most states have minimum liability requirements which means state laws require a specific minimum amount of liability insurance if you don’t want to risk a ticket. In Ohio these limits are 25/50/25 which means you must have $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage.
• If your A3 has a loan, more than likely the lender will make it a condition of the loan that you have full coverage to protect their interest in the vehicle. If you let the policy lapse, the bank will be required to insure your Audi for a lot more money and require you to fork over for it.
• Insurance safeguards both your assets and your Audi. Insurance will also pay for many types of medical costs for you, your passengers, and anyone else injured in an accident. As part of your policy, liability insurance will also pay attorney fees if you are sued as the result of your driving. If your vehicle suffers damage from an accident or hail, collision and comprehensive (also known as other-than-collision) coverage will pay to repair the damage.

The benefits of insuring your A3 are without a doubt worth the cost, particularly for liability claims. According to a recent study, the average American driver is overpaying over $869 every year so it’s important to compare rates every year to be sure current rates are still competitive.

Save money on Audi A3 insurance in Columbus with these six discounts

Some insurers do not advertise all possible discounts in an easy-to-find place, so here is a list some of the more common and also the lesser-known credits that may apply to you.

• Senior Citizen Discount – Drivers that qualify as senior citizens could receive a slight reduction on a Columbus auto insurance quote.
• Early Payment Discounts – If you pay your entire premium ahead of time as opposed to paying monthly you can avoid the installment charge.
• Discount for Life Insurance – Not every insurance company offers life insurance, but if they do you may earn a discounted premium rate on car insurance if you buy auto and life insurance together.
• Student Discount for Driver Training – Make teen driver coverage more affordable by requiring them to successfully complete driver’s ed class in high school.
• Good Grades Discount – Being a good student may save you up to 25%. Many companies even apply the discount to college students up until you turn 25.
• Discount for Home Ownership – Owning a home in Columbus can get you a discount because maintaining a house requires a higher level of personal finance.

A quick disclaimer, most of the big mark downs will not be given to the entire cost. Most only cut the price of certain insurance coverages like liability, collision or medical payments. So when it seems like having all the discounts means you get insurance for free, car insurance companies aren’t that generous.

The diagram below illustrates the comparison of Audi A3 auto insurance rates with and without discounts being applied to the rates. The data assumes a male driver, no tickets, no at-fault accidents, Ohio 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-car, homeowner, safe-driver, claim-free, multi-policy, and marriage discounts applied.

Companies and some of their more popular discounts are:

• American Family offers premium reductions for defensive driver, early bird, good student, mySafetyValet, and bundled insurance.
• State Farm policyholders can earn discounts including defensive driving training, accident-free, driver’s education, multiple autos, good driver, anti-theft, and multiple policy.
• 21st Century offers discounts including automatic seat belts, anti-lock brakes, homeowners, student driver, driver training, theft prevention, and 55 and older.
• Travelers may include discounts for good student, IntelliDrive, home ownership, hybrid/electric vehicle, continuous insurance, payment discounts, and driver training.
• GEICO discounts include federal employee, multi-policy, five-year accident-free, military active duty, defensive driver, anti-theft, and seat belt use.

It’s a good idea to ask all the companies how you can save money. Savings may not apply to policyholders in every state.

Which is the best insurance?

Keep in mind that when it comes to choosing proper insurance coverage for your personal vehicles, there really is no best way to insure your cars. Everyone’s situation is a little different.

Here are some questions about coverages that can aid in determining if your insurance needs will benefit from professional help.

• Do I need PIP coverage since I have good health insurance?
• Does low annual mileage earn a discount?
• Should I file a claim if it’s only slightly more than my deductible?
• Does having multiple vehicles earn me a discount?
• Does medical payments coverage apply to all occupants?
• Who is covered when they drive my Audi A3?
• Is motorclub coverage worth it?
• Does rental coverage apply when I am renting a car?

If you’re not sure about those questions, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. If you don’t have a local agent, fill out this quick form. It is quick, free and can provide invaluable advice.

Insurance agencies can find coverage gaps

Many people prefer to get advice from a local agent and that can be a smart move Good insurance agents can help you build your policy and help submit paperwork. The best thing about comparing auto insurance online is that you can obtain lower prices and also buy local. And supporting local agencies is especially important in Columbus.

Upon completion of this quick form, the coverage information is immediately sent to local insurance agents in Columbus who will give you bids for your business. You won’t need to even leave your home due to the fact that quote results will go to your email. If you wish to get a price quote from a specific insurance company, don’t hesitate to navigate to their website to submit a rate quote request.

Insurance agent types

If you would like to find a local agent, you should know the different types of agents and how they work. Insurance agencies in Columbus can be categorized as either exclusive or independent agents depending on their company appointments. Both types of agents can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning the difference between them because it can influence which type of agent you select.

Independent Auto Insurance Agencies

These agents can sell policies from many different companies so they can insure your vehicles with any number of different companies and potentially find a lower price. If your premiums go up, they simply switch companies in-house and you stay with the same agent.

When comparing auto insurance prices, you should always include a couple of independent agencies to have the best price comparison. Most also write with small regional insurance companies that may provide cheaper auto insurance rates.

Featured below is a short list of independent agencies in Columbus who can help you get free auto insurance quotes.

• Central Ohio Insurance Services, Inc
  1205 Hill Rd N – Pickerington, OH 43147 – (614) 861-3100 – View Map
• Wolfe Insurance Group
  630 E Broad St – Columbus, OH 43215 – (614) 418-5710 – View Map
• Wiles Insurance Agency
  348 Granville St – Gahanna, OH 43230 – (614) 536-0370 – View Map

More insurance agents

Exclusive Agents

Agents that choose to be exclusive normally can only provide a single company’s rates such as Allstate, State Farm and Farmers Insurance. These agents are unable to compare other company’s rates so they are skilled at selling on more than just price. Exclusive agencies receive extensive training on their company’s products and that can be a competitive advantage. Many people buy insurance from these agents mainly due to the prominence of the brand and the convenience of having all coverages with one company.

Below is a list of exclusive agents in Columbus who can help you get rate quotes.

• State Farm: Matt Simonds
  2986 N High St – Columbus, OH 43202 – (614) 262-6700 – View Map
• GEICO Insurance Agent
  7370 Sawmill Rd Suite 2720 – Columbus, OH 43235 – (614) 336-4240 – View Map
• Jack Gilkerson – State Farm Insurance Agent
  4232 E Main St – Whitehall, OH 43213 – (614) 237-4256 – View Map

More insurance agents

Choosing a insurance agent should include more criteria than just the premium amount. These questions are important to ask:

• Will the agent help in case of a claim?
• Will they take your side in the event of a claim?
• Are they in the agency full-time?
• What is the financial rating for the quoted company?
• How long has their agency been in business in Columbus?
• Do you have coverage for a rental car if your vehicle is in the repair shop?
• Which insurance companies are they affiliated with?
• Where are claims handled?

Specific coverage details

Having a good grasp of your auto insurance policy aids in choosing the right coverages and proper limits and deductibles. Policy terminology can be confusing and nobody wants to actually read their policy.

Uninsured Motorist or Underinsured Motorist insurance

This protects you and your vehicle’s occupants when other motorists are uninsured or don’t have enough coverage. Covered losses include hospital bills for your injuries and also any damage incurred to your Audi A3.

Since a lot of drivers only carry the minimum required liability limits (Ohio limits are 25/50/25), 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. Frequently your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages are similar to your liability insurance amounts.

Insurance for medical payments

Med pay and PIP coverage reimburse you for short-term medical expenses for surgery, nursing services, hospital visits and rehabilitation expenses. They can be used to fill the gap from your health insurance policy or if you are not covered by health insurance. Coverage applies to all vehicle occupants in addition to any family member struck as a pedestrian. PIP is not an option in every state and gives slightly broader coverage than med pay

Coverage for collisions

Collision coverage pays for damage to your A3 resulting 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 like scraping a guard rail, colliding with a tree, hitting a parking meter, sideswiping another vehicle and damaging your car on a curb. Collision is rather expensive coverage, so analyze the benefit of dropping coverage from vehicles that are 8 years or older. You can also bump up the deductible on your A3 to save money on collision insurance.

Comprehensive coverage (or Other than Collision)

This coverage pays to fix your vehicle from damage that is not covered by collision coverage. You first must pay your deductible then the remaining damage will be covered by your comprehensive coverage.

Comprehensive coverage pays for claims such as a tree branch falling on your vehicle, vandalism, damage from a tornado or hurricane and falling objects. The maximum amount your auto insurance company will pay is the cash value of the vehicle, so if it’s not worth much more than your deductible consider removing comprehensive coverage.

Liability auto insurance

This coverage will cover damage that occurs to other’s property or people. This insurance protects YOU from legal claims by others. Liability doesn’t cover your own vehicle damage or injuries.

Liability coverage has three limits: bodily injury for each person injured, bodily injury for the entire accident and a property damage limit. You commonly see policy limits of 25/50/25 that translate to $25,000 bodily injury coverage, a per accident bodily injury limit of $50,000, and property damage coverage for $25,000. Some companies may use one number which is a combined single limit which provides one coverage limit with no separate limits for injury or property damage.

Liability insurance covers claims such as funeral expenses, loss of income, emergency aid and medical services. How much liability coverage do you need? That is your choice, but consider buying as much as you can afford. Ohio state minimum liability requirements are 25/50/25 but you should think about purchasing better liability coverage.

The illustration below shows why the minimum limit may not be adequate.

Cheaper insurance premiums are possible

Insureds who switch companies do it for a variety of reasons including denial of a claim, questionable increases in premium, lack of trust in their agent and even unfair underwriting practices. Regardless of your reason for switching companies, finding a new company is easier than you think.

We just covered a lot of techniques to compare Audi A3 insurance rates in Columbus. It’s most important to understand that the more rate comparisons you have, the higher the chance of saving money. You may even discover the lowest rates are with a lesser-known regional company.

As you quote Columbus auto insurance, never reduce needed coverages to save money. There have been many cases where an insured dropped collision coverage only to find out that the savings was not a smart move. Your aim should be to buy a smart amount of coverage at the lowest possible cost.

Other learning opportunities

• Frontal Crash Tests (iihs.org)
• Who Has Affordable Columbus Car Insurance Quotes for Low Mileage Drivers? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Columbus Car Insurance Quotes for Drivers with Bad Credit? (FAQ)
• Who Has the Cheapest Columbus Auto Insurance for Teachers? (FAQ)
• How Much are Car Insurance Quotes for a Jeep Grand Cherokee in Columbus? (FAQ)
• Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance for a Chevrolet Traverse in Columbus? (FAQ)
• What is Covered by an Auto Insurance Policy? (Insurance Information Institute)
• Think You’re a Safe Driver? (State Farm)
• Medical Payments Coverage (Liberty Mutual)