The most effective way to get discount Mazda 3 insurance is to compare prices once a year from different companies in Charlotte. You can compare rates by following these guidelines.
- Step 1: It will benefit you to learn about how car insurance works and the steps you can take to lower rates. Many rating criteria that result in higher prices like accidents, traffic violations, and a substandard credit history can be improved by making minor changes in your lifestyle. Continue reading for more details to help prevent costly coverage and find additional discounts.
- Step 2: Compare rates from exclusive agents, independent agents, and direct providers. Exclusive and direct companies can only give rate quotes from one company like GEICO or State Farm, while agents who are independent can quote rates for a wide range of insurance providers.
- Step 3: Compare the quotes to your existing policy and see if there is a cheaper rate in Charlotte. If you find a lower rate quote, verify that coverage does not lapse between policies.
- Step 4: Give proper notification to your current agent or company to cancel your current auto insurance policy and submit the required down payment along with the signed application for the new policy. Immediately upon receiving it, safely store the certificate of insurance somewhere easily accessible.
The most important part of this process is that you’ll want to compare the same liability limits and deductibles on each quote and and to get rates from as many auto insurance providers as possible. Doing this provides a level playing field and the best rate selection.
It’s hard to believe, but nearly 70% of North Carolina drivers have purchased from the same company for a minimum of four years, and approximately 38% of consumers have never shopped around. With the average premium in the U.S. being $1,847, drivers can save almost 46.5% each year, but they mistakenly think it’s difficult to find cheaper insurance by shopping around.
Reducing your insurance rates doesn’t have to be difficult. The only thing you need to do is invest a few minutes getting comparison quotes to see which company has the cheapest Mazda 3 rate quotes.
It’s so simple to compare insurance quotes online takes the place of having to drive around to local Charlotte insurance agencies. Comparing online rate quotes eliminates the middleman unless you have a complicated situation and need the guidance of a local agency. However, consumers can compare online quotes and still use a local agent.
The companies in the list below can provide price comparisons in North Carolina. To locate cheap auto insurance in NC, we suggest you visit several of them to get the lowest price.
Insurance statistics for a Mazda 3
The price information displayed below outlines estimates of prices for Mazda 3 models. Having a good understanding how rate quotes are determined helps drivers make smart choices when purchasing an insurance policy.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 I Sport 4-Dr Sedan | $150 | $276 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $752 | $63 |
| 3 I SV 4-Dr Sedan | $150 | $276 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $752 | $63 |
| 3 I Touring 4-Dr Sedan | $150 | $324 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $800 | $67 |
| 3 S Sport 4-Dr Hatchback | $170 | $324 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $820 | $68 |
| 3 S Sport 4-Dr Sedan | $170 | $324 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $820 | $68 |
| 3 S Grand Touring 4-Dr Hatchback | $170 | $324 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $820 | $68 |
| 3 S Grand Touring 4-Dr Sedan | $170 | $324 | $240 | $14 | $72 | $820 | $68 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data based on married male driver age 50, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, and North Carolina minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include multi-policy, safe-driver, multi-vehicle, claim-free, and homeowner. Price information does not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can revise rates considerably.
How high should deductibles be?
The hardest decision when buying coverage is how high should the physical damage deductibles be. The rates below outline the differences in premium rates between low and high deductibles. The first table uses a $100 deductible and the second pricing table uses a $500 deductible.
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 I Sport 4-Dr Sedan | $214 | $386 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $963 | $80 |
| 3 I SV 4-Dr Sedan | $214 | $386 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $963 | $80 |
| 3 I Touring 4-Dr Sedan | $214 | $456 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,033 | $86 |
| 3 S Sport 4-Dr Hatchback | $242 | $456 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,061 | $88 |
| 3 S Sport 4-Dr Sedan | $242 | $456 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,061 | $88 |
| 3 S Grand Touring 4-Dr Hatchback | $242 | $456 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,061 | $88 |
| 3 S Grand Touring 4-Dr Sedan | $242 | $456 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $1,061 | $88 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
| Model | Comp | Collision | Liability | Medical | UM/UIM | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 I Sport 4-Dr Sedan | $156 | $262 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $756 | $63 |
| 3 I SV 4-Dr Sedan | $156 | $262 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $756 | $63 |
| 3 I Touring 4-Dr Sedan | $156 | $308 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $802 | $67 |
| 3 S Sport 4-Dr Hatchback | $176 | $308 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $822 | $69 |
| 3 S Sport 4-Dr Sedan | $176 | $308 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $822 | $69 |
| 3 S Grand Touring 4-Dr Hatchback | $176 | $308 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $822 | $69 |
| 3 S Grand Touring 4-Dr Sedan | $176 | $308 | $250 | $14 | $74 | $822 | $69 |
| Get Your Own Custom Quote Go | |||||||
Data variables include married male driver age 30, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, and North Carolina minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, homeowner, safe-driver, multi-policy, and multi-vehicle. Price information does not factor in specific Charlotte garaging location which can alter auto insurance rates substantially.
Based on the above data, using a $100 deductible will cost you roughly $18 more each month or $216 annually than selecting the higher $500 deductible. Since you would pay $400 more out of your own pocket with a $500 deductible as compared to a $100 deductible, if you tend to go more than 22 months between claim filings, you would probably come out ahead if you decide on a higher deductible.
Insurance rates are higher with tickets and accidents
The chart below illustrates how violations and at-fault accidents can influence Mazda 3 insurance prices for different ages of insureds. The data assumes a single male driver, comprehensive and collision coverage, $500 deductibles, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Mazda 3 insurance rates: Men versus women
The chart below shows the difference between Mazda 3 annual premium costs for male and female drivers. The premiums assume no violations or accidents, full physical damage coverage, $1,000 deductibles, drivers are not married, and no additional discounts are factored in.
Mazda 3 full coverage rates compared to liability only
The illustration below illustrates the difference between Mazda 3 insurance prices with full coverage and liability only. The data assumes no claims or violations, $1,000 deductibles, single marital status, and no policy discounts are applied.
Are you wasting money paying for full coverage?
There is no definitive formula of when to stop paying for full coverage, but there is a general school of thought. If the yearly cost of full coverage is 10% or more of any settlement you would receive from your insurance company, then it may be the right time to buy liability only.
For example, let’s assume your Mazda 3 replacement cost is $7,000 and you have $1,000 full coverage deductibles. If your vehicle is severely damaged, the most your company will settle for is $6,000 after paying your policy deductible. If you are paying in excess of $600 a year for physical damage coverage, then you might consider buying liability only.
There are a few cases where removing full coverage is not financially feasible. If you still have a lienholder on your title, you have to keep full coverage in order to prevent the bank from purchasing higher-priced coverage. Also, if your savings is not enough to buy a different vehicle in case of an accident, you should keep full coverage in place.
Best reasons to buy auto insurance in North Carolina
Despite the high insurance cost for a Mazda 3 in Charlotte, paying for auto insurance serves a purpose in several ways.
- Most states have minimum mandated liability insurance limits which means state laws require a specific level of liability in order to license the vehicle. 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 you bought your vehicle with a loan, it’s most likely the lender will require that you carry insurance to ensure they get paid if you total the vehicle. If you do not pay your insurance premiums, the lender will be forced to insure your Mazda at an extremely high rate and force you to reimburse them the higher premium.
- Auto insurance protects your vehicle and your assets. It will also provide coverage for many types of medical costs for you, your passengers, and anyone else injured in an accident. Liability insurance, one of your policy coverages, also pays for attorney fees and expenses if you cause an accident and are sued. If mother nature or an accident damages your car, comprehensive (other-than-collision) and collision coverage will cover the damage repairs after a deductible is paid.
The benefits of buying enough insurance are without a doubt worth the cost, especially when you need to use it. As of last year, the average driver in North Carolina overpays more than $825 a year so smart consumers compare quotes at every renewal to save money.
The Mazda 3 Insurance Price Equation
Lots of factors are considered when quoting car insurance. Most are fairly basic like your driving record, but other criteria are more obscure like your continuous coverage or how safe your car is. It’s important that you understand a few of the rating criteria that come into play when calculating auto insurance rates. If you understand what influences your rates, this helps enable you to make changes that will entitle you to lower auto insurance prices.
The itemized list below are just a few of the factors companies use to determine premiums.
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Affects performance affects auto insurance premiums – The type of vehicle you drive makes a big difference in your car insurance bill. The cheapest insurance rates are generally reserved for lower performance four cylinder passenger cars, but that’s not the only thing that factors into the final price.
The following chart uses these assumptions: single male driver age 40, full coverage with $250 deductibles, and no discounts or violations. The data compares Mazda 3 car insurance rates compared to other models that have a range of performances.
- Lower rates for married couples – Getting married may save some money on your auto insurance policy. Marriage may mean you are more financially stable it has been statistically shown that married drivers tend to have fewer serious accidents.
- More than one policy can earn a discount – Most insurance companies provide discounts to insureds that purchase more than one policy, otherwise known as a multi-policy discount. The amount of the discounts can be five, ten or even twenty percent. Even with this discount applied, you still need to check prices from other companies to confirm you are receiving the best rates possible. You may still find a better deal even if you have your coverage with different companies
- Raise coverage deductibles and save – Coverage for physical damage, termed comprehensive and collision coverage on your policy, is used to repair damage to your Mazda. Examples of covered claims are collision with another vehicle, hitting a deer, and windstorm damage. The deductibles you choose define how much you are willing to pay if a claim is determined to be covered. The larger the amount the insured has to pay upfront, the less your company will charge you for insurance.
- More miles driven equals more premium – Driving more miles annually the higher the price you pay to insure it. The majority of insurers charge rates based on how the vehicle is used. Cars that have low annual miles can get a lower rate than those used for commuting. Verify your declarations sheet reflects annual mileage, because it can save money. A policy that improperly rates your 3 may be costing you higher rates.
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Insurance losses for a Mazda 3 – Car insurance companies use data from past claims as a way to help calculate a profitable premium price. Models that have increased losses will cost more for specific coverages. The data below shows the historical loss data for Mazda 3 vehicles.
For each policy coverage, the loss probability for all vehicles averaged together equals 100. Numbers shown that are under 100 suggest a better than average loss history, while values that are 100 or greater point to more frequent losses or tendency to have larger claims.
Car Insurance Loss Data for Mazda 3 Models Vehicle Make and Model Collision Property Damage Comp Personal Injury Medical Payment Bodily Injury Mazda 3 99 104 96 106 110 103 Mazda 3 Hatchback 91 80 96 81 73 86 BETTERAVERAGEWORSEData Source: iihs.org (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) for 2013-2015 Model Years
Save with these discounts
Some insurers don’t always publicize their entire list of discounts very well, so the list below contains a few of the more common and the harder-to-find credits available to you.
- Data Collection Discounts – Insureds who allow their company to monitor vehicle usage by using a telematics device like Allstate’s Drivewise may see discounts if they show good driving skills.
- Good Grades Discount – This discount can save 20 to 25%. This discount can apply up to age 25.
- New Vehicle Savings – Insuring a vehicle that is new can save up to 30% since newer models are generally safer.
- Include Life Insurance and Save – Not every insurance company offers life insurance, but if they do you may earn a break if you buy some life insurance in addition to your auto policy.
- Online Discount – Some companies provide a small discount just for signing your application on their website.
- Lower Rates for Military – Being deployed in the military could mean lower insurance rates.
- Passive Restraint Discount – Vehicles with factory air bags can get savings up to 30%.
Don’t be surprised that some of the credits will not apply to your bottom line cost. Most only cut the cost of specific coverages such as medical payments or collision. So when it seems like you could get a free insurance policy, you won’t be that lucky.
The chart below illustrates the difference between Mazda 3 premium costs with and without discounts. The premiums assume a female driver, no accidents or driving violations, North Carolina state minimum liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows premium with no discounts. The second shows the rates with multi-policy, claim-free, safe-driver, multi-car, homeowner, and marriage discounts applied.
A list of insurance companies and their offered discounts include:
- GEICO discounts include good student, air bags, federal employee, five-year accident-free, seat belt use, and anti-lock brakes.
- SAFECO has savings for homeowner, safe driver, anti-theft, teen safe driver, and drive less.
- State Farm may include discounts for defensive driving training, student away at school, accident-free, safe vehicle, and passive restraint.
- MetLife has discounts for accident-free, claim-free, good driver, defensive driver, good student, and multi-policy.
- 21st Century may have discounts that include student driver, theft prevention, anti-lock brakes, defensive driver, air bags, early bird, and driver training.
- Progressive includes discounts for online quote discount, continuous coverage, multi-policy, homeowner, online signing, multi-vehicle, and good student.
Check with each insurance company which credits you are entitled to. Savings may not be available in Charlotte. To see a list of insurance companies that provide some of the discounts listed above in Charlotte, follow this link.
It’s not one size fits all
When quoting and comparing insurance from an agent or online for your vehicles, there really is not a cookie cutter policy. Your needs are not the same as everyone else’s and your policy should reflect that.
For example, these questions may help highlight if your insurance needs might need an agent’s assistance.
- How can I get the company to pay a claim?
- Should I buy only the required North Carolina minimum liability coverage?
- Is business property covered if stolen from my car?
- When should my teen driver be added to my policy?
- What is roadside assistance coverage?
- Which companies will insure me after a DUI?
- Does my Mazda 3 qualify for pleasure use?
- Do I have ACV or replacement cost coverage?
- What if I owe more than I can insure my car for?
If you can’t answer these questions but a few of them apply, you might consider talking to a licensed insurance agent. To find lower rates from a local agent, fill out this quick form or you can go here for a list of companies in your area. It is quick, free and can help protect your family.
Getting quotes from local Charlotte car insurance agents
A small number of people still like to sit down with an agent and that can be a great decision Good insurance agents will help you protect your assets and help in the event of a claim. The best thing about comparing rate quotes online is that drivers can save money and get cheap rate quotes but still work with a licensed agent.
To make it easy to find an agent, after completing this simple form, your information is emailed to insurance agents in Charlotte that can provide free Charlotte car insurance quotes for your business. It simplifies rate comparisons since you won’t have to contact any insurance agencies since rate quotes are delivered to you instantly. If you need to get a comparison quote from a specific company, you can always go to their quote page and fill out their quote form.
Finding the right company should depend on more than just a cheap price. Any good agent in Charlotte should know the answers to these questions.
- Will their companies depreciate repairs to your car based on the mileage?
- Is there a Errors and Omissions policy in force?
- Do you qualify for any additional discounts?
- Do the coverages you’re quoting properly cover your vehicle?
- Do they have a Better Business Bureau rating in Charlotte?
- Which companies can they place coverage with?
If you need to find a reliable agent, there are two different types of agencies and how they operate. Car insurance agencies are either independent agents or exclusive agents. Either can sell affordable car insurance policies, but it’s a good idea to understand the subtle differences because it may have an impact on your selection of an agent.
Exclusive Insurance Agencies
Exclusive agencies can usually just insure with one company and some examples include Farmers Insurance, State Farm, or Allstate. Exclusive agents cannot compare rates from other companies so they have to upsell other benefits. Exclusive agencies are usually well trained on their company’s products which helps them sell insurance even at higher premiums.
The following are exclusive agencies in Charlotte that are able to give comparison quotes.
Howard Johnson Jr – State Farm Insurance Agent
5342 Docia Crossing Rd a – Charlotte, NC 28269 – (704) 947-7233 – View Map
State Farm: Rob Heath
6215 Brookshire Blvd – Charlotte, NC 28216 – (704) 392-4166 – View Map
AAA Carolinas
6600 A A A Dr – Charlotte, NC 28212 – (704) 569-3600 – View Map
Independent Agencies or Brokers
Independent insurance agents can sell policies from many different companies and that enables them to quote your coverage with a variety of different insurance companies and potentially find a lower price. If you are not satisfied with one company, your agent can switch companies and you stay with the same agent.
When comparing rates, you will definitely want to contact a couple of independent agencies for maximum quote selection.
Shown below is a list of independent insurance agents in Charlotte that are able to give price quotes.
Pegram Insurance Agency
9010 Glenwater Dr #103 – Charlotte, NC 28262 – (704) 494-9495 – View Map
Johnson Insurance Management, LLC
3220 Wilkinson Boulevard Ste A3 – Charlotte, NC 28208 – (704) 394-7327 – View Map
Patriot Insurance Agencies
9620 Monroe Rd – Charlotte, NC 28270 – (704) 644-3058 – View Map
You can lower your insurance rates
Cheaper Mazda 3 insurance in Charlotte is definitely available from both online companies in addition to local insurance agencies, and you should be comparing both in order to have the best price selection to choose from. Some insurance companies may not provide online quoting and usually these smaller companies prefer to sell through independent insurance agents.
Throughout this article, we presented a lot of tips how to lower your Mazda 3 insurance premium rates in Charlotte. The most important thing to understand is the more you quote Charlotte car insurance, the better likelihood of getting low cost Charlotte car insurance quotes. You may even find the best premium rates are with some of the smallest insurance companies. These smaller insurers may have significantly lower prices on certain market segments than the large multi-state companies such as Progressive and GEICO.
To learn more, link through to these articles:
- Auto Insurance 101 (About.com)
- Who Has Affordable Auto Insurance Rates for Good Drivers in Charlotte? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance Rates for Good Students in Charlotte? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Car Insurance for High School Students in Charlotte? (FAQ)
- Who Has Cheap Auto Insurance for a Dodge Grand Caravan in Charlotte? (FAQ)
- What Car Insurance is Cheapest for a Toyota Camry in Charlotte? (FAQ)
- Driving in Bad Weather (Insurance Information Institute)
- Top Signs Your Brakes are Giving Out (State Farm)
- Rearview cameras reduce backing crashes (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)