Insurance Rates :(

dsmithpdx · 11-20-2008, 01:51 PM

Hi all! I am new here. My wife is looking to trade in her 2004 VW Beetle for a smart Passion coupe (yellow and black orphan) on Saturday. We already got approved for the loan, so now she just needs to drive it and make a final decision!

I just called my insurance agent, and found out that our rates are going to go UP by $13/month compared to the Beetle. That was certainly unexpected! I guess I was hoping that a cheaper car would also be cheaper to insure. She said that nobody has asked for a quote on a smart yet (she didn't even know what it was), so she thinks the rates could go down once they have more data. Oh well, probably not a deal breaker, but we were certainly hoping for different news! I've been thinking about shopping around for insurance anyway, so perhaps this is the push I needed (currently we are with Allstate).

At any rate, hopefully we'll be part of the smart family come Saturday!

Doug

**rfernatt** · 11-20-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dsmithpdx

Hi all! I am new here. My wife is looking to trade in her 2004 VW Beetle for a smart Passion coupe (yellow and black orphan) on Saturday. We already got approved for the loan, so now she just needs to drive it and make a final decision!

I just called my insurance agent, and found out that our rates are going to go UP by $13/month compared to the Beetle. That was certainly unexpected! I guess I was hoping that a cheaper car would also be cheaper to insure. She said that nobody has asked for a quote on a smart yet (she didn't even know what it was), so she thinks the rates could go down once they have more data. Oh well, probably not a deal breaker, but we were certainly hoping for different news! I've been thinking about shopping around for insurance anyway, so perhaps this is the push I needed (currently we are with Allstate).

At any rate, hopefully we'll be part of the smart family come Saturday!

Doug

I'd definitely shop around, if you're inclined. My company (Westfield) rates the smart very well and my insurance went down $300/year versus the Honda Civic I traded. Hope you enjoy the car!

**JPaul** · 11-20-2008, 01:57 PM

Ask your Agent to double check with the headquarters, to have a look under Mercedes (sometimes the smart is misplaced there) and to come back with a more "informed" rate.
Not only is the smart cheaper to buy, but most likely also cheaper to repair (plastic body panels).
Welcome to the club, and many smiling miles.

scdaf · 11-20-2008, 01:59 PM

We pay about $300/year for full coverage with no deductable on glass, $500 ded. on everything else. Met Life.

forestacademy · 11-20-2008, 02:02 PM

Make sure they know it is a 451 not a 450. You may need to provide a VIN

Lots of insurance infor here
High Insurance Rates

And Liberty Mutual was or is a sponsor here.

smartYsmileS · 11-20-2008, 02:09 PM

~ I pay less for full coverage on my Smart than I did for liability on my Honda Del Sol!

Progressive Insurance

dsmithpdx · 11-20-2008, 02:15 PM

Thanks for all the replies! I had a feeling something wasn't right...I did give her the actual VIN from the car, so I guess the quote must be right. Smart Center of Portland just told me that they are partnered with Liberty Mutual, so I might give them a call.

Doug

jediknight36 · 11-20-2008, 02:29 PM

It varies with each person's credit (poo), accident history, length insured with last company (do you hop around), and age.

We went from save auto to State farm and was able to lower our deductible and add on renters for $10 less that just full coverage with higher deductible was.

intake172 · 11-20-2008, 02:30 PM

I had my agent check out lots of insurance companies and Safeco looked like the cheapest. I am 27 and a clean driving history and they quoted me about 436 a month for full coverage. its cheaper than my 06 suzuki

jediknight36 · 11-20-2008, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intake172

I had my agent check out lots of insurance companies and Safeco looked like the cheapest. I am 27 and a clean driving history and they quoted me about 436 a month for full coverage. its cheaper than my 06 suzuki

Dang! I dont think we will be paying that for TWO cars and my wife and I are both under 25, a few accidents, nothing serious. I may even have a ticket on there.