I don't know how many of you guys own multiple 4runners, but we've got two. One's a 1999 base package with 2.7L 2WD and no ABS, and the other is a 1999 SR5 3.4L 4WD with ABS, both with ~160k and both used exclusively for daily street driving. I just renewed our auto insurance, and I was reminded again about how much of a price gap exists between both trucks in terms of insurance.

I've called once or twice to try and talk them into making an adjustment, but I'm not talking to the right people or I'm not saying the right thing. The trucks are virtually identical (really, the SR5 should be a bit safer, with a bigger engine and ABS), and they're used identically. Neither my wife or I have any accidents on our record. All the girl on the phone would say is that the 3.4L engine "was bigger". Wow, thanks.

6 month renewal from Progressive insurance:
1999 2.7L: $122
1999 3.4L: $198

Any ideas for getting those rates lower?

 

4WD is why it's higher.

:wabbit2:

 

There is not much chance you are going to convince your Progressive agent to change your rate. You should shop other carriers and see what they offer you. Last time I shopped insurance, "American Family" was the lowest price. I don't have any loyalty to my insurer and I like to reshop it out every few years.

 

That and the fact that one is base model and the other is an SR5

 

With those rates I guess they are both paid for.

Those rates are pretty cheap i pay more than that for my 1987 4Runner

I wanted to save some insurance money by dropping a vehicle under major restoring that was ok but the next renewal my rates went up to be slightly higher less one vehicle.

For the record I am 53 with a clean driving license go figure .

 

Avoid all high marketing insurance companies and go visit at least 2 different local insurance brokers in your area. You can get the same exact coverage (or better) by going through a "no-name" insurance company that's been around for decades. Saving upwards of 50% over the cost of commercialized brands.
Look inside your local phone book and visit those brokers. If you've seen them advertised on TV, then your getting ripped off.
Examples that a broker might use for you is www.victoriainsurance.com or www.unitrin.com

 

Since we are on the topic of car insurance don't buy the minimums. I have a half a million worth of liability insurance from progressive and it costs me $150 more a year that's just $15 more a month.

From working in law enforcement I can tell you that the 40K liability that is most states minimum will be used up in a FLASH if there is ANY injury or total loss of someone car.

Also having that extra money the insurance company will stick big time lawyers and investigators to keep from having to pay out that much money.

What this does for you is if the police are trying to hold you criminally liable the insurance company knows that will be a slam dunk against them in civil court. So its their best interest to use their high priced lawyers and investigators to prove or argue that your not liable or diminish the liability.


Aside from progressive's REALLY good claims service which I used after IKE.. their spokesgirl FLO is smoking HOT


FOG

 

I was with AMICA for 20+ years great service, when I bought a tercel for a DD they said it was gonna be $72/month for liability...called around and like Rocket said, ended up going through a broker at my wife's bank, yearly insurance for 4 vehicles went down over $1400 a year, and that was after adding the Tercel
Pays to shop around. Guys @ work have said CostCo has good deals too.

 

Im paying $500 every 6 months here .

 

I'm insured with Hagerty, $405 a year.

 

Im paying 140 a month, been driving for 2 years and no tickets/accidents.

 

USAA, if you can get it, don't even think twice.

I have called around before and as soon as i tell them what i am with now, they just say "why waste both of our times, you got the best rate".

The few i did get a rate out of were at least 2x the cost. Plus USAA is THE best when it comes to actually needing the insurance. Being non-profit they have nothing to lose. Heck i usually get a check back each year since they turned a profit. Thats always nice.

They resently opened up the qualifications to get USAA as well, no longer do you or your pernets have to be in the military, your grandparents could have been in and you can get it plus a few other ways you can get it.

 

$45 month for full coverage....state farm

 

I was paying 146 a month for the 94 4Runner, but im 18, single male and have one accident on my record.

Data, how did you get 45 a month? is that for your 4Runner?