SAAB Car Insurance

Saab was a Swedish car maker which took bankruptcy in late 2011. It is no longer manufacturing vehicles. It was previously owned by the giant American automaker, General Motors. During most of 2010 and 2011, Saab was hoping to find an investor who would save the company from financial ruin. A Chinese consortium was interested in Saab, but GM vetoed the plan. General Motors still controls the licensing of much of Saab’s technology and it did not want the Chinese group to have access to this information.

Saab was founded in 1937 and originally manufactured airplanes for the Swedish Air Force. Although Sweden maintained its neutrality during World War Two, aircraft was needed to protect that neutrality. After the war, aircraft production was no longer a priority so Saab decided to diversify into other areas of manufacturing. In 1944, Saab began its Project 92 which called for the creation of a passenger car. In 1947, the company introduced the Saab 92001 (Ursaab).

As of now, the Swedish receivers handling the Saab bankruptcy have announced that they have 6-7 potential interested parties who desire to purchase the troubled automaker. The hope is to have a final candidate by the end of February 2012.

Saab has always been regarded as not only a developer of top performance vehicles but also as a company that puts a priority on drivers’ safety. Saab continually led the automotive industry with its innovative designs and safety features. It was the first automaker to offer car models with seat belts as standard equipment. The company was also the first to design and implement headlight wipers and washers, the first to feature self-repairing bumpers, and the first to offer a split side mirror which eliminates the driver’s blind spot.

Many dealers are now offering new model Saab vehicles at huge savings. Since Saab is technically no longer making cars, these vehicles must be sold without any warranties. If you are interested in a new Saab, it would be smart to check with your local dealership to find out specific information concerning discounts, warranties and service.

Saab automobiles are considered safe and reliable and generally are not overly expensive to insure. However, since dealerships are now in the process of closing this fact could impact what you will pay for coverage. When you shop for auto insurance, contact several different companies and carefully compare quotes. The make and model of your vehicle will affect your overall policy cost (sports cars are almost always the most expensive to cover) but other factors will influence your personal rates. Agents consider your driving record, your age, where you live, and even your credit score to determine what you will pay.

You can help keep the cost of your car insurance low by driving safely and choosing a moderately priced vehicle. Nearly all insurance companies offer discounts to customers so be sure to ask your agent and see if you qualify. There can be good driver discounts, discounts for honor students, and discounts for bundling your policies together with the same company (life, home, car, renter’s, etc.). These can add up to significant savings. Also, check your credit report and make sure the information is up-to-date and accurate.

Saab theft risk
The National Insurance Crime Bureau issues an annual report on the 100 most commonly stolen vehicles and Saab models were not named to the latest list. Remember that cars which have the most safety features, including anti-theft devices, normally will cost less to insure. For this reason, newer models are generally less expensive to insure than older models.

Crash Test Results for Saab
Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests thousands of vehicles to determine crashworthiness. This translates to how well a certain car model will protect its occupants in the event of a crash. The following Saab models were named as Top Safety Picks for 2012 by the IIHS. This means these cars received a good rating in all areas- high speed front and side crash tests, head/seat restraint protection against neck injuries in a rear impact crash, and the rollover crash test.

  • Large luxury cars- Saab 9-5
  • Midsize luxury SUVs- Saab 9-4X

Saab insurance
A smart consumer should always include the cost of car insurance when budgeting for car ownership expenses. A brand which is no longer being manufactured such as Saab will generally cost more to insure than other vehicles. In the event of an accident, repair costs will be higher due to increased parts and labor costs and also the fact that needed parts may be harder to locate. When budgeting for insurance coverage, the following quotes should be used as a guideline for what you might be expected to pay. Your actual premium cost may be quite different depending on your personal information and situation.

On average, a Saab will normally cost around $1440 a year for coverage. The Saab 9-3 and the Saab 9-7X cost about $1390 for an annual policy. The Saab 9-5 will generally run you about $1550 for a yearly premium.