Tips to Search for an Auto Insurance Policy
It's been a while since you shopped for insurance, and the last time was just too overwhelming. A good place to start is by checking your inbox. Your car insurance company may be emailing you valuable information on discounts and deals that could save you money this year. If your company doesn't have any offers, check out the competition by entering several different zip codes in an online quote form or speaking with an agent over the phone. You'll be back on the road in no time!
If it's been more than a few years since you've had car insurance, speak with a licensed agent who can answer all of your questions and help you get started right away. If you currently drive a luxury vehicle, a new driver in the family or a teen driver with a record, you may be looking at a higher premium than what you're used to.
Ask your auto insurance agent about discounts. Discounts vary greatly by state and company, but they are often offered for:
Good grades – Save big on insurance by being an A student! Insurance companies love students who have excelled in high school or college. If you have maintained straight A's all through high school and college, ask your car insurance provider for one of their good grades discount cards! It will be worth it when you get to the register at checkout.
– Save big on insurance by being an A student! Insurance companies love students who have excelled in high school or college. If you have maintained straight A's all through high school and college, ask your car insurance provider for one of their good grades discount cards! It will be worth it when you get to the register at checkout. On time payments – Some auto insurance providers will offer discounts for drivers with a history of paying their bills on time. This includes any other bills as well, such as credit card and utility bills.
– Some auto insurance providers will offer discounts for drivers with a history of paying their bills on time. This includes any other bills as well, such as credit card and utility bills. Driving safety – If you have taken a defensive driving course or you just haven't been in an accident, let your agent know! You could be eligible for a discount on your premiums.
– If you have taken a defensive driving course or you just haven't been in an accident, let your agent know! You could be eligible for a discount on your premiums. No accidents or tickets – Some car insurance companies offer discounts if you can prove that you've had no accidents and no tickets in the past three years. If you don't have this proof, ask the company to provide these records. To ensure that they don't think of something later, some car insurance companies will even provide a list of additional questions to ask them down the road.
Installation of safety features – If you have purchased or had safety features installed on your car, like an air bag or anti-theft system, ask your agent if you'll be eligible for a discount.
– If you have purchased or had safety features installed on your car, like an air bag or anti-theft system, ask your agent if you'll be eligible for a discount. Automobile club membership – If you are a AAA member, use that to your advantage! Many insurance companies reward members with discounts on their car insurance premiums.
– If you are a AAA member, use that to your advantage! Many insurance companies reward members with discounts on their car insurance premiums. Commuter driving – Auto insurance companies often offer discounts to drivers who use public transit. Whether you take the train, bus or subway, ask your company for a discount for commuters who don't drive.
– Auto insurance companies often offer discounts to drivers who use public transit. Whether you take the train, bus or subway, ask your company for a discount for commuters who don't drive. Good driving record – If you have a clean driving record and haven't been in an accident, ask your company about a safe driver discount.
– If you have a clean driving record and haven't been in an accident, ask your company about a safe driver discount. Not always on the road – If you don't drive that much or can prove that you only drive to and from work, school and places of worship (if you go regularly), there may be no need for car insurance at all! Some insurance companies will give you the option of paying for the coverage only when you need it.
– If you don't drive that much or can prove that you only drive to and from work, school and places of worship (if you go regularly), there may be no need for car insurance at all! Some insurance companies will give you the option of paying for the coverage only when you need it. Low mileage – If your car is going mainly in one direction, ask your auto insurance company if they'll reduce your premiums by how far you drive every year.
– If your car is going mainly in one direction, ask your auto insurance company if they'll reduce your premiums by how far you drive every year. Safety – If you have had a child safety seat installed in your car, check with your company to see if this will apply to you or if there are any additional requirements that you must meet.
– If you have had a child safety seat installed in your car, check with your company to see if this will apply to you or if there are any additional requirements that you must meet. Good driving record – One good way to save money on car insurance is by maintaining a clean driving record. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), drivers who maintain no more than one moving violation every three years on average can expect their premiums to drop by an average of 4% each year.
– One good way to save money on car insurance is by maintaining a clean driving record. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), drivers who maintain no more than one moving violation every three years on average can expect their premiums to drop by an average of 4% each year. Multiple cars – If you own multiple cars, shop around and compare the various rates from different companies! Some companies may offer discounts for multiple vehicles.
– If you own multiple cars, shop around and compare the various rates from different companies! Some companies may offer discounts for multiple vehicles. Low credit score – According to Bankrate, if your credit score is low, keep your driving record clean and make all car insurance payments on time. If your credit score is low, you may be charged a higher premium, which can actually save you money in the long run!
– According to Bankrate, if your credit score is low, keep your driving record clean and make all car insurance payments on time. If your credit score is low, you may be charged a higher premium, which can actually save you money in the long run! Monthly payment – Many auto insurance companies will offer reduced rates for monthly payments, so ask about this as well.
– Many auto insurance companies will offer reduced rates for monthly payments, so ask about this as well. Driving safety – There are many ways to lower your car insurance costs.
Conclusion:
There are many ways to save money on car insurance. These include:
Shopping around – If you haven't shopped around for car insurance in five years or more, it is definitely worth the time and effort to get new quotes. You can do this online or over the phone, so take your pick! Discounts – See what discounts your current car insurance company offers. This will help you pay less for your monthly premium! Deductibles – Try increasing your deductible amount if you can afford it, and see if that helps lower your monthly premium. Accident history – Get a copy of your driving record and look to see if there have been any claims filed against you in the past three years.