10 ways to save on car insurance
Written by Cheri Armstrong | Published on: August 24, 2016 | Updated on: September 10, 2019 | Categories: Car insurance
When it comes to insurance, you don’t want to cut corners — but you don’t want to break the bank, either. Whether you already have car insurance or you’re in the market for a new policy, check out these money-saving tips to help you get the best price.
- Study up. If you’re a brand new driver, discuss with your group’s broker the benefits of completing a certified drivers’ education class.
- Embrace your age. Insurance companies want to insure good, experienced drivers who have a lower risk of getting into a collision. Most insurance companies will offer discounts or reduced premiums to drivers above a certain age.
- Pick the right make and model. When you’re trying to choose a vehicle that will cost less to insure, it’s about more than just the vehicle’s price. In fact, a more expensive vehicle with higher safety ratings and more security features may cost less to insure than a less expensive vehicle that tends to experience more insurance claims, even though the more expensive vehicle would cost more to repair or replace. Learn more about how your vehicle’s make and model can affect the price of your insurance.
- Think about security. After-market security devices (like steering-wheel locks and alarm systems) are just one of many ways to prevent car theft. Installing an after-market anti-theft device could get you a discount on car insurance, too.
- Get winter ready. Depending on where you live, your insurer might give you a discount for using approved winter tires.
- (Don’t) go the distance. The more you drive, the greater your risk of having an accident — so the distance that you drive your car on an annual basis could affect your premium. Consider leaving your car behind and riding your bike, taking public transit, or working from home to help reduce your mileage and possibly lower your premium. Just don’t forget to tell your group’s broker that you’ve made a change to your driving habits!
- Be a better driver. This might be a no-brainer, but tickets and convictions can have a negative effect on your insurance rates. Tickets and convictions tend to stay on your record for at least three years, so you may be paying a higher premium for a while. The solution? Slow down, obey traffic laws, and stay on the right side of the law.
- Ask if you can exclude high-risk drivers from your policy. If you have high-risk drivers in your household, sometimes it’s a good idea to exclude them from your policy so you won’t be penalized with a higher premium. If they won’t be driving your vehicle, ask your group’s broker if it’s possible to exclude them from your policy coverages.
- Go for a higher deductible. Generally speaking, when you buy your car insurance policy, the higher you set your deductible, the lower your insurance premium will be. The key, of course, is to choose a deductible that you can afford to pay in the event of a claim, so check out your budget and find the balance that works for you.
- Bundle up. Whether you have more than one vehicle to insure or some other opportunity to combine policies (like car plus home or tenant insurance, for instance), you’ll likely see some savings. Just like your TV, Internet, and home phone provider, insurance companies reward customers with multi-policy discounts.
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It’s no secret that the cost of car insurance is going up across the country. Car insurance fraud, new technology in modern vehicles, and rising medical expenses after accidents are just a few of the reasons rates are going up.The good news is, there are plenty of ways you could save on car insurance…like installing a steering-wheel lock or alarm system, using winter tires in the colder months, changing your driving habits, or buying coverage for multiple vehicles or properties (or both!) from the same company.Discounts may also be available to drivers who are conviction-free, above a certain age, or part of a special group or association.If your insurer will allow it, choosing a higher deductible could lead to a lower premium, too.Plus, if you’ve been insured with the same company for a long time and haven’t had to make any claims, you could be rewarded with even more savings. But wait, there’s more! Believe it or not, there are even more ways you could save on car insurance. Talk to your licensed broker to find out what you can do to get the coverage and service you need at the best possible price.
At the end of the day, you’re looking for the best coverage at a reasonable price, and there’s no one more qualified to help you find it than your group’s insurance broker. Let them do the legwork and advise you on policies in your price range.
Have you noticed an increase in your car insurance premium despite doing everything you can to save? While some price increases may be due to factors within your control, others are caused by issues that are affecting car insurance customers across the country. Learn about some of the reasons why the cost of your car insurance might be going up.
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