18 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates
Auto insurance is one of the largest expenses for many American families, but there are ways to lower your car insurance rates and save money.
Here are 18 tips for how to get cheaper car insurance:
1. Shop around and compare rates:
The best way to find cheaper car insurance is to compare rates from different companies. There are a number of websites that allow you to do this easily and quickly.
2. Get quotes from multiple companies:
Another way to get lower rates is to get quotes from multiple companies. This will give you a better idea of what each company offers and allows you to compare rates.
3. Ask for discounts:
Many insurance companies offer discounts for things like safe driving, good grades, taking a defensive driving course, etc. Be sure to ask your insurer what discounts they offer and how you can qualify for them.
4. Raise your deductible:
One way to lower your monthly premium is to raise your deductible. This means you’ll pay more out-of-pocket if you have an accident, but it can save you money on your premium.
5. Don’t pay for coverage you don’t need:
Make sure you’re not paying for coverage you don’t need. For example, if you have an older car, you may not need collision or comprehensive coverage.
6. Drop unnecessary extras:
Another way to save on your premium is to drop unnecessary extras, such as roadside assistance or rental car coverage, if you don’t need them.
7. Consider a higher deductible:
If you’re willing to pay more out-of-pocket in the event of an accident, you may be able to get a lower monthly premium by choosing a higher deductible.
8. Drive a safe car:
Some cars are simply cheaper to insure than others. If you’re in the market for a new car, be sure to check insurance rates before you make your purchase.
9. Keep your car in good shape:
One way to lower your rates is to keep your car in good shape. This means regularly maintaining it and keeping it clean. A well-maintained car is less likely to have an accident.
10. Take a defensive driving course:
Taking a defensive driving course can help you learn how to avoid accidents and may qualify you for a discount on your premium.
11. Drive safely:
Of course, the best way to lower your rates is to simply drive safely. This means obeying the speed limit, not driving under the influence, and avoiding accidents.
12. Get a newer car:
Newer cars tend to have better safety features and are thus cheaper to insure. If you’re in the market for a new car, be sure to check insurance rates before you make your purchase.
13. Get a smaller car:
Smaller cars also tend to be cheaper to insure. If you’re in the market for a new car, be sure to check insurance rates before you make your purchase.
14. Consider telematics:
If you’re willing to have a device installed in your car that tracks your driving habits, you may qualify for a discount on your premium. This is called telematics, and it can help insurers better assess your risk.
15. Get a longer policy:
If you’re willing to commit to a longer policy, you may be able to get a discount on your premium. This is because insurers view longer-term customers as being less risky.
16. Pay in full:
If you’re able to pay your premium in full, rather than in installments, you may be able to get a discount. This is because insurers view customers who pay in full as being less risky.
17. Use electronic funds transfer:
If you’re willing to have your payments automatically deducted from your bank account each month, you may be able to get a discount on your premium. This is because insurers view customers who use electronic funds transfer as being less risky.
18. Join a group:
If you’re a member of certain groups, such as the AARP, you may be able to get a discount on your premium. Be sure to ask your insurer about this.
Conclusion:
As you can see, there are a number of ways to save on your car insurance. Be sure to shop around and compare rates from different insurers. And be sure to ask about discounts. By taking the time to do this, you could save yourself a lot of money on your premium.