How to Save Money on Auto Insurance
Most, if not all, states in the US require licensed drivers to have, at the very least, liability insurance on their vehicles. Auto insurance may seem like an expensive addition to your monthly bills, but did you know there are ways to save a considerable amount of cash on your premiums? No matter what your situation may be, there are a number of ways you can lower your insurance premiums.
Do Your Research
While most insurance providers offer similar kinds of coverage, a good lot of them have wildly varying price tags. Research your local auto insurance providers and get an idea of your final costs; you may find that a couple of them are considerably cheaper than the competition, with the exact same type of coverage.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
No matter what kind of driver you are, one of the first things an insurance provider will look at is y our driving record. If you’ve accumulated a large amount of points, received a considerable amount of traffic violations, and been involved in many accidents, an insurance provider may deem you a high-risk asset. As a result, you’ll be required to pay higher monthly premiums – even just for the minimum coverage.
Be careful on the road and ensure you drive safely – not just for the safety of yourself and other, but also for the sake of your wallet.
Choose the Right Car
Believe it or not, some cars cost more to insure than others. This is due to a variety of reasons, including safety, tendency for damage, and tendency for theft. If you want to minimize insurance costs, choose your vehicle carefully. If you’re not sure about costs, you can always ask any insurance broker for a preliminary estimate on the cost of coverage.
Ask About Discounts
Perhaps the easiest way to save money on your car insurance is to simply ask. Most, if not all, insurance providers have a long laundry list of discounts they can offer to all drivers, regardless of age or experience. These include:
- Safe driver discounts
- Good student discounts
- Low mileage discounts
- Multiple vehicle discounts
- Discounts for auto club memberships such as AAA
Be sure to ask about any and all discounts you may qualify for before choosing a provider.
Take a Driver Safety Course
Most states will offer a hefty discount on your auto insurance premiums if you take a driver safety course with their permission. These courses are essentially refreshers of your driving knowledge, providing you with info such as:
- Updated driving laws
- Rules of the road
- Defensive driving techniques
- Proper right-of-way safety
- Driving at night or on the freeway
Not only can these courses save you a good chunk of change, they’re also extremely effective in bolstering your skills as a safe, responsible driver.
