Car insurance is a must for any vehicle owner, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay outrageous prices for coverage, as the costs of getting into a new automobile could already be breaking the bank. There are so many different insurance companies that they will be more than willing to compete for your business as long as you maintain a good driving record. Here are a few quick tips to follow when you’re looking to save money on car insurance.
Ask for Discounts
Every single insurance company has discounts available to both new and established customers. Ask your agent to review the discounts that apply to your account to help you find more ways to save. If you’re a renter, getting some renter’s insurance added to your policy may end up making your car insurance cheaper in the long-run for bundling services.Every insurance agency is different, so speak with your agent about discounts that could be applied to your account.
Increase Your Deductible
If you’re okay with paying more money out of pocket in case an accident happens, then raising your deductible will lower your monthly premium amount.According to some research, raising the deductible from $500 to $1000 can save you on average about $200 a year. This amount varies according to your insurance company and state that you live in, but it’s a way to cut down on those monthly premium costs.
Improve Your Credit Score
It may seem like your credit rating should have no bearing on the insurance rate you’re charged, but that’s not true. It’s one of the primary factors that insurance companies look at when they’re determining how much to charge you monthly for insurance.Some tips for improving your credit include making all your loan and credit card payments on time, keeping low balances on all your credit cards, and opening new accounts only when you need to do so. If your credit score is in the sub-600 range, you should be working hard to get it improved so you can pay less for insurance. In fact, this is one of the best ways to get cheaper insurance according to this guide.
Consider Usage-Based Insurance for Driving Sparingly
Some insurance companies offer a usage-based insurance program that can help you save money by only charging you a flat rate for the miles you drive. These companies ask you to install a small device on your car that transmits data to the insurance company, which helps them determine how safe you are when driving and how far you go.Pay-per-mile insurance is becoming more popular for people who only need to drive a little, and it is a great way to save on those premium costs. The only downside is that is available in select states like California, Oregon, Washington and more. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer this type of coverage for the state in which you live.
Shop Around and Let Your Insurance Company Know
Don’t be afraid to shop around for a different insurance company if you feel like your current provider is charging too much. Insurance companies are happy to have a new customer and are willing to bend over backward to get you to switch by offering sweet discounts. Negotiating the price of your insurance by shopping around should be done at least once a year to make sure you’re getting the best deal for insurance.
