Car insurance is a must-have for every driver, as it protects you financially in the event of an accident. However, car insurance policies can get expensive, particularly for those who don’t have a perfect driving record. Luckily, there are many ways that you can save money on your car insurance policy and bring your monthly payment costs down. Here are some easy ways that you can save money on your auto insurance.
Raise your deductible
If you need a quick and easy way to lower the cost of your car insurance policy, try raising your deductible. Your deductible is the amount you’ll pay out of pocket when filing a claim before your insurance coverage kicks in. When you raise your deductible, your insurer will typically lower your monthly payments to compensate. However, it’s important to make sure you have enough money in savings to pay that deductible, should you get into an accident.
Ask about discounts
Most car insurance companies have a long list of discounts to help their customers save money. However, they don’t always advertise these discounts, so it’s important to ask for them when you are applying for your policy. Some of the most common car insurance discounts include discounts for a good driving record, insuring multiple cars, paying your yearly bill in full, or being a good student. Even small discounts add up over time, which is why it’s so important to ask.
Comparison shop
When looking for a new car insurance policy, you should always get quotes from several different insurers. Try to get quotes from both large national insurers as well as smaller regional providers. The reason this is so important is that every insurance company has their own formula for calculating car insurance prices. They look at a number of different factors, such as your driving history, the type of car you drive, your credit score, your age, and your location. Because each insurance company assesses your profile differently, your quotes may vary dramatically in price. Don’t just go for the cheapest policy you can find – instead, look at who is able to provide you with the most value for money.
Consider switching your coverage
You want to make sure you’re protected in the event of an emergency, but if you have too much coverage, you’ll end up overspending every month. If you need to save money, consider cutting back on the amount of coverage you have, or even eliminating extras like comprehensive coverage. If you don’t drive often, you can also look into mileage-based insurance, where you’ll only pay for the amount you actually drive. Lowering your coverage even slightly can help you save a significant amount every year.
Opt for a different vehicle
If you’re driving a car that insurers think is particularly dangerous, you’ll probably end up paying more in premiums. If you’ve been thinking about switching cars anyway, it can actually help you save money in the long run. Adding safety features to your car is another way to help save some money on your overall premium.