10 Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance

We are dedicated to helping consumers save money on car insurance. Your path to finding the best car insurance company will always start with education but there are many helpful tips you can learn to help you save money without having to feel like you’re going back to school.

Number 1 Rule.

Always compare car insurance companies.

Policy coverage, premiums, available discounts, customer service hours, claims handling, online account management and payment plans will always vary from one provider to another. Just like you spent the time researching a new car you should always take the time to compare car insurance quotes.

2. Find a “Lower Risk” Car

Car insurance companies base much of the premium cost on the make and model of the car being insured. Models which have proven safety records and low rates of auto theft along with numerous safety features often reward owners with lower car insurance premiums. Of course, you need to always research the safety of a car instead of choosing one based on the cost of auto insurance so do your due diligence and try to find a vehicle which rewards you with an insurance discount and has the safety record you require.

3. Always Ask about Multiple Policy Discounts

Many insurance companies offer discounts up to 20% if you have more than one policy with them. Most consumers have a life or home insurance policy so get a car insurance quote and a multiple policy quote from each potential provider you speak with.

4. Ask for Higher Deductibles

Car insurance premiums can often be reduced up to 30% by simply asking for a higher deductible. All the word “deductible” means is the amount you are required to pay in the event of a claim before the actual insurance coverage kicks in. By raising you’re deductible from $250 to $500 or even $1000 you should realize a lot of savings and still maintain a minimal out of pocket cost for any accident covered by your policy.

5. Commute Close or Work from Home – Ask about Low Mileage discounts

Part of the formula for calculating car insurance premiums is how much time you are on the road. So if you have just a small commute or work from home its logical to assume you have lower than risk than somebody driving 20 miles a day each way to work.

6. Always Ask for a List of Discounts Available

Some car insurance companies actually provide a list of discounts available for their policy products. Remember, it is a privilege for any company to earn your business so ask about potential discounts from all the insurance you companies your speak with, then sit down and check off what ones you may be eligible for, then call back and get your quotes.

7. Good Credit is a Must

Credit scoring is now part of the auto insurance formula in many states (California has banned this) so make sure to maintain a good credit history. Obviously, you want to do this anyway but understand a blemish or two might cost you when searching a new policy.

8. Talk to Friends

There are no better referrals than from people you know. Unlike a blind date where your friends may extend the truth a little about how attractive a particular person is they will always tell you the truth about a car insurance company

9. Make Love.  Not War.

Ok, not in the literal sense but whenever you speak to an agent of a car insurance company be nice. Develop a phone personality and make them laugh or compliment them. A lot of these agents deal with some very rude people but know lots of tricks and tips for saving money on car insurance and are only more than happy to share them with someone who makes them laugh.

10. Compare Car Insurance Companies

Yes, this is also rule # 1 but many consumers still only call the family agent they have used for years. The internet empowers all of us access to information never available before so catch up with the next generation and use it. It’s your money and your peace of mind.