Like most people, you probably don’t relish the idea of paying for car insurance. But luckily, there are a few easy tips that can help you budget your policy and save money. The answer continues to change as our cars evolve and our driving habits shift. “How Much Is Car Insurance” doesn’t have a simple solution.
In this post, we’ll share some of our best advice on keeping your premiums low. So whether you’re looking for ways to reduce your current bill or are shopping around for a new policy, read on for some helpful hints.
How Are Insurance Premiums Calculated?
There are a few different factors that go into how insurance companies calculate your premium. Some of these, like your age and gender, are out of your control. But others, like your driving record and the type of car you drive, are within your power to change.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the things that can impact your rate:
- Your age and gender
- Your driving record
- The type of car you drive
- Where you live
- How much you drive
- Whether or not you have insurance through your job
Now that we’ve gone over some of the basics let’s look at some specific ways you can save on your car insurance.
Know how much car insurance you need.
Before shopping for car insurance, you must know how much coverage you need. Remember that the minimum amount of coverage required by law may not be enough to protect you financially if you are involved in a severe accident. Consider your circumstances and choose a policy that will give you the right amount of protection.
Compare quotes from different insurers.
When you’re ready to start shopping for car insurance, get quotes from several insurers to find the best rate. Be sure to compare apples to apples, though, by getting quotes for the same level of coverage.
Consider raising your deductible.
One way to lower your car insurance premiums is to raise your deductible. This means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you have an accident, but it can be worth it in the long run if you don’t make a claim.
This is an exceptionally viable option for safe drivers or those not on the road during busy traffic times. Commuters are a great candidate for this choice, as their car spends most of the time in their driveway or the parking lot at work.
Drop collision and comprehensive coverage for an older car.
If you have an older car, paying for collision and comprehensive coverage may not be worth it. These types of coverage are designed to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident or stolen. But if your car isn’t worth much, it may not make financial sense to pay for this type of protection.
Keep your driving record clean.
Maintaining a clean driving record is one of the best ways to keep your car insurance rates low. Insurance companies view drivers with a history of accidents or traffic violations as high-risk, and they charge accordingly. So if you want to keep your rates down, make sure you drive safely and obey the road rules.
Make sure you’re getting all the discounts you’re entitled to.
Car insurance companies offer various discounts, so be sure to ask about them when you’re getting quotes. Some standard deals include those for good drivers, students, and people with certain vehicle safety features.
Other discounts include AAA, AARP, Costco, Military, first responders, and teacher’s discounts. Some businesses also offer discount codes to their employees to apply to their insurance policy, reducing the premium or the deductible.
Review your coverage periodically.
Your car insurance needs may change over time, so it’s essential to review your coverage regularly. If you’ve gotten married, had a child, or made any other significant life changes, let your insurer know so they can adjust your coverage accordingly.
When you move, marry, buy a new car, add a new driver, divorce, or otherwise change the status of your insured circumstances, your rates may vary. On the other hand, if you don’t report the change and something happens, you may not be covered as you thought.
Additionally, the longer you go without an incident, the lower your premiums will be. Some companies even offer cash incentives for safe driving. You may be asked to install a driving habit tracker into your car or through an app on your phone, and as you prove your safe driving habits, your rates can decrease upon renewal.
Drive Safely
Of course, driving safely and avoiding accidents is the best way to keep your car insurance rates down. Be a defensive driver and be aware of other drivers on the road, and you’ll be less likely to get into an accident in the first place. Also, avoid driving in dangerous conditions or parking in unsafe neighborhoods.
Be prepared for the unexpected.
Accidents can still happen even if you’re careful and do everything right. That’s why it’s essential to have the right car insurance, so you’re prepared for the worst. Make sure you have enough coverage to protect yourself financially if you are ever involved in an accident.
Pay Your Premiums in a Lump Sum
Most car insurance is billed in six-month increments. If you pay the whole six months in one go, the premium is lower than if you paid it in monthly installments.
Bundle your insurance policies.
One way to save money on car insurance is to bundle it with other types of insurance, such as homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. This can often get you a discount from your insurer. Shop around. When renewing your car insurance policy, don’t automatically go with the same company. Get quotes from several insurers to see if you can get a better deal. You may be surprised at how much you can save by shopping around.
Get Creative, and Save
These are just a few easy tips for budgeting your car insurance. By following these tips, you can save money on your premium and ensure you have the coverage you need in case of an accident.