Auto insurance is one of those necessities that can cost quite a bit. However, the Internet today offers great resources and tools for finding car insurance for prices well below what you would expect. In fact, these tips could save you over $100 the first year of your policy alone.
One way you can save on car insurance is to keep a clean driving record so you can take advantage of the discounts offered to safe drivers. Minor infractions won’t amount to much but being involved in traffic accidents can drive up your insurance costs tremendously. So, drive consciously, maintain a good driving record and enjoy the reward of lower premiums.
It is a common belief that insurance premiums drop as soon as a young driver hits the magic age of 25. The reality is that after the driver has reached the age of 18, the rate starts gradually dropping.
Mistakes do happen! Check your driving record with the Department of Motor Vehicles – before you get an auto insurance quote! Make sure your driving record is accurate! You do not want to pay a premium higher than you have to – based on someone else who got into trouble with a license number similar to your own! Take the time to make sure it is all correct!
There are many different types of auto insurance companies out there. Get quotes from all of them to find out what is the best price. Many companies now offer quotes online, over the phone, or you can go into any insurance agents office and make an appointment to go over your options.
Look for state health insurance policies. While federal health programs exist for low-income families, some states are working towards adopting low-cost health insurance plans for middle-class families. Check with your state department of health, to find out if these low cost plans are offered in your area, as they can provide great comprehensive coverage for a minimal cost.
Do not settle for the first auto insurance company that you find. You may be missing out on special discounts or rewards. For instance, some insurance companies offer discounted premiums for accident-free drivers, or for people of certain professions. Some even give discounts to college students who maintain good grades.
When purchasing car insurance, consider opting for the highest deductible option you can get to keep your premiums low. To make sure you have the money to pay the deductible if you should need it, bank the difference from the expensive premium you would pay for a lower deductible. A safe driver will come out way ahead over time.
If your car is deemed to be “totaled” don’t fret. In many cases this can be one of the best things to happen to you. Although you may be without a car for a small period the insurance company will eventually provide you with the value of your previous car to apply towards a new car.
Don’t let just anyone drive your car. If you let your friend borrow your car, and they don’t have auto insurance and wreck, it will cause your insurance to go up. In addition, any damages that your policy doesn’t cover, you will end up being responsible for them, not your friend.
Figure out how many miles you drive in a year before you get a car insurance quote. This is another large factor in auto insurance premiums, so you want to make sure the company has an accurate estimation of the amount of time you spend on the road. This could add up to big savings on your quote.
When you go hunting for car insurance bargains, do not neglect your employer as a potential source of discounts. Many companies – even relatively small ones – have arrangements with insurers to get volume discounts for their employees. If your employer has such a program in place, you might realize significant savings by taking advantage of it.
Before buying a new car, you should research the frequency with which the particular model is targeted by thieves and vandals in your area. Cars that are popular with thieves are unpopular with auto insurance companies. They can and will charge a higher rate for a model that is especially attractive to criminals.
Understand what SR-22 insurance involves. SR-22 insurance is usually mandated for drivers convicted of a DUI. This insurance is a high-risk policy that has to be carried for three years, and requires drivers to have an SR-22 form filed with their Department of Motor Vehicles. This form is filed by the insurer, saying that if the driver does not keep his insurance paid on time, the DMV will immediately suspend his license. For a fee, drivers can get a new SR-22 form and insurance again, but will have to carry this very expensive coverage for another full three years from the reinstatement date.
Get a new car to save money on car insurance. The car you drive makes a lot of difference to an auto insurer. If your car is one that gets stolen often, look out for higher rates. If you buy a sporty coupe that goes very fast and gets lots of tickets, expect to pay much higher insurance premiums. Check out sites such as Kiplinger.com for lists of the cheapest cars for auto insurance.
Avoid getting into accidents. This seems obvious, but many drivers don’t realize how much their rates can increase after an accident. If you are in a minor accident, consider not placing an auto insurance claim if you’ll end up paying most of the repair with your deductible anyway. The cost of the repair might be considerably less than the loss of your good driver discount or similar.
If you use this guide to get the right auto insurance policy online, you could find that you are saving much more than ever before. Save hundreds on an insurance policy, by taking advantage of discounts and strategies that you never knew existed before.