The auto insurance industry is more competitive today than it has ever been before. This amounts to excellent benefits for consumers, as long as you know how to shop smart and negotiate. Auto insurance rates vary depending how much coverage you get, your driving record, what kind of car you are covering and any special discounts that you may be eligible for. In order to maximize your savings on your auto insurance rates, be sure to follow these guidelines:
1. Compare Car Insurance Rates Before Buying a New Car
Any savvy shopper knows that the true cost of owning a vehicle goes above and beyond the amount you pay at the dealership. Certain cars are more expensive to insure. Auto insurance agencies determine premiums based on your car’s price, its overall safety record, the likelihood of theft and the cost to repair the car. For example, a foreign sports car will have much higher car insurance rates than a low-key domestic sedan that can be serviced at almost any garage. Factor this into your decision before you buy.
2. Increase your Deductible
Higher deductibles will expose you to greater liability if you are in an at-fault car accident but it will save you money on your monthly premiums. If you can go for a long period of time without an accident, bumping up to a $1,000 deductible can easily pay for itself over the years.
3. Seek out Special Discounts
Your situation may qualify you for special auto insurance prices. For example, if you are an infrequent driver, have an excellent driving record or belong to a professional association, you may {{{be able to get a significant reduction in your monthly premium without cutting back on your coverage. Go ahead ask your car insurance company if you qualify.
4. Consider Reducing Coverage on Older Cars
All states require that you have a certain amount of auto insurance in order to drive legally. However, if you drive an older car with a low Kelly Blue Book value, then it may not be cost effective to have it fully covered. You can save on monthly costs by reducing your coverage.
5. Shop Around
The absolute best way to find competitive vehicle insurance rates is to shop around. Even if you already have a vehicle insurance plan, you may be able to save money by moving to another company. With easy-to-use resources readily available on the web, you can quickly survey the current offers from local auto insurance agencies as well as nationwide insurers. In fact, drivers that have gone for years with the same plan are most likely to be overpaying for auto insurance. Seeing what other companies have to offer certainly can’t hurt – especially if you do it from the comfort of your home.
