7 Money Saving Tips on Car Insurance
The following tips can greatly help you save money on Car Insurance:
1. Raise your deductable
Your deductable is the amount of money you pay out of pocket before
your car insurance company pays anything regarding your claim. If
you're a safe driver, you've probably never had to file a claim with
your car insurance company, yet you pay outrageous amounts for auto
insurance. The reason is most likely due to you paying a lower
deductable. A lower deductable means you're paying higher annual
rates, regardless if you have to file a claim our not. The general
rule of thumb is that if you can go for a number of years without
filing a claim, you generally come out a head if you've got a high
deductable.
2. Drop Collision or Comprehensive Coverage on Older Vehicles
Collision or Comprehensive coverage is typically not needed on older
vehicles that you do not wish to keep much longer. These vehicles are
typically beaters, and you won't get much for them in the event of
them being totalled in an accident. If you can spare the car, tell
your car insurance company that you wish to drop collision or
comprehensive coverage and save some more money annually.
3. Buy a Low Profile Car
Going low profile is a good way to lower your annual car insurance
costs. The reason being is because car insurance is a game of numbers
and statistics. If a car is more prone to be stolen, you can bet your
car insurance company knows about it. A low profile vehicle typically
means that you won't be as flashy, but you'll save some money on car
insurance costs in the long run.
4. Drive Less
Unless you live in a very congested city, you probably don't want to
hear this advice, but it does save you money. The amount you drive
(distance) determines the cost of car insurance coverage as well. This
is based on probability if anything else. The more time you spend in
your car, the more likely you are to get into a car accident. Also, if
you drive a lot, there are more chances for your vehicle to experience
problems. Talk to your insurance provider and see if you can get any
distance discounts.
5. Location, Location, Location!
The location you live in also determines how much you'll pay in auto
insurance. To give an example, when I lived in the East Bay Area in
California, my car insurance costs were fairly low (based on location).
When I moved to Sacramento and informed my car insurance company, my
rates skyrocketed! I was moving from a small town (around 50,000
people) to the capital of California. Keep this in mind and save big
on car insurance.
6. Check your Car Insurance Company for Mistakes
Double check with your car insurance company for mistakes regardling
your vehicle information. There are times when they list your vehicle
as two-door when in reality it's four-door, or they might think your
vehicle is supercharged instead of the GT or SE version. These things
matter! Don't let your car insurance company take more money than they
deserve.
7. Check for Hidden Car Insurance Discounts
Check with your car insurance company for hidden discounts. Typically
you can find discounts on good driver, occupation, abstainence from
alcohol, having an anti-theft device, having taken a defensive driving
course, and tons more. You'll want to talk with your car insurance
company and see if these all apply.
Good luck, and I hope you will continue to save money on car insurance
in the future.