JoshOne of the least interesting topics to discuss in automobile insurance, but it’s also one of the most important. It’s a safety net that you are required to have, but it could also break your bank. If you’re paying too much for auto insurance (and most people are), there are several things that you can do to lower your monthly premiums without sacrificing the coverage that you need.
Searching for auto insurance can be confusing. There are different parts and components that all sound like they are a foreign language, but the perfect policy will give you the coverage that you need without paying too much every month. Not having adequate car insurance could have several detrimental effects, like having to pay for car repair bills or medical expenses out-of-pocket, which can easily put you in thousands of dollars of debt.
Compare Companies
Most drivers are surprised to see how much money they could save on their policy just by switching carriers. If it’s been several years since you originally bought your auto insurance, it’s time that you compared the quotes from several of companies to see if you’re paying too much for your policy. There could have been several new companies or companies that lowered their rates since you bought your plan, you could save hundreds of dollars just by simply switching car insurance companies.
It’s important that you find the perfect company for you, and their prices aren’t the only thing that you should look at, you’ll also need to ensure that the company is reputable and see the quality of their coverage. Before you purchase any insurance from the company, you’ll need to do some research. Every insurance agent is going to say that their company is the best one to fit your needs, but obviously, not all of them are.
There is no “perfect” insurance company, but there are several that continue to rise to the cream of the crop, but in the end you have to weigh the advantages and decide which one is perfect for you. Typically, a simple Google search will give you all the information that you need to compare all of the different companies.
Cut Excess Coverage
Sure, those all-inclusive insurance plans are awesome, but they also come with a heavy price tag attached to them. In most cases, you’ll be paying for more coverage than you actually need, which can translate into thousands of dollars wasted every year.
If you’re looking to purchase auto insurance, or you’re trying to save money on a policy that you already have, do an audit of the coverage and make sure that it’s all necessary and that you aren’t paying for a bunch of bells and whistles that are slowly draining your bank account.
In some cases, you can raise your policy deductible, which will save you money in monthly premiums. If you have a $500 deductible, consider raising it to $1,000. Sure, if you have to use the coverage, you’ll have to pay more out-of-pocket, but it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll save money in the long run.
For example, most policyholders have additional add-ons like collision insurance or personal injury protection insurance. While there is nothing wrong with these add-ons, you’ll need to ask yourself if they are worth the extra money that you’re paying for the plan.
Slow Down
For all you lead foot drivers out there, this hack is for you. The more tickets and accidents that you have on your record, the more they are going to charge you every month for insurance. All of those tickets and wrecks mean that you’re a higher risk to insurance. The insurance company is going to offset that risk by raising your premiums.
If you’re looking to save money on your insurance, It’s time that you took your foot off the gas pedal and started leaving earlier for work. Not only will this save you money on your insurance, but it will also save you money because you won’t have to pay those speeding tickets. It’s a win-win.
Bundle Policies
Most insurance companies are looking for ways to attract new customers, one way that they do this is by encouraging customers to have all of their policies with their company. If you’re looking to get affordable car insurance, look at the company where you have your homeowner’s insurance or your life insurance. You could save money by having all of your policies at one company.
Just because your company gives you a bundle discount, don’t automatically assume they are the best option. Even with the discount, there could be cheaper options on the market, but in some cases, the company that you already know is the best option, but it will make paying the bills even easier.
Take Driving Classes
If you want to save money, maybe it’s time that you went back to school. Most auto insurance companies will give a discount to any customer that takes defensive driving classes and provides proof of completion. With most insurance companies, it will save you $100 every year on your auto insurance, other companies will give you an even bigger discount. That’s not some bad savings for taking a short and simple driving course.
Saving on your Auto Insurance
You have to have car insurance, there is no way around that. Not having coverage isn’t worth the money that you’ll save. But just because you’re required to have auto insurance doesn’t mean that you have to pay a small fortune to get the insurance that your state requires. There are dozens of ways that you can get the most affordable policy to fit your needs.
Just like death and taxes, you can’t avoid car insurance, and you don’t want to. If you were to have a car accident without insurance, you’ll be looking at a mountain of bills that could take you years and years to pay for, but quality car insurance can prevent all of that.