4 Tricks to Get Offered the Lowest Car Insurance Quotes
car insurance
Everyone wants to save money. And car insurance seems like a good place to cut some costs without a lot of sacrifices. But if you think it’s as simple as tapping a few bits of info into an online quote system, think again.
That’s certainly one option, but if you really want to save some bucks, you need to think beyond just grabbing a quote or two from the big names online.
Improve Your Credit Rating
You knew that your accident history and any tickets you’ve gotten impact your car insurance premiums, but so does your credit.
Just like credit cards, bank loans, and other debts, car insurance companies check out your credit to determine how big a risk you are.
The theory is that if you’re risky in other areas of your life, you’re probably a risky driver too.
Cleaning up your credit and getting your score higher can show insurance carriers that you’re a good risk.
Look for Smaller Regional Insurers
You’ve heard of the four national insurance carriers. But have you heard of the ones that cover just your region?
Maybe not. And that’s unfortunate because they might be the ones that can save you the most money.
Instead of going online for an insurance quote, try using a local agent who knows all the smaller regional carriers. You might get better quotes and better discounts, too.
Consider Usage-Based or Pay-Per-Mile Policies
Do you work from home or within just a couple of miles of home? Or do you rely on public transportation such as buses or trolleys more often than not to get around?
If you don’t log a lot of miles on your vehicles, a usage-based or pay-per-mile policy can save you money.
With these types of policies, you exchange privacy by allowing the insurer to track your vehicle or providing milage information to them for saving on your premium.
You can also save more when they see how well you drive as well as the specific hours during which you drive.
Ditch Coverages You Know You Don’t Need
There are some coverages that are required by your state’s laws. You can’t drop these coverages.
And if you have a loan on the vehicle, you may be required by your lender to carry other specific coverages, such as comprehensive and collision.
But if you own your vehicle outright, you may be able to drop comprehensive and collision to save money.
You might also be able to drop coverages such as roadside assistance if you have AAA or a credit card that offers it.
Understanding the coverages you’re required to carry and those that are optional can help you critically assess the coverages you have and determine what you might be able to shave off.
Remember that the lowest car insurance quotes may not be about the money you hand over, either.
There may be perks, such as accident forgiveness, free services or repairs, or other benefits that are provided at no cost that makes a premium that’s similar to your current savings.
Working with a qualified agent can help you make the best decision for both your wallet and your insurance coverage
Category: Insurance
