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Car insurance is a necessity for all drivers. Although we know car insurance is for our own good, the continuously rising prices can be a tough pill to swallow, so we’ve put together a short list of 10 measures you can take to make sure you’re getting the best auto insurance coverage for the best price.
- Research your car
While that fancy, new gas-guzzler might seem fun, it probably won’t do your insurance costs any favors. Older vehicles are typically cheaper to insure, since they are less likely to be stolen and they cost less. Other factors that can determine your car insurance rate are safety features as well as the model year and make of the car. It’s a good idea to look into insurance rates on specific models before you buy one. - Get multiple quotes
Most insurance companies have completely different systems and pricings. You’ll definitely want to shop around before you commit to one company as your car insurance provider. A great way to check for the best prices from insurance providers in your area is to request a free quote from our website. There’s no obligation, and we help you to find the best insurance for your needs at the best price. - Keep your record clean
It’s no secret that the better your driving record is, the lower your insurance costs will be. Generally, points are given for moving violations, and the more points a driver accrues, the more their insurance is likely to cost. - Watch your credit
Many people are surprised to learn that their credit can affect their insurance costs, but research has shown that people with better credit scores are less likely to file claims. Make sure you monitor your credit score and pay your bills on time in order to receive lower car insurance rates. - Ask for higher deductibles
A deductible is the amount of money you have to fork out for damages or theft before your insurance policy kicks in. Usually, you have the choice to pick a deductible anywhere from $250 to $1,000, but the catch is that the lower your deductible, the higher your annual premium is likely to be. So, you might consider raising your deductible, which could reduce your premium by up to 30 percent. - Reduce coverage on older vehicles
As your car gets older and accrues mileage, it loses value. Sometimes, you could be paying more for insurance than your car is even worth. If your car has seen better days, it might be in your best interest to check the Kelley Blue Book to see what price your car is valued at, and consider dropping collision coverage on that older vehicle. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium you pay, it’s probably not cost effective. - Install Anti-Theft Devices
Talk to your agent or insurance provider about anti-theft devices. Many companies lower premiums, upon installation of certain anti-theft devices. If your primary reason is to lower your insurance premium however, make sure the benefit of the lowered premium outweighs the cost of installation of the alarm. - Consider paying premiums in full
Most insurance carriers charge an administration fee for those who wish to break up their premium payment, sometimes up to $10 per separate payment. If it’s a smaller premium, odds are you’ll save money just by paying the whole thing at once. Make sure you check with your financial advisor, however, because if you do have a large premium, it may make more financial sense for you to break it up into smaller payments. - Take public transportation
Your car mileage can be a big factor in your insurance rate. If you commute to work every day from a long distance, you are likely to have a higher rate than someone who walks to work and only uses their vehicle for grocery shopping because you put more wear and tear on your automobile. So, if you live in an area where public transportation is easily accessible, take advantage of that to save money not only on your insurance fee, but also on gas. - Ask about discounts
There are all sorts of discounts out there for your car insurance, you just have to ask. A lot of companies offer discounts for defensive driving or accident prevention courses, motorized seat belts, students with higher grades, insuring your home with the same company as your auto, having more than one car, and even having more than one driver on your insurance policy. A quick conversation with your insurance provider could save you a lot of money.
Not sure who to ask about this? Call Doyle & Ogden today at 616-949-9000 to pose any of your insurance questions to one of our knowledgeable agents, or visit our website for a free, no obligation insurance quote.
