How to Save Money on Auto Insurance

It’s smart and sensible to have adequate auto insurance, but there’s no denying that it adds to the cost of driving. The good news is that premiums will range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars based on a variety of factors.

Review your coverage at renewal time to ensure it meets your needs, and take these simple steps to save money on your auto policy.

1. Shop around

Prices differ from one company to another, so comparison shopping is a good idea. Get at least three price quotes from at least three different companies. Companies may be contacted directly or details can be found on the Internet.

Your state insurance department will also be able to provide price comparisons between major insurers. Before making the decision, ask friends and relatives for advice based on their experiences, and do your due research on the internet by checking out the reviews of different companies.

The main reason you choose an insurance company is that you want to stay safe financially and want peace of mind. This makes it important you choose a financially stable company

2. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs

Examine insurance premiums before purchasing a new or used vehicle. The cost of repairing the vehicle, its overall safety record, and the risk of theft are all factors that go into determining car insurance premiums.

Many companies give discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. You can begin by checking the safety rankings for specific car models. The safer the car is, the lesser will be its premium.

3. Look to Bundle

Almost every auto insurance company offers discounts to customers who have several policies with them. If you have a life insurance policy or a homeowner’s insurance policy with a different firm, see how much money you might save by consolidating your policies. Bundling all of your policies with one insurer will save you 10% or more on all of your insurance.

Also, remember that if an insurance provider provides a car insurance package discount then it does not mean it’s the right one for you. You’ll still want to make sure that the company with which you already have policies is the most cost-effective option for your car insurance.

Since new insurance providers are continually entering the market and the insurance industry is always evolving, you should check your policy every few years to ensure that you are always having the best coverage. You could be overpaying for your insurance by hundreds of dollars.

4. Use No-Claim Bonus

You are eligible for a No Claim Bonus from the insurer if you have a claim-free year as a result of your great driving skills. This no-claim bonus grows year after year until it exceeds the ceiling limit of 50%.

This accrued no-claim bonus can be used to reduce the premium by up to 50% of the payable sum. Avoiding minor claims is the perfect way to accumulate the no-claim bonus.

Small damages such as bruises, dents, and bumps can be paid out of your pocket. This no-claim bonus would be much more valuable than the money you would have spent on minor repairs. It’s also worth noting that this discount is only available to you, not your car.

As a result, if you wish to move vehicles, you will have your previous no-claim incentive transferred to your new car. You can have your accrued no-claim bonus transferred from the old insurer to the new insurer even though you plan to change insurers.

5. Opt for Voluntary Deductibles

Any insurer allows you to contribute to the cost of the claim by paying a portion of it out of your pocket. In other terms, if you plan to pay a certain amount of any claim, the insurer will reduce the premium you would pay.

You will save 20 percent to 35 percent or more on premiums by subscribing to deductibles. This arrangement is beneficial to residents who live in an area where there is less traffic resulting in fewer accidents.

People that have a car that is more than five years old or who use their vehicle infrequently should certainly take advantage of this arrangement to save money on their premiums.

6. Review and Assess Add-on Covers

Examine the extra coverages you’ve added to your base comprehensive plan before renewing your comprehensive insurance policy. You may have added add-ons such as NCB Protector, Engine Protector, Accessories Cover, Road Side Assistance, Zero Depreciation, Key Replacement, and so on for a reason.

The first thing you need to do is to remove any add-ons that are no longer beneficial to you. Removing unwanted add-ons will also help you save money by lowering the renewal premium. Examine your requirements carefully and keep only those extra covers that are cost-effective or improve your coverage standard.

7. Timely Renewal.

Completing the renewal task ahead of time will also help you save money on your renewal premium. You can renew your comprehensive auto insurance policy 45 days before it expires. When you renew your policy ahead of schedule, you lock in your premium rates for the whole year, preventing any price increases from affecting them. Furthermore, the coverage of the renewed policies will begin only after the current policy has expired. There will be no gaps in the insurance coverage, and all benefits remain intact.

8. Raise your Credit Score

Raising your credit score, which can lower your car insurance rates, is a tip that most people are unaware of. In reality, your credit score has a significant impact on the amount of auto insurance you must pay. You’ll need to boost your credit score if you want to save more money on your insurance coverage.

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to improve your credit score. It won’t happen immediately, but it can have a significant effect on your insurance plans. The most effective way to do so is to pay all of your bills on time, without skipping any or defaulting on any loans.

Conclusion

Above are few tips to start if you want to save money on car insurance. You should remember that the key to saving on auto insurance is about finding the best final price, not the biggest discounts. If you will follow even a few of these above tips then also you can save a lot of money on your next auto insurance.