Insurance companies dictate a range of prices for auto insurance based on state, an individual’s driving record, the vehicle an individual drives and the amount of coverage an individual is looking for, among other factors. Individuals can help themselves to get the best auto insurance rates by considering factors such as the age and model of the vehicle they choose to buy and the kind of coverage they are seeking, as discussed below.
Contact your auto insurance agency if you have a change in your work situation
Retiring, cutting back your hours, or switching to telecommuting all mean that you will be driving considerably fewer miles each week. The number of miles you drive can have a significant impact on your auto insurance rates.
Theft of your vehicle factors in when insurance companies calculate your premium. If you have a car alarm or tracker installed on all of your vehicles, you could stand to substantially lower your premium since these prevent theft and aide in the recovery of stolen vehicles, making you less of a liability.
To save money on car insurance, consider setting a higher deductible of what you would pay out of pocket, in the event of an accident. The insurance company prices policies based on what they expect to pay out if you make a claim and reducing that amount, translates to lower premiums for you.
Rental car policies vary, but most allow only an immediate relative, who is of age, to drive the rental car
Be sure to pay special attention to the rental contract as it will state who is allowed to drive the car. Some rental companies will require anyone driving to sign the agreement and provide their driver’s license. It is also possible for the rental company to charge an additional fee for additional drivers.
If you have an alarm system or immobilizer installed on your car, your premium may be reduced. Prevention from theft has a main role in calculating your insurance coverage. To further reduce your premium, you can install a tracker. This will provide more theft protection resulting in an even lower premium.
Regardless of whether you are searching online or in person for car insurance, shop around! Differences abound for premium prices, as insurance companies take different viewpoints of your statistics. Some may be more interested in your driving record, while others may focus more on your credit. Find the company that offers you the best coverage for the lowest price.
If you are putting less than 20% down on your car, make sure to look into getting GAP car insurance. Should you have an accident while you are still in the first year or two of payments, you may end up owing the bank more money than you would receive in a claim.
Don’t pick an insurance just because it is cheaper
Each insurance company provides different types of plans with varying levels of coverage. One company may offer a plan for $100 less, but it may just have liability coverage. Most states require protection against damage to another person’s car, but not for your own.
If you are car shopping be sure to check with your auto insurance agent about how the car you are selecting will affect your premium. Different cars will have different effects on your insurance costs, and it is often difficult to predict on your own what a certain car will mean for your premiums.
Do not forget to update your car insurance policy if you relocate. Even if you are only moving a few miles away, make the changes. You may not like what you see, though, because premiums are set by zip code. In one town it could be higher because the theft and collision rates are higher.
Install an alarm in your vehicle. Getting an alarm for your car can protect it from being stolen or vandalized. It can also help to lower your premiums. Check to see if your car insurance provider offers a discount for having an alarm. If you already have a car alarm, make sure you inform your provider.
Add an older driver to your insurance – if you are a young driver! Sometimes insurance companies will charge you less when there is an older driver listed on your policy. Even if they don’t drive your vehicle, adding them to your policy can make your rates lower because it shows responsibility.
It should really go without saying, but you should never leave an accident unreported to your insurance company. If another victim in the accident makes an insurance claim or a police report is filed, the chances that your insurance company will catch wind of it rise exponentially. While an accident you report might raise your premiums, an unreported one definitely will – and by much more.
It is clear that an individual can have some say in the amount of money he or she will pay for auto insurance by considering some of the factors discussed above. These factors should be considered, if possible before the purchase of a vehicle so that the cost of insurance can be realistically anticipated by drivers.
