Save Money Tips: Auto Insurance.
The internet has played a huge role in saving people money. Back in the day you used to have to go downtown to the insurance agent to find your insurance. I can even remember the insurance man coming to our house to collect a cash payment!
Oh yes, the times they are a changing. The whole world is at your fingertips. And this very fact has caused the insurance companies to be much more competitive. This is a huge advantage for you.
So let’s review some of the ways that you can take advantage of this and save money on your auto insurance.
Make sure that you get all discounts that you qualify for.
I call my insurance company once a year to make sure that I get all of my discounts. Things change and they are certainly not going to call you! This is a good time for a total review of your policy to insure that you have the right coverages. You may have to ask them point blank if there are any programs that you can take advantage of. For instance I found out that my insurance company had a list of organizations that qualify you for a discount if you are a member. And some of them are different levels of discounts and you may only be able to use one. Well I found out that I could get a discount if I was a member of the Air Force Sergeants Association. Well I checked and I was eligible and it cost $10 per year to be a member. And the savings were much more, so I joined and got the discount!
Be a safe driver.
This almost doesn’t have to be said. Hopefully you already know that claims and tickets equate to higher premiums. Don’t talk on the cell phone while driving. Driving takes a lot of concentration, if you do it right! I actually saw a fellow eating a bowl of cereal while he was driving! I hope that you don’t do that.
Lower your deductibles.
For example, increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Going to a $1,000 deductible can save you 40 percent or more. Just make sure that you have enough money to cover the difference if you do need it. This one method could save you a ton of money. Look at this one hard!
Shop around.
Like I said earlier there is a lot of competition and that is very advantagious to you. But after you find the best, you may be well advised to stick with them. After you have been driving accident free for a while you will see your premiums go down. After a while they will be so much lower, that it would be very hard to find a better deal!
Take a safe driving course.
I live in Delaware and my insurance company is required by law to give me a discount. I get 10% for the initial course. After 3 years I take the advanced course and I get a 15% discount. States vary, so check your state laws. Also some companies give it on their own. To be honest I rather enjoy the course. It also gives you a chance to find out how little the other people on the road with you actually know! I was shocked. Just make sure that the course you take is approved by your insurance company.
Combine your policies.
Most companies have multi policy discounts. So if you have your homeowners insurance, car insurance, and maybe boat insurance all with the same company you get a discount.
Senior discount.
I joined AARP right before I turned 50. Hey, you should get something for getting older. Get yours.
So this should be enough to get you a good start. But I would know what you should be eligible for before you call. Check your companies web site before you call. If you have any questions call your state insurance commissioner or the National Insurance Consumer Helpline (NICH) at 1-800-942-4242.
And remember that as with everything else, you will probably not get a call from your insurance company wanting to give you a lower premium. You are going to have to do some work! Now do some research and make that call!