Tips for getting car insurance discounts
Everyone likes finding ways to save cash. After all, everything seems to be expensive these days. This is especially true when you make monthly payments for something and yet never use it. Many car owners feel this way about car insurance.
If you don’t pay for the policy in full, the company finances the amount and lets you take care of it on month-to-month payments. And if you’re a good driver and don’t have to file any claims with your insurer, those monthly payments may seem like a high price to pay for peace of mind.
And since you can’t really legally drive without coverage, the best thing to do to save money on car insurance is to find discounts. Below are some tips that can help you find these discounts for your insurance premium.
Ask your insurance Provider about discounts
The easiest way to find out what discounts you qualify for is to ask your insurance provider. Insurance providers typically offer a wide variety of discounts such as those for new drivers and accident-free drivers. You may also be able to get discounts for using alternative fuel or for installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle.
If your current insurance provider doesn’t provide much in the way of discounts, consider switching to a new provider. Take the time to look over resources like Geico insurance reviews to find insurance providers that offer the right discounts for your situation.
Complete a defensive driving course
Before you enroll yourself in a defensive driving course, check with your insurance company to ensure it gives discounts to drivers who complete such courses. The amount of money you can save will vary, but it is often between five and 10 percent. However, it is possible for some policyholders to see savings of up to 20 percent.
So, if you want a discount for this option, contact your local agent first to make sure there are savings to be had. Then, enroll in the course and make sure you get proof that you’ve completed it.
Buy multiple policies
Do you need insurance for your home and car? Or how about renters insurance and auto coverage? If you must have two or more policies, have you ever considered purchasing them from the same company? Often, insurers have bundle packages, and when clients have multiple policies through them, they reward clients with savings. Hence, if your primary goal is to get an insurance discount, perhaps you should consider bundling policies.
Consider full-time student discounts
If your teenage kids are on your insurance policy, consider asking your insurance provider if they offer a full-time student discount. Keep in mind that your child needs to have good grades for you to enjoy savings on your insurance premiums.
In most cases, the student will need to hold a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Not only that, but they must also be younger than 25 years of age. Insurance companies believe responsible students are responsible motorists, and that notion usually holds true. That’s why these discounts are given, and if you or a family member qualify, you could save as much as 25 percent on your auto insurance.
Personalized insurance rates
Do you feel you are a safe driver who makes very few mistakes while behind the wheel? If that’s the case, why not sign up with a company that uses technology to track hard brakes, fast take-offs, and speed? Various insurance companies have programs that record these and other elements. In most cases, the tracking device gets sent to a person, which they plug into their cars, usually just below the dash. The device collects data and sends it back to the insurer.
Meanwhile, on other occasions, people must download apps on their smartphones. The applications act like devices and record information in these situations. Then, once everything is said and done, the policyholder receives a personalized rate. Thus, if you are a non-aggressive driver who desires a discount, don’t overlook this alternative.
Consider paying for insurance in full
While it may seem counter-intuitive, sometimes you have to spend money to enjoy savings in the long run. For instance, some insurance providers reward their clients with discounts for paying for their entire policy up-front. You can do so for six-month or one-year car insurance policies. By paying for your entire policy up-front, you’ll end up paying less.
The final word
Insurance discounts are aplenty today. However, policyholders don’t always take advantage of that, primarily because they don’t realize they qualify for savings. You may also be able to save money on car insurance in other ways. So, get in touch with a representative for your insurance providers and see what discounts are available today.
