Two More Simple Ways to Lower Your Auto Insurance Rates
October 3rd, 2008An average vehicle owner pays over a thousand dollars every year in insurance costs just for the privilege of driving their vehicle. If there was a way to save a few hundred bucks, wouldn’t you take it? Well, it might be easier than you think. In this article, I’m going to cover two simple ways to lower your car insurance costs: shop around and increase your deductible.
First and foremost, shop around. The auto insurance world is extremely competitive, and you can use that to your benefit. Spend an hour or two getting quotes online or calling a few different insurance companies. A couple of hours of work can cut hundreds of dollars off your yearly bill. Keep in mind that there are different types of auto insurers. Some have their own agents, while others are simply sell direct to consumers over the phone. Rates can differ wildly between different types of insurance outfits. Many companies can even tell you competitor’s rates as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for better rates if you think you deserve it, since many agents or companies can negotiate set amounts, usually up to about 10%.
The second easy step you can take to lower your auto insurance is to raise your deductibles. Deductibles are the cost you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins to cover the damages. Raising your deductible to $500 or $1000 can save a ton of cash over the course of a year. Of course, if you choose to raise your deductible, make sure you have enough cash set aside to cover that deductible should you get in an accident. Also, if you drive an older vehicle that may not be worth much, consider dropping comprehensive coverage all together. Going with liability only insurance can also save a substantial amount of money over time. Your auto insurance costs are a huge part of the cost of owning and using a vehicle. Minimizing that cost isn’t difficult, and can be very financially rewarding. By shopping around for auto insurance and increasing your deductible, you can be assured you are getting the best rates possible.