5 Tips for Finding the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates
Despite what car insurance companies may say in commercials, no one company has the cheapest auto insurance for everyone. Rates vary by state, age, vehicle makes and model, safety tests, theft, etc.
To slash rates, experts recommend comparing quotes every 6-12 months and dropping coverage types you don’t need (like roadside assistance or rental reimbursement). Consider also using discounts to lower your premium.
Get Quotes
Getting quotes is the first step to finding affordable car insurance. The coverage price depends on several factors, including the driver’s record, their credit score, and where they live. People with good driving records pay less because they are considered lower risk, while those with a history of accidents or DUIs are charged more. When considering a vehicle, it is important to consider its year, make, and model, as well as its safety features, repair costs, and theft rates.
A person’s credit history impacts their rate in all states except California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii, though each provider considers it differently. Similarly, a high deductible can increase the price of coverage because a driver is responsible for the amount above the insurer’s payout. This is why drivers should consider their coverage options, deductibles, and limits when comparing prices.
Shop Around
Car insurance can be expensive, and finding the best rates is key to reducing costs. That’s why shopping around and getting quotes from different companies at least once a year is important.
Consider revisiting your quotes when something major changes, such as a marriage, divorce, or moving to a new area with cheaper insurance rates. Also, re-shop your policy three to five years after any at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or other violations drop off your record.
Look for Discounts
Many leading insurance providers grant numerous discounts that you can evaluate on websites like carinsurancecheap.net, which can help you cut costs. Some are automatically applied when you buy a policy, while others may require some proactive effort. If, for example, your commute has gotten shorter or your credit score has improved since you bought your vehicle insurance, you could be eligible for lower prices. Or, if you’re comfortable having your driving habits monitored, you could qualify for a usage-based discount or pay-per-mile coverage.
Other ways to find cheap car insurance include raising your deductibles and dropping optional coverages you don’t need. But be careful not to strip away important coverage to get the lowest rates; this can leave you vulnerable to expensive repair bills and lawsuits.
Keep a Clean Record
Your driving history is one of the major variables affecting vehicle insurance prices. Your rates will be cheaper since the insurance will consider you a low-risk investment if you have a clean record.
But even a single ticket can cause your rate to jump. And multiple infractions on your record can put you in high-risk status and lead to significantly higher rates.
Factors influencing premiums include your vehicle’s make, model, year, credit score, safety features, and theft rates. A larger deductible and telematics coverage, which provides discounts for good driving practices, are other ways to save money.
Drive Safely
Aside from being a smart move for your safety and the safety of others, driving safely can help you save on car insurance rates. Avoid distractions like cell phones and audio systems, don’t speed, drive defensively and keep a safe distance from cars in front of you.
In addition, your gender (women pay less for insurance and receive fewer fines), marital status, commuting distance, and whether you own or rent your house all influence your auto insurance cost. When determining rates, insurers also consider the safety ratings of the vehicles, and safer cars frequently have lower insurance costs.