10 Great Ways To Lower Your Auto Insurance Costs

Looking to lower you auto insurance costs? Here on ten great ways to do just that:

#1) Double-check your info!
When you receive your insurance policy, it’s a good idea to check that the information used to determine your premium is correct. An auto insurer is required by law to provide specific rating information pages with your policy that explain how your policy is rated, what the classification codes mean, as well as how its surcharge system works. You should also check the information in your policy against these pages, and verify that:

- your mailing and/or place of garaging address is correct
- each vehicle is properly classified
- all discounts to which you are entitled have been applied
- the make and model of your vehicle is correct
- the age/birthdate of the driver is correct
- the dates of any chargeable accident and conviction identified are correct.

#2) Don’t be too lazy to shop around!
Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Get at

least three price quotes. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Your state insurance department may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers. Click here for your state’s insurance department phone numbers and Web sites.

You buy insurance to protect you financially and provide peace of mind. It’s important to pick a company that is financially stable. Check the financial health of insurance companies with rating companies such as A.M. Best (http://www.ambest.com) and Standard & Poor’s (http://www.standardandpoors.com/) and consult consumer magazines.

Get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Some sell through their own agents. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. Others do not use agents. They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.

Don’t shop price alone. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Pick an agent or company representative that takes the time to answer your questions. You can use the checklist on the back of this brochure to help you compare quotes from insurers and on the same coverage.

#3) Compare insurance costs before you buy a car
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s sticker price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of theft. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft. These include daytime running lights and anti-theft devices. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.iihs.org).

4) Ask your agent for a higher deductible
Deductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. By requesting higher deductibles, you can lower your costs substantially. 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. Before choosing a higher deductible, be sure you have enough money set aside to pay it if you have a claim.

#5) Reduce your insurance coverage on those older cars!
Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverages on older cars. If your car is worth less than 10 times the premium, purchasing the coverage may not be cost effective. Auto dealers and banks can tell you the worth of cars. Or you can look it up online at Kelley’s Blue Book (http://www.kbb.com). Review your coverage at renewal time to make sure your insurance needs haven’t changed.

#6) Buy your homeowners and auto insurance coverage from the same insurance company
Many insurers will give you a break if you buy two or more types of insurance. You may also get a reduction if you have more than one vehicle insured with the same company. Some insurers reduce the rates for long-time customers. But it still makes sense to shop around! You may save money buying from different insurance companies, compared with a multi-policy discount.

#7) Maintain a good credit record/score
Establishing a solid credit history can cut your insurance costs. Insurers are increasingly using credit information to price auto insurance policies. To protect your credit standing, pay your bills on time, don’t obtain more credit than you need and keep your credit balances as low as possible. Check your credit record on a regular basis and have any errors corrected promptly so that your record remains accurate.

#8) Make sure you ask for the low mileage discounts
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive a lower than average number of miles a year. Low mileage discounts can also apply to drivers who car pool to work.

#9) Ask your agent about group insurance
Some companies offer reductions to drivers who get insurance through a group plan from their employers, through professional, business and alumni groups, or other associations. Ask your employer and inquire with groups or clubs you are a member of to see if this is possible.

#10) Ask about other discounts!
You should check with your insurance company or agent or broker about possible discounts that may be applicable to you, such as those for senior citizens, car pools, low annual mileage and the “good student discount” offered to youthful operators meeting certain academic requirements. You can also save money with a “multi-car discount” by insuring all your cars with the same insurance company. Since rates are generally highest for youthful drivers, young drivers should inquire about a “driver training” discount offered by many insurers for those who have taken driver’s education classes.

Always inquire about discounts for the following:
$500 deductible
$1,000 deductible
More than 1 car
No Accidents in 3 Years
No Moving Violations in 3 Years
Driver Training Courses
Defensive Driving Courses
Anti-Theft Devices
Low Annual Mileage
Air Bags
Anti-Lock Brakes
Daytime Running Lights
Student Drivers with Good Grades
Auto and Homeowners Coverage with the Same Company
College Students away from Home
Long-Time Customer
Other Discounts