Trusted Choice® asked fans on Facebook what questions they had about insurance and what they would like to know more about when it comes to coverage and price. Responses ranged from “what to do after an accident” to “Am I covered if…,” but far and away the question on most people’s minds was “How can I save money on my insurance?”
It’s a common question, and in tough economic times, one that warrants consideration. Of course, keep in mind that the extent of coverage is an important factor that determines the cost of your insurance, so the cheapest policy is not necessarily the best. Your insurance premium is also based partly on the level of risk the insurance company must take in order to provide coverage, so one way to save money is to reduce your risk. Here are a few ways that you might lower the premium on your auto insurance, while at the same time taking steps to reduce your risk.
Insurers often discount their rates for good drivers and those who take safety and security precautions. Sometimes the investment you make in your vehicle is worth the discount, and sometimes it’s simply worth some peace of mind. For example, a vehicle with more safety features (anti-lock brakes, collision avoidance systems, lane departure warning systems, etc.) will often have a lower cost to insure than one without these systems. But the discount probably will not pay for the additional cost of the vehicle during its normal life. Insurers generally offer discounts for:
- Defensive Driving— Clean violation record, driver’s education courses for teenagers and defensive driving or accident prevention courses for adults (insurance discounts for the latter are required in some states).
- Security Systems—Alarms, electronic locks and disabling devices.
- Changing Driving Habits—Commuting by public transit, using a company vehicle for work-related travel and car-pooling.
- Increasing Deductibles – You can also lower your insurance rates by requesting higher deductibles (the amount of money you pay before you make a claim). Increasing your deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage from $250 to $500, will bring your rates down.
- Remove Coverage – As your vehicle ages, its value may decrease to the point where collision and comprehensive coverage are no longer cost-effective. If you can absorb the financial impact of a loss, you may not need these coverages.
- Telematics – Allowing the insurance company to track your driving habits through a phone app or device in your car can save as much as 30% on the cost of the insurance.
- Bundling – Many insurers also offer discounts of up to 20% if you insure both your home and automobile with the same company.
Part of the value of working with a Trusted Choice agent is that they have the ability to represent more than one insurance company, so they can help identify and explain different coverage options, so that you’re getting competitive pricing on a choice of products to find what’s right for you.