Listly by amelia-grantny
Every car owner needs auto insurance, as a matter of fact, you can’t even lease a car without first getting insurance coverage for it. If you’re looking for a new insurance policy for your car, there are ways you can get a better deal and keep your wallet happy. Read our eight tips below to find out how.
We’re sure you’ve heard the saying, “work smart, not hard.” The first thing you should do when looking for a quote is to use an insurance comparison site like CoverHound or others. That way you will get quotes for all of the top providers in the nation and see the best deal.
If you’ve had the same insurance provider and policy for a long time, your costs may be higher due to an outdated model of coverage. Some insurance companies add extra fees over time while others make coverage changes without notifying you. It pays to check the current market and make sure you have the latest coverage plan.
Having a high credit score is like telling your provider that you’re a responsible person. Although it’s not easy to raise your credit and it takes time. Doing so can lower your monthly premium and could even earn you extra insurance bonuses.
This is something that most people should already know. Having a good driving record is essential to great insurance rates. All insurance companies regularly check your driving record as a way to judge your behavior behind the wheel. Those with no driving violations and accidents will have a much lower premium. If you did get some infractions, expect your rate to increase for three years.
According to the Insurance Information Institue, you can get a lower insurance premium if you opt for a bigger deductible. The deductible is the amount of money your insurance company will expect you to pay before they cover any expenses. The downside is that if you get in an accident, even if it’s not your fault, your deductible will be subtracted from your insurance payout.
Many insurance providers base their prices on the number of miles you drive per year. In other words, the less you drive, the less you pay. This is especially something you should take advantage of when leasing a car since most car leases come with annual mileage limits anyway.
Insurance companies always offer various discounts. No worries if you don’t qualify for one, there are many others out there. For example, if you recently equipped your car with an anti-theft device, that could qualify you for a discount. If you just had three years of driving with no moving violations, you probably qualify for another one. It’s always helpful to know the possible discounts you could take advantage of before committing to a new plan.
By far the worst thing you can do in the eyes of your insurance company is getting convicted driving under the influence. Drunk drivers are statistically responsible for most accidents on the road. So if you have DUI on your driving record, expect to pay a hefty price for your mistake.
When shopping around for auto insurance, keep this list around to make sure you get the lowest insurance premium possible.