7 Tips for Cheap Car Insurance
1. Get No More Coverage Than You Need
There are a lot of people paying for more coverage than they need. For example, did you know that if you have collision insurance on a car that’s only valued at $1500, that’s all you’ll get if you total it? Collision insurance is a necessity when a car is brand-new, but by the sixth or seventh year, it’s a waste of money.
2. Be Careful How You Assign Your Vehicles
If you have multiple drivers and multiple vehicles in your household your insurance company will, by default, assign the riskiest driver to the most expensive vehicle. But you have the right to decide which driver gets assigned to which car. Exercise it.
3. Be Careful about the New Car You Buy
More expensive cars also require more expensive insurance. You may want that flashy sports car but keep in mind the insurance is going to be expensive. Also, keep in mind that a year from now your “baby” probably won’t be so dear to you anymore. Is it worth the extra cost to buy that car, to begin with?
4. Ask for Discounts
Almost every insurance company has a predetermined set of discounts available to drivers who ask. But the key is asking. They won’t volunteer the information on their own, but they are obligated to let you know if you inquire. Ask about discounts for safe driving, good grades, etc.
5. Shop and Compare
It goes without saying that you should shop and compare car insurance whenever you’re purchasing a new policy. But you should also take a few hours to do a new comparison before your renewal is due. You might be surprised to find that renewal time is a good time to switch companies for a better rate.
6. Force Insurance Companies to Compete
Believe it or not, car insurance premiums are not set in stone. If you can get a hold of three or four quotes you can play one insurance company against the other and allow them to compete for your business. It requires a skilled tactician to pull this off, but it is very possible.
7. Behave behind the Wheel
We saved this for last because it is the single most important thing you can do to get cheap car insurance. Of all the factors that go into determining your premiums, none is more significant than your driving record. If you want cheap car insurance drive safely, responsibly, and legally at all times. The cleaner your record, the less you pay.