Do you need to reduce your monthly bills? Why not take a look at your auto insurance. After all, for many families that bill is substantial.
You cannot cut out your car insurance bill unless you choose to sell your car to take up walking. Every state in the US requires us to provide proof of financial responsibility in order to operate a car. For most of us that proof comes in the form of auto insurance. Many families need to insure more than one vehicle too, and sometimes that bill can be the highest one we need to pay each month except for our mortgage payment.
However, I have learned that high bills bring opportunities to reduce them. After all, car insurers work in a competitive business. If you doubt me, just look at all of the ads on TV or the internet for competing companies. They would not spend all of that money to advertise their companies if they were not concerned about other companies in the market who might take away their business.
Do not assume that your old insurer gives you the best deal because they are loyal to you.
In fact, you may have been comfortable with your old insurer, and this comfort level may make you blind to the fact that they charge high rates. It is so easy to shop around for rate quotes these days that you really should check prices at least once a year, and many experts say you should check price quotes twice a year!
Are you taking advantage of all of the discounts you may be entitled to?
Insurers use several factors to determine rates. But each company does set rates in a different way. You probably do not want to change your zip code, and you cannot change your current driving history or current age. But you may be able to find an insurer who is more friendly to a driver like you!
These days, some large companies will even look at your credit score. A very good driver with a long history of safe and claims free driving may not get the best rates because their credit score is low. Another company may reward that same individual for their good driving history, and will not assign much weight to a credit score.
Of course, if you are a driver with a great credit history but a few accidents in your recent past, you want to look for a company who is very concerned about their applicant’s credit scores but willing to forgive a ding or two.
You may also be able to earn substantial discounts for things you already do, or for things you could do without much trouble. Did you know that some insurers will offer you a lower rate if you drive a safe car, or if your car has safety features and anti-theft devices installed?
You can also take an approved defensive driving course. Insurer’s statistics show that these courses help reduce property and injury claims, and so they are willing to reward you for your time. You can find many of these classes in your area, including some that you can take at home. A few hours of your time can save you hundreds of dollars this year, plus make you a better driver!
And of course, the most common discount people look for is a multi-policy discount. If you also have a home to insure, or if you need to insure more than one car, many insurers will be happy to offer you a lower rate to get all of your business!