If you have a vehicle, you are required to have car insurance that protects both you and other drivers in the case of an accident. Depending on the state you live in, the amount of insurance you are required to have will vary. Insurance is not cheap, and many commercials boast that they will save you money on your car insurance. They may or may not save you money, but in order to make sure you are getting the best deal possible, consider the following things:
It is likely your credit score will play a role in your rates.
Many car insurance companies look at your credit score when figuring out the amount you will pay monthly. This is becoming quite common. If you have a high credit score, you will likely pay less in car insurance. If your credit score leaves a lot to be desired, work on raising it.
Shop around every couple years and whenever there is a major life event.
You should check different car insurance companies for rate changes occasionally. Over time, your credit score will change and they will update their rates, which can be a benefit for you. Make sure that you check multiple companies and not just the ones with the most memorable commercials.
Life events like marriage, divorce or teenage drivers are also great times to shop for new insurance. These things will definitely change your rates and you may get lucky and find better rates elsewhere.
Check out the discounts.
Different insurance companies will offer different types of discounts and incentives. One trend that is on the rise is to use a type of electronic monitoring. This monitoring keeps record of your driving habits, such as how hard you brake, how fast you drive and the time of day you are driving. If you have good habits, you can save money on your policy. If you are not comfortable having your driving skills constantly monitored, pass on these types of incentives.
You may also be able to get discounts for bundling your car insurance with home, boat or renter's insurance.
Go over your plan with a fine tooth comb.
Look at every aspect of your car insurance plan. If you have a great record and no accidents that were your fault, you may want to consider getting a plan with the highest deductible. If you have roadside assistance through another entity, there is no need to have it covered by insurance also. Also, if your health insurance is great, you can likely get by with less medical and injury coverage on your car insurance.
Talk with an insurance agent, like those at Helvenston B W & Sons Insurance, for more information on how to keep your auto insurance rates low.
Share6 August 2015
