How to get cheap car insurance and save money


Follow these tips to
get cheap car insurance rates Auto insurance? Always compare several quotes, as insurers offer different discounts and have different ways of calculating rates. It's amazing how much you can save just by comparison shopping on the internet or by telephone. This ALONE could save you hundreds.

In addition, make sure you recieve ALL the discounts you qualify for. If you've beeng driving for a year and your record has no accidents or tickets, many companies offer good driver discounts (in the UK, look for a "no-claims bonus," or "NCB"). If you're under 25, taking an approved driver safety course will also help get cheap car insurance rates -- for UK drivers, completing the Pass Plus course can reduce your rate by up to 35%, or give you an extra NCB.

To chop rates further, park your vehicle in a garage or driveway if possible, instead of on the street, as this reduces risk for the insurer. For homeowners, insuring both your home and car with the same company (known as a "multi-line policy") can bring a savings of up to 10-15%. For teens and young drivers, earning good grades in school may mean lower teenage car insurance rates, as insurers see them as being more responsible. Safety features like daytime running lights, airbags, automatic seatbelts, antilock brakes, anti-theft devices such as alarms and tracking units, wheel locks, etc. also help save on auto insurance.

Insurers are beginning to reduce premiums for young under-25 drivers whose vehicle is fitted with "parental monitoring equipment" that allows mom and dad to keep track of how a car is driven (example device in USA).

Rate quotes will often be lower if you have membership in a motor club (free towing, roadside assistance service, etc.) or certain type civic and professional organizations. The motorclub/autoclub discount can sometimes be more than half the price of the annual club membership (insurers want you and your vehicle out of danger as quickly as possible)!

Many insurers give discounts if you have your vehicle ID number etched onto the glass surfaces of your car, which helps prevent auto theft. This is recommended by many police departments; some of them perform this service, as do local glass shops. Your VIN is located on the dash between the windshield and the steering wheel, or on your registration. In addition to saving on insurance, VIN etching may save your car.

Other rate-determining factors include the type of car you drive (insurers prefer low-profile vehicles, without modifications or excessive horsepower -- stuff that invites trouble and car theft), your age, profession, gender (sorry, guys), where you live and your marital status (married drivers pay less, as they are presumed to be more responsible-minded). Insurers typically offer reduced rates if you're a low-mileage driver. Carpooling or using public transportation can help, and you may find vehicle fuel-efficiency pushes you closer to cheap car insurance. In addition, some insurers offer a discount of up to 10% on major coverages if you drive a hybrid or other alternative fuel vehicle. Safety-wise, vehicles equipped with electronic stability control can get discounts of up to 5% on collision coverage.

One of the biggest steps toward affordable premiums is to assume higher risk: you might ask for a higher deductible (the amount of money you have to pay after an accident before your insurer starts paying) on "collision" and "comprehensive" coverage (these can comprise 30-40% of your premium). If your deductible is $100-$250, moving it to $500 could save you up to 30% yearly. Note: if you raise your deductible amount from $500 upward to $1,000, this should slash your premium by a whopping 40% or more, BUT make sure you'll have at least that much in the bank if an accident should occur. Consider dropping collision coverage on an older car: if it's worth less than $1,500, such coverage may cost more over time than the value of the vehicle. These reductions cheap car insurance much more attainable.

Another path to the best rates: as an additional driver on the policy, add a low-risk family member who has a good driving record. Make sure beforehand that they're free of driving convictions or numerous claims.

Your credit history can push you toward the highest or lowest rates, so keep your credit in good shape. Pay bills on time, watch out for identity theft, and guard your rating like a hawk -- companies do make mistakes. In most areas you can get a free credit report and credit score with a tryout of credit monitoring -- a lifesaver in this age of identity theft.

How you pay can also bring cheap car insurance. If you've got the cash, going yearly instead of monthly or every-six-months helps save money. If you'd like some money back, you might obtain and pay with a cash rebate credit card -- also one of those ways to save on gas. Be aware that many insurers now charge a fee for mail payments, so if you can't go yearly, consider automatic deductions from your credit card or bank account. Every little detail helps you toward the goal of cheap car insurance.



Even after buying a policy, it's wise to periodically compare free car insurance quotes online or by phone -- see how your insurer compares with others, to make sure you're getting the best rates. Have ready your basic information such as Vehicle Identification Number, your driver's license number and past or current car insurance information. Insurers' rates, as well as your own circumstances, are constantly changing; you may discover a better deal. And never, ever allow your policy to expire -- a lapse can cause you to pay higher rates once your coverage resumes.

What do all these discounts have in common? For car insurance companies, it mainly boils down to predicting risk. So now, if someone asks you, "How can I get cheap car insurance rates," you've got some great answers. Bookmark this site: CarInsRurance.com. If a co-worker is on a budget, bring them here.

Finally, an important reminder: Carinsurance companies want drivers to use their seat belt and not their cellphone while operating a vehicle. They're very outspoken on the issue of "Driving While Distracted", or "DWD." Always be safe. Many governments are cracking down and handing out tickets for such activity.

Remember that it costs nothing to compare online car insurance rates, and could be one of your best investments ever. Make sure your policy gives you adequate coverage and asset protection for your individual circumstances (new vehicles are more expensive than ever, and injuries can be very costly -- spending a little extra for higher liability coverage can be well worthwhile; if in doubt, consult a professional agent) -- and that the insurer has a good reputation for service, as well as cheap car insurance. Good luck and drive safely!


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