Happy New Year! As you begin 2007 with a renewed determination to improve your finances, take 10 minutes to analyze your auto insurance bill. Even if last year seemed uneventful, the chances are good that your individual circumstances have changed enough to qualify you for lower car insurance rates. And even if nothing changed on your end, many large insurance companies reduced their rates in 2006.
Don’t overspend on car insurance in 2007: Your potential savings are better used for utility bills, cell phone calling plans, or better yet, personal entertainment. In shopping for a new car insurance policy, use InsWeb’s 10 tips for lowering your rates.
1. Shop and Compare Rates Every 6 MonthsIn 2007, if you check your car insurance rates in January, make sure your check them again in June. According to an independent study, people who compare rates and switch carriers at InsWeb.com save an average of $301* on a six month policy. Consider the savings over 12 months! Tickets or no tickets, you’re a different driver than you were last summer. Get updated quotes and see what your individual savings could be.
2. Select Higher DeductiblesSimply put, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Indeed the cost of an accident will be that much more expensive; however, if the damage is minor (grey zone in making accident claim), you’ll be spending the same out-of-pocket amount regardless.
3. Make a Cheaper Policy Even Cheaper: Don’t Pay in Monthly InstallmentsAdditional administrative fees are commonly applied to payments when you split your premium in to installments (i.e. monthly, semi-annual, annual). Be aware that a monthly fee of even $7 can add up to $84 over 12 months.
4. Look for Multi-Line Insurance DiscountsThe most under recognized car insurance discount results from the multi-line insurance policy: buying your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance from the same insurance company. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a multi-line policy can save you up to 15% on both premiums.
5. Collect on Your Good DrivingMost insurance companies reward good driving with lower premiums. In fact, in some states a good driving discount is required by law. If you haven’t had any accidents or tickets in the last three to five years, shop at InsWeb.com and see whether you are missing out on this money savings discount.
6. Don’t Overpay for TicketsUnfortunately moving violations are an accurate reflection of your liability to an insurance company, and your rates can skyrocket as a result. Perhaps you deserve a higher rate, but don’t let the insurance company unduly punish you. Shop around and see if you can find a more reasonable rate with another company.
7. Look for Safe Vehicle DiscountMany companies offer discounts for various safety features on your vehicle, including air bags, alarms, factory-installed mechanical seatbelts and antilock brakes. In getting updated insurance quotes, be sure to indicate such safety features to benefit from available discounts.
8. Don’t Overpay for Your Unnecessary CoverageYou may be paying for coverage that you don’t need. For example, you may be a member of an auto club that provides towing services, yet you’re also paying for towing on your auto insurance policy. Look for opportunities to eliminate unnecessary costs.
9. Look for a Good Student Discount or Senior DiscountStudents currently enrolled in school often receive a discount on auto insurance for good grades, as many companies feel conscientious students make conscientious drivers. Similarly, insurance companies are known to value the wisdom of an experienced driver, offering discounts to drivers over 50 as a result.
10. Pay Less for Driving LessMany insurance companies will offer discounts on vehicles that incur low annual mileage. In fact, some companies have a predetermined number of what they consider low mileage. Has your commute changed? If so, it might save you money to get an updated quote.
*National average savings information based on InsWeb 6-month policyholder survey data from 4/27/05 to 7/4/05.
Don’t overspend on car insurance in 2007: Your potential savings are better used for utility bills, cell phone calling plans, or better yet, personal entertainment. In shopping for a new car insurance policy, use InsWeb’s 10 tips for lowering your rates.
1. Shop and Compare Rates Every 6 MonthsIn 2007, if you check your car insurance rates in January, make sure your check them again in June. According to an independent study, people who compare rates and switch carriers at InsWeb.com save an average of $301* on a six month policy. Consider the savings over 12 months! Tickets or no tickets, you’re a different driver than you were last summer. Get updated quotes and see what your individual savings could be.
2. Select Higher DeductiblesSimply put, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Indeed the cost of an accident will be that much more expensive; however, if the damage is minor (grey zone in making accident claim), you’ll be spending the same out-of-pocket amount regardless.
3. Make a Cheaper Policy Even Cheaper: Don’t Pay in Monthly InstallmentsAdditional administrative fees are commonly applied to payments when you split your premium in to installments (i.e. monthly, semi-annual, annual). Be aware that a monthly fee of even $7 can add up to $84 over 12 months.
4. Look for Multi-Line Insurance DiscountsThe most under recognized car insurance discount results from the multi-line insurance policy: buying your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance from the same insurance company. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a multi-line policy can save you up to 15% on both premiums.
5. Collect on Your Good DrivingMost insurance companies reward good driving with lower premiums. In fact, in some states a good driving discount is required by law. If you haven’t had any accidents or tickets in the last three to five years, shop at InsWeb.com and see whether you are missing out on this money savings discount.
6. Don’t Overpay for TicketsUnfortunately moving violations are an accurate reflection of your liability to an insurance company, and your rates can skyrocket as a result. Perhaps you deserve a higher rate, but don’t let the insurance company unduly punish you. Shop around and see if you can find a more reasonable rate with another company.
7. Look for Safe Vehicle DiscountMany companies offer discounts for various safety features on your vehicle, including air bags, alarms, factory-installed mechanical seatbelts and antilock brakes. In getting updated insurance quotes, be sure to indicate such safety features to benefit from available discounts.
8. Don’t Overpay for Your Unnecessary CoverageYou may be paying for coverage that you don’t need. For example, you may be a member of an auto club that provides towing services, yet you’re also paying for towing on your auto insurance policy. Look for opportunities to eliminate unnecessary costs.
9. Look for a Good Student Discount or Senior DiscountStudents currently enrolled in school often receive a discount on auto insurance for good grades, as many companies feel conscientious students make conscientious drivers. Similarly, insurance companies are known to value the wisdom of an experienced driver, offering discounts to drivers over 50 as a result.
10. Pay Less for Driving LessMany insurance companies will offer discounts on vehicles that incur low annual mileage. In fact, some companies have a predetermined number of what they consider low mileage. Has your commute changed? If so, it might save you money to get an updated quote.
*National average savings information based on InsWeb 6-month policyholder survey data from 4/27/05 to 7/4/05.
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