Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Finding the Cheapest Auto Insurance: the Tips

You may not realize all the things you can do to get cheapest auto insurance. You've probably heard about some of the big things such as shopping around or choosing a higher deductible, but there are small changes you can make that can have a big payoff as well.
Consider Your Age
While you can't change your age, you can make sure it is listed accurately on your policy and find out if there are any discounts because of it. Drivers who reach the age of 25 often see a decrease in the premiums even on their current policy. Plus, if you shop around after you reach that age, policies that were expensive before may save you extra money now.
There are also discounts for reaching retirement age. This happens because a person who doesn't drive to work every day will probably be less likely to be in heavy traffic and get in an accident. Once you retire, you can find out if your policy will be cheaper if you ask your agent.
Get Rewarded for Loyalty
If you have been with your insurance company for a long time, find out if they offer loyalty discounts. While not every insurance company does, some do and it is worth your time to find out. If you are shopping for a new company, you might ask about this benefit before you select a provider.
Consider Where You Park
Vandalism and theft are major causes of claims and the numbers are rising. Vehicles that are left out in the open are more susceptible. If you have a garage or carport, you might be able to get a discount on your insurance. If you happen to use your garage for storage instead of your car, it might be worth cleaning it out to save money and get the cheapest car insurance you can.
Look at Affiliations
Sometimes you can get discounts based on membership with a program. For instance, AAA members get many auto-related discounts. Car insurance companies may reduce your premium if you have an affiliation with a company or group they partner with. Don't hesitate to mention your affiliations to find out about discounts. This is not a discount mentioned by many agents. Consider your college or job as well as any other groups you belong to.
Pay Premiums in Full
Instead of choosing the monthly payment plan, pay your premium when it comes due. You can often get a reduced rate because the company doesn't have to process monthly payments or send out reminders and statements. The discount may be small but it can add up.
When trying to find the cheapest car insurance, don't just stop with the most obvious discounts. Look for other ways to save and don't be afraid to ask about additional rate reductions. The amount you save can make it worth the extra work.