Monday, September 1, 2014

Auto insurance and tips for lowering it

When it comes to getting the best rates for auto insurance that you can get you may think you already have them. It is likely that you assume that you are doomed to pay the high price for your mistakes as you have previous claims, a bad driving record or other issues. Or you may have shopped around when you found your current policy and picked the best deal. However, that doesn't mean you can't lower your auto insurance costs now.
Understand that Prices Change
Just because you got the best deal when you took out your policy, it doesn't mean it is still the best deal today. It is a good idea to comparison shop every so often, at least once a year. This lets you know if a new competitor has come into the market or a well-known company has lowered its rates to be more competitive. If you are looking for the best deal, it pays to shop around on a regular basis.
Look for Specialty Companies
Some companies choose to specialize for customers with challenges in their past. Whether it is a bad driving record or poor credit, some companies will offer you a better rate. Look for these providers before you settle on a policy.
Look for Discounts
Ask your current insurance agent if there is anything you can do to lower your premiums. They may suggest a driver safety course or adding some features that will make your car safer. Also, let them know any time you change jobs or move because those variables can reduce your price, too.
Change Your Deductible
Look at raising your deductible to lower your premiums. This is one of the biggest helps for getting cheap auto insurance. If you have a minor accident, you may also want to consider paying for it out-of-pocket instead of submitting a claim. While this won't lower your current rates, it will prevent them from going up in the future once a claim is made.
Plan Ahead
If you will be moving to a new city, find out your rates ahead of time. You may find one insurance company is cheaper in an area but not in another one. You may also discover that you can save money by just moving a few miles to a different location. The additional commute may be worth the savings.
Also, plan ahead when you are going to buy your next vehicle. Some cars are cheaper to insure than others. If you are looking for cheap auto insurance, find out which cars will reduce your rates. Generally, it is the ones that have the best rating for accidents.
Each step you take can help reduce the cost of an insurance policy. When you add up all of the steps, you may discover that you have a cheap auto insurance policy. Don't forget to shop around to find the best rates for your vehicle and where you live.