Car insurance is mandatory in most states, so it’s something you’ll have to purchase as a car owner. There are many factors insurance companies consider when deciding how much to charge you to insure a vehicle. Some of them, such as your age, are outside your control. However, there are ways you can influence the others.
Drive an Older or Less Valuable Car
The value of your car is something that impacts car insurance bills. Generally, if your car is newer or perceived as having significant value, your coverage cost increases. That’s because insurers know it’d cost more to replace an older, less valuable car than a new vehicle, or a model that’s very in demand.
If you’re not too proud to get around in a set of wheels that’s not brand new or the flashiest model possible, driving an older, plainer option could help you save money on insurance costs. If you’re in the market for a new car and want to be as sensible as possible about the eventual insurance costs, research to find out which new cars generally cost the least to insure and set your sights on those.
Follow the Rules of the Road
Driving safely isn’t just a practice that could avoid accidents. It could also help you save money on car insurance. If you have a history of speeding tickets, wrecks, or driving under the influence, insurance companies may conclude it’s very risky to extend coverage to you. If you’ve gone a step further to make sure you understand how to drive safely and completed a defensive driving course, that decision could also lower your premium rates.
Describe Your Occupation Accurately
Car insurance applications often ask about your occupation. That’s because insurance companies know certain work requires a lot of time on the road. If your line of work doesn’t make you have to spend a large percentage of a typical day at work in the car, but the opposite could easily be assumed, make sure to clarify.
For example, if you work for a truck driving company but only do administrative work, mention that the majority of your days are spent behind desks, not the wheel of a heavy-duty truck. The more thoroughly you describe your occupation, the less likely it is insurers will make false assumptions that jack up your insurance prices.
Get Insurance From a Local Provider
Although you may feel tempted to go online and purchase insurance on your own, it’s best to do business with a local insurance specialist instead. That representative should have a strong working knowledge of the types of coverage that exist and be well equipped to recommend coverage that suits your car insurance needs and budget.
Also, you may find an insurance company that offers several types of coverage. If you remain a loyal customer to that provider for many years as you purchase numerous kinds of insurance, you may get a discount for coverage.
Clearly, lowering your car insurance rates isn’t impossible. It’s just necessary to be aware of some of the factors above and act accordingly.