Tips for Finding and Taking Advantage of Discounts on Auto Insurance
Many auto insurance companies offer insurance discounts. However, not every consumer is aware of these discounts or remembers to ask about them. Being proactive as a car insurance consumer can save you a lot of money over the course of your policy. Generally, auto insurance discounts can be broken down into three categories:
- Discounts Related to the Driver or Drivers
- Discounts Related to the Policy
- Discounts Related to the Vehicle
Often these discounts can be combined to save even more money.
Tip One: Driver-Related Car Insurance Discounts
Driver-related car insurance discounts can be significant. These usually include having a clean driving record, with no speeding tickets, traffic violations or accidents, as well as being what is considered a safe driver. There are also often auto insurance discounts for things like the driver being older and experienced, a college graduate, and a homeowner. Driver discounts vary from insurance company to insurance company.
Tip Two: Policy-Related Auto Insurance Discounts
There are many common types of policy-related auto insurance discounts. Chief among these are bundled discounts which involve multiple vehicles or multiple types of policies. If you are a renter or a homeowner, adding renters insurance or homeowners insurance through the same company that carries your car insurance usually gives a discount. There may also be discounts for paying in full rather than making monthly payments, setting-up an automatic electronic payment through your checking account, and for choosing paperless billing for your car insurance premiums.
Tip Three: Vehicle-Related Car Insurance Discount
In addition to driver- and policy-related auto insurance discounts, many companies offer reduced rates related to the vehicle that is being insured. Security and safety elements for the vehicle, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, vehicle recovery systems, and anti-theft devices may lower your car insurance premiums.
Making the Most of Auto Insurance Discounts
There are many auto insurance discounts available, and they can significantly decrease your premiums. When you are looking for car insurance, be sure to ask about discounts available and how to take advantage of each of them. Whether you are bundling your car insurance with other types of insurance, maintaining a safe driving record, or have a vehicle with excellent safety components, discounts are to your benefit and they will save you money on your auto insurance premiums.
Because different car insurance companies offer different types and amounts of discounts, it is best that you compare offers from a variety of insurance providers to make sure you are not just getting the best rates on the auto insurance you need, but that you are getting the discounts you deserve.