Car insurance is a very important item to have in your back pocket. You can be the safest driver on the planet but, in the blink of an eye, you may have to find yourself in an accident and need to file a claim. While having auto insurance is important, it’s also important to find a policy that suits your needs without breaking the bank. Here are some ways that you can save some cash on your car insurance premiums.
1. Your Driving Record
If you find yourself looking for auto insurance quotes and typing “car insurance Victoria” into your search engine, you’ll want to remember that your driving record will impact your premiums. Safe drivers will score some relief in the cost of their coverage options. Of course, it’s important to remember that with a more comprehensive insurance policy, you are going to see a rise in your costs.
Safe driving discounts are among the more popular cost-cutting measures offered up by insurance companies. Those discounts can increase over time, but may also come with a cap even for long-time loyal insured parties. Insurers are more than willing to reward drivers who avoid submitting claims on their vehicles and cover their premiums on time.
2. You can bundle your policies.
If your auto insurance provider offers up other lines of insurance, you may be able to capitalize on bundling. Home insurance and other liability coverage could lead to a loyalty discount for syncing all of these policies up under one umbrella plan. Some car owners see this as a way of providing peace of mind with one unified premium.
With specific needs for vehicles, drivers have found great service in syncing up their policies through their insurance agency or directly through their insurance provider. Addressing these unique needs can allow a driver or homeowner to feel as though they are being well kept after with their policies. You may even want to consider raising the deductibles on your policies to help create more affordable options for your monthly expenses.
3. Your Age or Occupation
Car insurance companies may not be inclined to give cheaper rates to younger drivers due to their inexperience on the road. However, some insurers provide good student discounts, rewarding teenage drivers for their grades in the classroom. Parents can also save on insurance policies if their student is away at college and without a car. Older drivers may want to look into defensive driving discounts through the AARP or other outlets.
You can also look into the discounts and bonuses provided by insurance companies based on your occupation. Some companies provide reduced premiums for educators or emergency officials. Some employers even create discounted plans through the workplace to reduce the amount spent on car insurance. Alumni associations and other professional organizations may offer discounted rates on these auto insurance policies as well.
4. You can improve your credit.
Your credit is a major factor in how car insurance companies calculate their premiums and deductibles. While some parts of the United States can’t legally look into your credit history to set rates, others actually use it as the driving force in crunching their numbers. It’s important to keep track of your debts and pay them all off over time.
Make sure that you pay off any loan or credit card payments on time, or work with your lenders on a payment plan that is structured to fit with your monthly expenses. It’s important to also keep your credit card balances well below your credit limits, opening new credit accounts only when necessary. It’s a simple step that could save you a ton in the long run.
