How to Save Money on Your Car Insurance

Don’t worry; this article isn’t an endorsement for Geico (though it should be noted that we did have car insurance through Geico and they were a good company to work with). The things we recommend below are practical things that you can do to save on your car insurance. While the best savings you can get on car insurance will usually only come with age (once you turn 26 the price of your car insurance should drop drastically) there are things you can do in the meantime to score some considerable savings.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Take a driving course. Think driving school is only for people who get tickets? Think again; voluntarily enrolling in some form of driving school is a major way to save money on your car insurance. The other benefit? Chances are you’ll learn some useful tips in driving school that will prevent you from getting into unnecessary accidents - one of the leading causes in causing car insurance rates to rise.

2. 
    

   Waivers. Talk to your car insurance company about something called a “surcharge waiver.” If you have been accident free for over 5 years, car insurance companies will usually give you a better deal. But you have to ask! Car insurance companies don’t want to lower rates unless they have to.

3. 
    

   Defensive driving. While it’s unfortunate, even if an accident is not your fault, it will make your car insurance cost more. Head off this problem by always driving defensively: pay attention not only to how you are driving, but how others are driving as well. This can help prevent accidents and in turn, a higher car insurance rate.

4. 
    

   Safety features. Do you have any extra safety features on your car such as a security system? If so, tell your car insurance company about it! Many times, car insurance companies will give you a better rate if you have anti-theft or other safety features. In their mind, you having a security system on your car will prevent the car from being stolen, therefore saving them money they would have had to pay out had the car been stolen.

5. 
    

   Shop around. This can be one of the most tedious activities on earth, but it’s worth it. Before you purchase car insurance, don’t just look at one or two car insurance companies, look at several. If you don’t want to have to deal with getting the quotes online (as they often ask for your social security number) call them. Spending a day on the internet or making calls inquiring about the prices of car insurance could save you a couple hundred dollars a year or more.

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[Thims]

on 10/26/2008 This defensive driving thing is something my father taught me. It's great advice! Good insured article!