Low Auto Insurance Rates: the Secret to Getting Cheap Car Insurance
Want to know how to get low auto insurance rates? It’s really not all that difficult, and for many people, lowering their insurance bill by hundreds of dollars a year is quite possible.
The first thing you should do to lower your car insurance rate is incredibly simple, yet most people never even think to do it. Simply call your insurance company and ask them what discounts they offer. Many companies give a wide range of discounts for everything from AAA membership to good grades to college alumni status. Often times, people have no idea that they could qualify for one or more of these discounts. Therefore, you could possibly save hundreds of dollars a year by simply making this one call.
Another great way to save big on auto insurance rates without even changing insurance companies is to raise your deductible. If you have a deductible in the range of $250 or even $500, then you could probably save quite a lot of money each and every year by simply raising your deductible to $1000. In fact, many people can save enough in just one year to cover the difference in their deductible, should they ever get into an accident. And that savings will continue year after year. So ask your agent about lowering your deductible, and you could save even more money.
Of course, you might not be able to get the lowest rates unless you shop around with other companies. Different auto insurance companies use different formulas to come up with their rates. Thus, even if you are currently with a discount insurer, there might be a company out there that would offer you substantially lower rates, simply because they evaluate your individual circumstances differently than do other companies.
Therefore, it really pays to shop around and find the lowest rate. But when shopping for car insurance, be sure to check with a broad range of companies. The lowest rates aren’t always found with the “discount” insurers. If you do your homework, inquire about discounts, and raise your deductible, you can get low auto insurance rates and save literally hundreds or even thousands of dollars each and every year.
About Author
Scott Miller is a freelance writer and consultant. To learn many more secrets of getting cheap auto insurance make sure to check out his site on low auto insurance rates.
By murf1179, November 14, 2009 @ 5:57 am
You can compare how the insurance quotes would change, for example here – carinsurance.yoll.net
By adopted, November 14, 2009 @ 7:10 am
It is a difference as you were in control of the vehicle. Being on the roadway makes it a not at fault accident. In the parking lot, it is just a hit and run. It would be like whether or not you were parked at your house or driving down the road. Either way, you rates should not go up at all. It was a not at fault accident that you would couldn't control. If your rates do go up, I suggest finding a company that will not raise your rates if you have an accident that is not your fault.
By rpm89746, November 14, 2009 @ 9:40 pm
don't ask us, ask the gecko.
By Drake, November 15, 2009 @ 3:28 am
They don't EVERYWHERE – in MA, for example, women and men pay the same for auto insurance, just like they pay the same for life insurance, even though men are more likely to die sooner. Gender basis for rates vary by states. MA prohibits having different rates based on gender.
In states that DO allow different rates based on gender, it's because they've found a corrolation between claims payout and gender – just like they charge more for 16 year old drivers, and just like they charge more for someone with 2 DUI's.
It's all about the numbers. If there wasn't a corrolation, the states' insurance departments wouldn't allow the rate difference.
By Nynavey, November 15, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
whether you're against it or not, it's a factor. and sorry, i dont know of ANY companies out there that don't use it. i know about 99% use credit scores, so good luck finding the one or two that havent jumped on that wagon… yet.
By Keenan H, November 15, 2009 @ 9:25 pm
your friend is right, its a myth. your rates get lower the longer you are licensed and have a clean driving record.
By Carolanne M, November 16, 2009 @ 7:06 am
the best way to compare and get the best you can is to call a local independent agent in your area. stay away from quoting yourself online unless you are an agent or REALLY understand insurance. most sites will come back with a different premium once you actually take out the policy and its usually not to your advantage. having an actual person locally is ALWAYS a good idea.
By Danno, November 17, 2009 @ 9:41 am
Welcome to the club! We have tried a few and changed to one that saved us over $1500.00 per year. We tried all the others and got so many quotas it made our head spin. So for the last 5 years we have been with AARP Hartford Ins. We have two boys on the policy, one 21 and the other is 17 with three cars. The type of car has very little to do with insurance rates. It is mostly figured on the people driving. A good example of this is to indicate that if you rent a vehicle and you contact your insurance company they will tell you not to buy the extra insurance because you "YOU" are insured and therefore what ever your policy is will cover you in the rental. Our policy for 3 cars and 4 drivers; Mon, dad, boy 21 and boy 17 with AARP in the State of Texas is just under $1500.00 a year. Progressive wanted over $1500.00 a year to one boy. With AARP you will have to become a member and the fee there is $12.00 — well spent money..
By Kevin W, November 17, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
It really depends on the insurance company. In most cases no, but some of them can be pretty strict.