Car insurance is one of those expenses–we all have to pay it, but we wish we didn’t. If you are going to drive, you have to have insure your car. However, that doesn’t mean you have to pay through the roof premiums every month. Much like most areas of finance, the car insurance industry is constantly changing. Because of this, you may be carrying auto insurance with an unnecessarily high premium. So, we have put together 9 steps you can take if your car insurance is too high.
Adjust your coverage.
Take a good look at your auto insurance coverage and ask yourself if there are changes that can be made to lower your premium. These changes could include raising your deductible, switching to liability only, and cutting any optional policies.
Upgrade your vehicle.
A vehicle upgrade is not an option for everyone, but if you are able to upgrade your vehicle, you could see an improvement in your car insurance premium. Each vehicle is given a rating based on various factors and the rating is used to set car insurance rates.
Shop around.
The car insurance industry is highly competitive. Because of this, comparison shopping for lower rates is a great way to find a lower premium. Ask your agent to compare your insurer’s rates with other companies’ or use an online program to find the most affordable coverage option.
Drive safely.
The way you drive has a big effect on your auto insurance premiums. Speeding and other ticket worthy offenses can cause your insurance premium to increase while some companies offer a safe driver discount after a long period without a ticket.
Bundle your policies.
If you carry multiple insurance policies, most companies offer a bundle discount. Combining your auto, home, or rental insurance may make a noticeable difference in your premium.
Pay off your auto loan.
If you do not own your car outright, you are required to carry full coverage. Paying of your auto loan will allow you to switch to liability only insurance, which has a much lower premium.
Drive less.
Many auto insurance policies factor in the number of miles you drive in a year. This is because your chances of getting in an accident increase the more you drive. Reducing the time you spend on the road, and filling your insurance company in on your changes, can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Take a driving class.
Because defensive driving classes provide you with knowledge and skills to avoid car accidents, many insurance companies offer their drivers a discount upon completion of the course.
Pre-pay your policy.
While paying month-to-month may be more convenient, doing so costs you money. When you pay your entire premium for six months or a year, your insurer will lower your premium.
Car insurance is expensive enough without paying for coverage you don’t need. You can compare auto insurance quotes and coverage by completing our multiple car insurance quotes form.