Try These Hacks for Saving Money on Auto Insurance

Car insurance is an absolute must-have for vehicle owners, but it’s also an expense. By making sure you know exactly what affects your rates, you can save time—and money—by knowing exactly what factors into your auto insurance rates.

Here are some easy ways to save on your insurance.

1. Make sure you’re getting all possible discounts
   Every insurance company offers different ways to save on car insurance. To make sure you’re getting every possible discount, ask your local provider to review your policy and start saving.

2. Drive safely
   Incidents like accidents and traffic violations can quickly drive up car insurance premiums. If you do get a ticket, you may have the chance to go to traffic school to reduce the violation or get it dismissed entirely.

   If you can keep those violation points off of your driving record, you could save hundreds of dollars in insurance over the next several years.

3. Don’t pay for coverage you don’t need
   If your car is old and wearing out, you might benefit from dropping collision and comprehensive insurance. Both of these pay for damage to your vehicle. Collision pays to repair accident damage if you wreck into another vehicle or object, and comprehensive pays for theft or damage from storms, vandalism, or animal collisions.

   However, if your car is worth less than the combined total of your deductible and the cost of annual coverage, it’s time to drop collision and comprehensive. These policies never pay more than the car’s worth, so you may want to consider whether it’s worth paying for policies that reimburse little to nothing.

   If you drop this coverage, you can set aside the money you would have spent to fund repairs or a payment on a newer car.

4. Drive a car you can cheaply insure
   Before you make any decisions about a new car, check car insurance rates on the models you’re considering. The model affects the price of your insurance premium, especially if you buy collision and comprehensive coverage. SUVs and minivans—both safe vehicles at moderate prices—are typically less to insure than something flashy, such as a sports car.

5. Increase your deductible
   Raising your deductible (the amount the insurance company doesn’t cover when you pay for repairs) saves you money on collision and comprehensive insurance.

   Upping the deductible from $500 to $1,000 saves roughly $200. Savings vary by policy provider and state, so consider comparing quotes at different deductible levels before making this decision.

6. Improve your credit score
   Your credit is a major determining factor when insurance companies calculate your rates. In some places, it matters more than your driving record.

   Even if your credit isn’t perfect, there are still steps you can take to improve it. Making loan and credit card payments on time, keeping balances below your limits will improve your credit score over time. Applying for too many cards or accounts, though, can hurt your credit score.

7. Consider usage-based insurance if you rarely drive
   Some insurers offer usage-based insurance policies. In these situations, the rates are based on how much you drive and, sometimes, how well you drive. Insurance companies track driving by installing a small device in your car that transmits data. You score a discount for low mileage and often for safe driving habits.

   Some companies even offer pay-per-mile insurance.

8. Shop around for the best deal
   Insurance rates can vary by hundreds of dollars depending on insurers and levels of coverage. Stay on top of your coverage—make sure to compare quotes throughout the year to get the best deals on insurance.