Monday, March 1st, 2010...12:59 pm
Seven Ways to Save on Auto Insurance
Hi Gregg and Judy, This is the blog post that I created over the weekend. I have not posted it to Cleveland Insurance, as I do not have your log in information. Also I want to talk about possibly creating a more user friendly and “sleek” blog site or page. I’m going to give you a call here so we may talk about it if you have a few minutes.
Seven Low Cost Car Insurance Tips
With the growing price of car insurance, more and more American families are finding it difficult to keep up. Increasing numbers of people are trying to find cheap car insurance plans. However the question remains, is it possible to find cheap car insurance coverage, while maintaining the integrity of your insurance company?
Everyone knows that car insurance companies aren’t all equal. Low-cost car insurance coverage is wonderful when paying the bill, however make a claim on one of those low cost insurance companies and you may find that your budget car insurance policy could turn into a nightmare. Low cost car insurance might not fully cover your damages when making a claim.
If you’ve found a discount car insurance agent don’t simply take the cheapest quote you are offered. You may want to search for information concerning the insurance company’s coverage, and consumer’s satisfaction, with that insurance companies claims process.
With this in mind, there are ways in which you can scale back and reduce the price of your current car insurance plan, with most insurance companies. Here are some tips for those looking to reduce the cost of their car insurance plan without compromising other things like value.
1. Look at your deductible amount. This is the amount that you must pay out of pocket on any claim. The cost of your policy is directly related to this coverage amount. The higher your deductible, the lower your insurance cost will be. Many individuals, significantly those who have had their insurance policy for a while, may have never thought of whether or not they should change their deductible. If you have a good driving record and are ready to increase the risk of paying a larger amount within the event of a (hopefully unlikely) claim, you will save premium by increasing your deductible.
2. Have a look at the type of car you drive. Certain varieties of cars attract higher car insurance rates. Sports cars and certain makes and models that are prime theft candidates cost additional to insure. If you are shopping for a car, then take into account which makes and models may cost more to insure before you buy. Make sure to call and get a few quotes ahead of time on what your new insurance will cost you, there is no reason you should be surprised with an increase in your insurance bill. When calculating your monthly budget with your new car loan, make sure to include the potential increase in your insurance cost. This way you can be sure to safely afford your new monthly budget.
3. Drive carefully. Though it sounds obvious to mention, your driving record has the biggest direct effect on your insurance cost. Companies offer huge safe driver discounts and you won’t get a cheap car insurance plan if you have had 3 accidents or violations in the last year. In fact most companies look back 3 years for accidents or violations. A $100 speeding ticket can potentially add up to $100’s more over the 3 or so years it takes to fall off your driving record. This should always be taken into consideration when driving. When running late to work or elsewhere, ask yourself, “Is the 10 minutes of work I’m going to miss enough to pay for the cost of a speeding ticket, and the ongoing cost of increased insurance?” If the answer is no then slow down.
4. Never let your insurance lapse! Insurance companies view lapses in auto insurance as irresponsible and will charge you more for coverage, even if you find yourself in a situation where you will not have a car or may not be driving for a while. See what it would cost to insure yourself as a driver on a policy without a car. Additionally, if you are going to be driving somebody else’s car, ask to have them find what it would cost to add you as a driver to their policy.
5. Take a look at your policy when it comes time to renew, don’t just pay. There are some things that you can change in your policy that will have an effect on the cost. You may find there are things which duplicate alternative insurance which you may already have. Maybe you pay $100 per year for a AAA membership, you may have similar coverage on your auto insurance for a fraction of the cost of your AAA membership. Be vigilant, look rigorously and ask questions concerning these inquires before you renew your policy.
6. Consider where you place your other insurances. Most insurance companies offer multiple policy discounts. If your house insurance is with a different company from your auto insurance, call them both up, find what each other’s total insurance package would cost and consider combining your insurance for the best package rates and discounts.
7. Take care of your credit. Regardless if you feel your credit is an indication of your driving style or not, companies do take this into account. Be sure to take whatever steps possible to increase your credit rating. Some good credit tips can be found here: http://www.myfico.com/CreditEducation/improveYourScore.aspx
So you are in the market for low cost car insurance coverage, we hope these simple concepts can help you. Don’t just settle for car insurance that may be costly, get out there and do something about it. As you know, we offer free auto insurance quotes and free advice about most insurance subjects. Please feel free to give us a call or email to discuss your specific situation.
–
Thanks,
Chris
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.