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Car Insurance: Saving Money
One of the biggest components of your total vehicle cost
(along with financing, warranties and repairs
and maintenance) is the amount you pay for
car insurance. Depending on a number of factors, the difference in price between what is available and what you
might be paying could be $200, $400 or more. Fortunately, the Internet has made price comparisons quick and simple. We
have made arrangements with NetQuote for free online quotes.
Fill out one easy to use form and receive Free, no obligation quotes from some of the nations' leading insurance
companies.
Car Insurance Tips
1. Comparison Shop.
Prices for the same coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars from company to company, so it pays to shop around.
Surf the net, ask your friends or call your state insurance department for ideas about companies and agents to
contact. You should get at least three different quotes. But don't shop price alone. The insurer you select should
offer both fair prices and excellent service. Quality personal service may cost a bit more, but provides added
conveniences, so talk to a number of insurers to get a feeling for the quality of their service. Ask them what
they would do to lower your costs.
2. Ask for Higher Deductibles.
Deductibles represent the amount of money you pay before you make a claim. By requesting higher deductibles on
collision and comprehensive (fire and theft) coverage, you can lower your costs substantially. For example, increasing
your deductible from $200 to $500 could reduce your collision and comprehensive cost by 15% to 30%.
3. Drop Collision and/or Comprehensive Coverages
on Older Cars.
It may not be cost effective to have collision or comprehensive coverages on cars worth less than $1,000 because
any claim you make would not substantially exceed annual cost and deductible amounts. Auto dealers and banks can
tell you the worth of your car.
4. Buy a "Low Profile" Car.
Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Cars that are expensive to repair, or that are favorite
targets for thieves, have much higher insurance costs.
5. Take Advantage of Low Mileage Discounts.
Some companies offer discounts to motorists who drive fewer than a predetermined number of miles a year.
6. Consider Insurance Cost When Making a Move.
Costs tend to be lowest in rural communities and highest in cities where there is more traffic congestion.
7. Find out about Automatic Seat Belt or Airbag
Discounts.
You may be able to take advantage of discounts on some coverages if you have automatic seat belts and/or airbags.
8. Ask About Anti-Lock Brakes.
Anti-lock brakes improve steering control and stability when a car is brought to a stop, thus reducing accidents.
Some states, including Florida, New Jersey and New York, require insurers to give discounts for cars equipped with
the brakes and some insurers have a nationwide discount in place.
9. Inquire About Other Discounts.
Some insurers offer discounts for things like no accidents in three years, drivers over 50 years of age, driver
training courses, anti-theft devices, good grades for students and having more than one car insured with that company.
Courtesy of the Insurance Information Institute
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