7 easy ways to help lower your car insurance premiums
Last updated: January 1
There may be more ways to lower your car insurance premiums than you realize.
Reducing your car insurance premium can be an easy way to save money. Here are some tips on how you may be able to lower your car insurance rates.
- Choose car safety and security features. Driving a car that has a number of built-in safety features, such as airbags and antilock brakes, and security features, like anti-theft and engine cut-off systems, may qualify you for lower car insurance premiums. Such vehicles are statistically less likely to be in an accident or stolen than those that don't have these features.
- Set higher deductibles on your auto insurance. The higher your deductible — the amount of money you will pay out of pocket in the event of a claim — the lower your premium generally is. Typically, deductibles range from $0 to $1,500.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some auto insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who successfully complete a safe driving course at an accredited institution. Typically, these courses are taken by teenage drivers and seniors, but any driver may benefit from taking one.
- Park your car in a garage. Many insurance companies offer discounts to people who park their cars inside a garage, rather than out on the street or in a driveway. Statistics show that vehicles in garages are less likely to be stolen or in accidents.
- Compare auto insurance quotes. Be sure to get several auto insurance quotes when shopping around, then compare them side by side to pick the one that's best for your situation.
- Bundle insurance policies. If you buy more than one policy from the same insurer, which is often referred to as bundling, you may qualify for a multi-policy discount. For example, you may save money by purchasing both homeowners and car insurance from the same company.
- Get good grades. If your full-time student is earning good grades, they may qualify for a lower car insurance rate. Students typically must be under age 25 and unmarried. Your agent can tell you about other potential ways to save if a young driver is on your policy.