Ask an Agent: How Can I Get Common Car Insurance Discounts?

Published: May 2015

I've heard about a number of car insurance discounts. What are the most common ones, and how do I get them?

There are a wide variety of car insurance discounts, says Allstate agency owner Keith Duncan, of Tucson, Arizona, and qualifying for many of them is a relatively straightforward process. He says frequent communication with your insurance agent is the first step toward ensuring you're aware of the available discounts.

"New discounts are always coming on the market or changing. It's important to have a good, communicative relationship with your agent so that you're aware of and can take advantage of any new discounts," he says. "Talk to your agent at least once a year."

How to Get Common Discounts

Duncan says that although specific car insurance discounts vary by insurer, it can be useful to gather the following potentially money-saving documents:

Home Title:
Some insurers offer discounts for home ownership, so showing proof that you own your home may result in discounts, says Duncan.
Report Card:
Teen drivers may qualify for discounts for good grades, so bring that report card if you have a B average or better, says Duncan. "Keep your agent up on your grades — send us your report cards annually. Communicate with your kids. Tell them, 'This is how much we're saving because of your good grades.' "
Driver's Education Course:
Here's another boost for teen drivers: potentially lower insurance premiums with proof (as required by your insurance company) of having completed a driver's education course, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
Defensive Driving Course:
Some insurers offer discounts for proof of elective defensive driving courses (not courses taken as a consequence of an accident). If you've chosen to take defensive driving to improve your driving ability, bring proof, Duncan says. "Bring your defensive driving certificate of completion."

Additional Discounts

Are you a member of the military or roadside assistance programs? Does your employer offer car insurance discounts if you are a member? Bring proof of membership in these categories, and you may qualify for discounts, says Duncan.

Many new car insurance discount programs are tied to paperless account management, automatic premium withdrawal or having multiple policies with the same insurer, says Duncan.

"There are so many discounts, but the newest and biggest revolve around bundling and paperless policy management, so the more policies you have with the company, the more you save. But also, in effort to save money and go green, more discounts are now related to going paperless."

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Avoid Simple Mistakes

Be sure to read all of your existing policies and documents, so that you understand your benefits and coverage. When in doubt, talk to your agent about other discounts you may qualify for or take advantage of.

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This content is for informational purposes only and may not be applicable to all situations.

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