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How to lower car insurance costs
Unexpected ways to save on car insurance
No one wants to pay more for car insurance than they need to. Compare the best and easiest ways to pay less on your monthly car insurance bill right now and the next time you shop around.
9 steps to getting cheap car insurance
Compare the top ways to save on your car insurance to find out if you could lower your premiums.
1. Stop paying for add-ons you don’t need.
Check your policy for optional extras you’re paying for that you haven’t used and don’t need.
2. Reassess coverage as your car gets older.
Find your car’s value online on sites like KBB or Edmunds. If your car value has dropped and is close to your annual premiums, it’s time to reevaluate your coverage maximums and consider dropping comprehensive and collision.
3. Increase your deductible.
Consider raising your deductible, which is the amount you have to pay when making a claim before you get reimbursed. A higher deductible means lower premiums. But make sure you can afford the higher cost if you end up needing to make a claim.
4. Choose your drivers carefully.
You should see lower premiums by insuring your policy in the oldest or safest driver’s name and simply listing drivers with higher risk, as long as everyone driving the car is listed.
5. Park in a safe location.
Cars kept in garages are cheaper to insure than those parked on the street. It might be worth putting your car in a garage or carport or renting a garage space from someone in your neighborhood, not only for reduced premiums but also to reduce the risk of making a car theft claim.
6. Reduce your mileage.
You could earn a low-mileage discount if you drive less than 35 miles a day or 13,000 per year. If you’re close to the low mileage threshold, see if you could reduce or combine your trips or carpool to lower your miles.
7. Ask for discounts.
Make sure you’re getting rewarded where you can, and check for any new car insurance discounts you could qualify for, like a claim-free or loyalty discount. Check for any safety or anti-theft features your car has to save even more.
8. Don’t write off local carriers.
The best car insurer for you might not be one of the big brands. A regional or local car insurance company may have better rates than a national one. But watch out for limited coverage areas or agent-only support.
9. Shop around to compare prices.
Instead of renewing, try switching car insurance providers — especially if you’ve experienced big life changes like getting married or moving. Also, use comparison quotes to ask for a price match from your current insurer.
6 easy ways to get a discount
Some simple tactics to lower your insurance costs include:
- Get a quote online.
- Sign up for a policy in advance.
- Set up autopay for premium payments.
- Sign up for paperless notifications.
- Take a defensive driver class.
- Pay your policy in full, up front.
How else can I save on car insurance?
A few of the biggest opportunities for savings aren’t possible in the short term, but they could help you get cheaper car insurance the next time you shop around.
- Improved credit score. If you live in a state that allows insurers to factor in your credit score when setting your rates and your credit score has improved to the next tier, you could save hundreds of dollars.
- Drive safely. It’s easier said than done, but if you keep your claims history and tickets to a minimum, you’ll save a bundle.
- Wait for accidents and tickets to drop off your record. It’s a good time to shop after claims or tickets are no longer counted against you. This happens typically after three to five years after you were ticketed.
- Build a deductible savings. If you have a $500 deductible because you can’t afford a $2,000 deductible now, save up that extra $1,500 in a high-interest savings account. When you hit your goal, switch to the higher deductible.
How can my next car help me save on car insurance?
The next time you’re shopping for a new or new-to-you car, you’ll find safer cars or cheaper cars score lower insurance rates. When you go to pick your trim and upgrades, consider installing antitheft or security features to qualify for discounts to help lower your premiums.
Some of the cheapest car models to insure include:
- Acura RDX
- Buick Encore
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Chevrolet Malibu
- Dodge Journey
- Ford Escape
- Ford Explorer
- Ford F-150
- Honda Accord
- Honda Civic
- Honda CR-V
- Honda Odyssey
- Jeep Cherokee
- Jeep Compass
- Jeep Patriot
- Jeep Wrangler
- Mazda CX-5
- Nissan Altima
- Nissan Frontier
- Nissan Rogue
- Nissan Sentra
- Ram 1500
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Outback
- Toyota Camry
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Highlander
- Toyota Tacoma
Car insurance breakdown by brand
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Bottom line
Save hundreds on your car insurance right now with a little comparison shopping. And over time, it’s possible to lower your rates even more. Compare car insurance policies today to find out how much you could save.
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