Thanks to online auto insurance quote comparisons, it’s a quick and easy process to find the best insurance rates. Some people are often hesitant to make insurer changes because they feel an obligation to their existing agent or insurer. Remember, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been with a company, they will rid themselves of you if you get too many traffic violations/accidents or don’t pay your premiums on time. Their line of loyalty literally ends with your money, which is exactly why you should rid yourself of them if they’re costing you money.

Discounts

Ask your agent about bundling your home, auto, and other applicable insurances. Even if not directly within the company’s marketing material, they may provide a discount for bundling. You might want to consider rethinking other insurance carriers if the carrier refuses the discount. Ask your insurance agent for a listing of all discounts offered. There are several other discounts and pseudo discounts common to the insurance industry. Some may be more trouble than their worth, but others like the following may be well worth the effort:

* Defensive driving class

* Retired or senior citizen

* Multiple car

* Good driver

* Safe car

* Good student

Alternative Financing

Full coverage isn’t mandatory on vehicles not financed through a lending institution. Not everyone will be able to avoid this, but some individuals might be able to finance their vehicle through borrowing against their life insurance policy, a personal or home equity loan, or by selling another vehicle or asset. By finding alternative financing options, you can save insurance dollars and avoid loan interest. Insurance agents often try to sell drivers more than they actually want or need. Be sure to find out your state’s minimum insurance requirements.

Check Rates Before Vehicle Purchases

Ask your insurance agent about the expense to insure a vehicle before the purchase. Some vehicles have a higher premium because they, as well as their drivers, are considered higher risk. For example, insurers typically consider sports cars a higher risk because the drivers tend to take more risks during driving. Makes and models that are commonly stolen or that have expensive replacement/repair costs can also impact premiums. Even the color of the vehicle may be a cost factor since some are harder to see than others.

Drive Less, Pay Less

Keep driving miles under 6,000/per month and you may qualify for a better rate.

Shelter Your Vehicle

If possible, park your vehicle in the garage since this lessens the probability of it being damaged or stolen.

Deductible Increases

Find out what the cap is for the insurer; most caps are $500 or $1000. If possible, raise your deductible and take the initial savings to build up a fund equal to whatever deductible you’d actually be able to pay for in the event of an accident.

This might seem like a lot of work for little reward, but even if you only save $10 a month in premium dollars, you’ll have an extra $120 each year. Who couldn’t find a place better place for that money?