We’re gonna go out on a limb here and say that just about every car owner in the country (and in the world, even) would welcome better auto insurance rates. For an ongoing cost that’s non-negotiable according to the law, here at eTags, we know that folks are always on the hunt for quality coverage with premiums that won’t break the bank. So today we’re going to walk you through a few key tools on how to secure the best rates on car insurance.
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1. Shop Around
The first thing to keep in mind is that competition is king. Insurance companies want your business. So if your current provider isn’t up to snuff, or you’re simply curious to see what else is out there, go for it! Many insurers will provide you with a free quote to give you an idea of what your policy rate will be. And it’s a good idea to compare at least three companies before making a decision.
2. Drive Safely
Insurers tend to give better rates to drivers who have little or no history of accidents, tickets, traffic violations, and mishaps. The safer you drive, the more likely you are to secure an insurance policy that reflects that in terms of lower premiums.
3. Choose the Right Vehicle
If you haven’t purchased your vehicle yet, you still have time to consider the model…because often, insurance companies will offer cheaper rates on coverage for cars that are known to have high safety ratings, low repair expenditures, and don’t fall into the categories of luxury, sports, or electric vehicles.
4. Repair your Credit
Apart from a few states, most territories allow insurance companies to base rates on a person’s credit score. The lower the credit standing, the higher the insurance premium will be. So if you’d like to lower your current auto insurance costs and your credit is less than stellar, working to raise your credit score can help lower your policy rate.
5. Inquire about Discounts
If you don’t ask, you’ll never know. Insurance companies often have several incentives up their sleeves that they may not offer you up front…so it’s up to you to ask! Some great discounts to inquire about are:
- Adding a second (or third) vehicle to your policy
- Bundling insurance policies, such as homeowner, renter, and life
- Paying your premium in full at the start of the year or six-month period
- AAA or other auto-affiliated group discounts
- Your vehicle’s anti-theft and/or high safety rating
6. Pay per Use
This one is great for weekend-only or short-commute drivers. If you only take your car out for a few miles at a time, you might want to consider asking about mileage or usage-based insurance coverage. This is when you pay based on the miles driven per month, and will likely change each month depending on your activity.
7. Up your Deductible
While it may seem like a gamble for some, increasing your deductible can significantly lower your monthly payment. In the case of an accident or damage, you will have more to pay out of pocket, but your regular rate will decrease. It’s important to keep in mind here not to raise your deductible too much: you want to be able to afford that expense if it ever rolls around, so be realistic when setting that number.
And there you have it, friends, a few smart ways to access cheaper auto insurance for your vehicle. And remember, for all your title and tag needs, you’ve landed in the right place. Head over to eTags.com and let us assist you with title transfers, replacements, registrations, renewals, specialty plates, and more. Because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!
