The typical car owner is eligible for numerous auto insurance discounts that he or she may not even know about. Discounted vehicle insurance rates are actually the norm, rather than an exception. But without knowing what deals are out there, you can't take advantage of these discounted offers. Consider the following – you may be able to save on your auto insurance:
If you are a safe driver, you are well positioned to negotiate a lower rate. Even if you've had an at-fault accident in the past, you may be able to have it forgiven after two to five years. Some vehicle insurance agencies even forgive your first accident. If you can prove an excellent driving history, you can get lower vehicle insurance rates.
Is your vehicle a "low-profile" vehicle? Or are you in the market to buy a new vehicle? If you forego a flashy sports vehicle that has a high theft rate and high costs for repair, you will save significantly on your vehicle insurance. Choose a vehicle with a higher safety rating and anti-theft devices and you will pay less on your monthly premiums.
If you carpool or take public transportation to work, you can also get a low mileage discount. Commuting during rush hour is one of the riskiest times to drive. This is the reason why an agent will ask you how often you drive the vehicle and if you drive it to work. Answer "no" (truthfully) and you can get a better price.
Has your credit rating improved recently? Automobile insurance agencies will pull your credit score when you first apply for your insurance policy and will base your pricing on that. Lower credit scores mean that a driver may be more prone to late payments or may be more likely to file a claim. If you can improve your credit score by 50 or more points, you can probably get a lower rate on your vehicle insurance.
Membership and group discounts are also a good method to cut down on your auto insurance costs. If you've changed jobs or recently joined a professional association, ask if they have any group insurance rates. These types of discounts can save you a significant amount of money.
Lastly, always remember to comparison shop. With the advent of the Internet, viewing the latest discounted auto insurance rates is simpler than ever. By running a local vehicle insurance search by zip code or city and state, you can instantly view deals available in your area. Give it a go the next time you have a free minute (how about now?).
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