Featured Links

Other Topics






Quote of the Day

"Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternatives."

Cato








 




 
Featured Insurance Articles

A Buyer's Guide to Medical Insurance
Buying travel health insurance can be a complex task. There are so many different plans - each with different benefits and restrictions. It is important to shop wisely for trip insurance. Many people buy coverage that seems inexpensive only to find out ...

Determining How Much Life Insurance You Need
When considering life insurance, you're planning and preparing for an event most of us would rather not think about. But life insurance represents a critical step in managing your personal finances and ensuring your family's well-being. The Two ...

Everything You Need to Know About Life Insurance
Life insurance is a type of protection that can be bought and insures the buyer in the event of death. The risk that is assumed by the insurer is the risk of death of the insured. Life insurance is a very good purchase in order to protect a family, ...




10+ Tips to Help You Save on Car Insurance
 
Most people complain about the cost of their auto insurance--hardly surprising, given that a typical policy costs at least several hundred dollars a year. Depending on your age, driving record, and other factors, your annual premium can be significantly more than that. So how can you lower your premium and save yourself money?
If you own a car and drive it, going without insurance is generally not an option. In most states, you are required by law to purchase a minimum amount of liability coverage. And you should probably have more than just the bare minimum if you want to provide yourself with adequate protection. There are steps you can take, however, to reduce your auto insurance costs without having to cancel your policy. Some or all of these steps may be appropriate for you, depending on your circumstances.
Specific ways to save money on auto insurance:
1. Shop around. One of your first steps should be to shop around. A particularly good time to investigate your alternatives is when your current policy is about to be up for renewal, especially if you find that your premium has gone up. You may be surprised to learn that auto insurance premiums for the exact same coverage on the same car can vary widely (by hundreds of dollars) between different insurers, even in states that regulate auto insurance rates.
2. Increase your deductible. For many people, raising the deductible on their auto insurance is a good way to cut the cost of the policy. Sometimes you can reduce your annual premium by 10 percent or more if you increase your deductible from, say, $250 to $500. If you do this, however, make sure you have the financial resources to handle the larger deductible when the time comes.
3. Keep an eye on your credit report. Your credit history is an important factor for most auto insurance companies. Many studies have shown a correlation between your credit history and the risk to an insurance company. Paying your bills on time and maintaining a good credit history will allow you to enjoy lower auto insurance rates.
4. Drive less. If you drive less than a certain number of miles in a year (e.g., 7,500), you may qualify for a low-mileage discount. If your insurer offers this discount, try to limit your driving as much as possible. If you commute to work, use public transportation instead of driving. When you go away on vacation, fly or take the train.
5. Don't use your car for business purposes. Since work-related driving generally subjects you to higher premiums than pleasure driving, it may be in your best interest to stop using your car for business purposes.
6. Drive more safely. You may be eligible for a price break on your policy if you maintain a clean driving record for a specified period (usually three years). A clean driving record generally means no accidents, moving violations, drunk driving convictions, etc., during that period. The best way to qualify for the applicable discount is to drive carefully and defensively at all times.
7. Buy a low-profile car. Cars are rated on a risk scale for auto insurance purposes. In general, sports cars and other high-performance, flashy vehicles are classified as higher risks because they are common targets for thieves and vandals, and because statistically, the people who own them tend to drive more recklessly. If you own such a vehicle, you will likely pay a higher premium than if you owned a station wagon, sedan, or other low-risk vehicle.
8. Move. If you live in a rural community with little crime and traffic congestion, your premium will generally be lower than if you live in an urban area where your car is more likely to be stolen, vandalized, or involved in an accident. Granted, you shouldn't move just to cut your auto insurance costs. However, this may be one of many factors in your decision if you're thinking about relocating from the country to the city.
9. Keep your car in a garage. Cars parked in garages are less likely to be stolen, vandalized, or struck by other vehicles. Using a garage to store your car may entitle you to a slight premium reduction.
10. Have safety/anti-theft devices installed. CYou may receive discounts on your insurance if your car is equipped with one or more of the following options: anti-lock brakes, automatic seat belts, and airbags. Similarly, anti-theft devices such as car alarms and tracking systems (e.g., Lojack) may also get you a discount because they reduce the chances of your car being stolen or vandalized.
11. Inquire about multifamily/multipolicy discounts. You may receive a discount from your insurance company if you buy more than one type of insurance through that same company (e.g., auto and homeowner's). A discount may also apply to your auto insurance if you insure multiple cars under the same policy or with the same company.
12. Other discounts Other discounts may be available if you meet certain criteria. Examples may include discounts for taking a defensive driving course, being a AAA member or staying with the same auto insurance company for a number of years. These discounts vary by company.
Please note that this description/explanation is intended only as a guideline.
For more information about auto insurance please go to: Insurance.com
About the Author
Rob Sliver


Google


Insurance News


Boston Globe

Health Insurance Trade Group Proposal Praised By Sen Kennedy
CNNMoney.com - 6 hours ago
WASHINGTON -(Dow Jones)- A proposal unveiled Wednesday by the health insurance industry would provide universal health coverage and hack away at medical ...
Insurers announce health reform proposals Boston Globe
Insurers like Obama health plan, with reservations The Associated Press
Insurance industry positions itself for the fight ahead Politico
Spero News - Baltimore Sun
all 141 news articles

WNCT

Insurance rise at coast could help protect plan
Forbes, NY - 7 hours ago
By GARY D. ROBERTSON , 12.03.08, 11:58 AM EST Property owners in 18 coastal counties soon will pay more for insurance premiums through a state-sanctioned ...
Insurers Urge Surcharges, Reforms to Fix North Carolina Beach Plan Insurance Journal
Insurance rise at coast could help protect plan Rocky Mount Telegram
Coast's risks may sting state News & Observer
all 27 news articles

70 Percent of Cruise Insurance Claims Occur Prior to Cruising ...
MarketWatch - 4 hours ago
DANBURY, CT, Dec 03, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- According to iTravelInsured, 70 percent of all cruise insurance claims occur before you begin your ...

NIIT Technologies Announces Key Appointments to Insurance and ...
MarketWatch - 11 hours ago
Goutam Kundu, an Insurance industry specialist joins NIIT as Global Practice Head - Insurance Vertical. In this role he will work closely with the sales ...

Convergence of Negative Economic Factors to Severely Test US ...
MarketWatch - 9 hours ago
These factors will force insurance carriers to adopt new skills and business discipline in order to survive the economic turmoil, according to new research ...

Life Insurance Patent Issued for Future System Advisors, LLC
MarketWatch - 11 hours ago
The FSLM is an entirely new form of life insurance that solves many of the problems caused by traditional product chassis, such as UL and VUL RGA Financial ...

AM Best Affirms Ratings of Universal American Corp. and Most of ...
MarketWatch - 4 hours ago
The rating affirmations reflect Universal American's improved statutory operating results and growing regional presence in the senior health insurance ...
AM Best Withdraws Ratings of Mutual of Detroit Insurance Company ... MarketWatch
Best's Review Examines Insuring Railroads' Huge Risks MarketWatch
all 48 news articles

DTRIC Insurance Company in Production With DRC's DecisionMaker for ...
MarketWatch - 12 hours ago
(DRC) today announced that DTRIC Insurance Company is now in production with DRC's DecisionMaker Policy Administration System. ...

Sheboygan Falls Insurance acquired The Business Journal of Milwaukee
Bizjournals.com, NC - 6 hours ago
Sheboygan Falls Insurance, which operates only in Wisconsin, underwrites a broad line of personal lines products, including auto, homeowners, dwelling fire ...

Salem-News.Com

Nurses Reject AHIP Proposal as a 'Marshall Plan for Health Insurers'
MarketWatch - 3 hours ago
DeMoro noted the precarious position of these insurance corporations. CIGNA's stock has fallen by 78 percent, from a 52-week high, while Humana stock has ...
Nurses Reject AHIP Proposal as a 'Marshall Plan for Health Insurers' International Business Times
New Report Shows Slower Premium Growth, But Increasing Pressure to ... MarketWatch
all 17 news articles