Paying high insurance rates for “just in case” something happens can be a hard pill to swallow. It seems unfair sometimes to be forced to pay for something you may never need, particularly when auto insurance companies appear to benefit unequally from the deal and fail to pay out proportionately when something does happen. Though there doesn’t seem to by much you can do about it, there are actually a few tricks that can lower your premiums. You just need to know what they are. Read here about some things you can do to get lower rates right away.
There are definitely benefits for staying with the same company over an extended period of time. If you are a long-term customer, ask your vehicle insurance provider for a loyalty discount. They will seldom offer this unless you ask, so make sure that you do. Hint that you are looking around for lower rates and it is likely they will dig deeper to find ways to keep your business.
If you carry insurance on other things in your life, consider using the same company for all your needs. This will be considered a multiple policy discount, and can save you a lot of money. Many companies offer insurance for homeowners, renters, life and more. Ask for “bundled” rates and compare with what you are currently paying for them separately.
Look around at organizations you belong to or companies that you buy from often, to see if there are membership discounts for auto insurance. This could be AAA, gym memberships, credit unions, small business groups or civic organizations. Check with your children’s schools or your private club memberships, to find out if any insurance providers already have programs in place. If not, call some insurance providers yourself and ask if they would be interested in offering discounts to multiple customers who are affiliated is some way. You never know until you ask.
Very often, you will be penalized with higher rates if you have had moving violation tickets or accidents. Though these do stay on your record for several years, you can sometimes get them removed by attending traffic school or other remedies offered in your city or state. In addition, insurance providers will sometimes lower you rates if you sign up for a safety driving course. You will need to provide them with proof of completion, so always ask for written proof of the course your complete.
Check your driving record with the DMV at least once per year. There may be tickets that you are not aware of, particularly ones issued with traffic cameras. Sometimes, the tickets do not reach you in the mail as they are supposed to, and you can get multiple penalties and fines for not responding. You could even lose your drivers license and be subject to arrest or jail if you are driving unknowingly with a suspended license. Your insurance will also be suspended and it will become very expensive to get a good rate in the future.
It can be very simple to get lower automobile insurance rates if you check into these things right away. Be proactive and enjoy the benefits of becoming a savvy consumer, starting today.