What do you look for when you're searching for auto insurance? If you're like most people, you want adequate coverage, good service and cheap auto insurance rates - usually in that order. Quality insurance coverage is vital - but you shouldn't have to pay top dollar for good auto insurance and good service. In fact, there are many things you can do to get inexpensive auto insurance rates without getting cheap insurance. These eight tips can help you get cheap auto insurance rates without sacrificing important coverage.
Comparison Shop
Before you get new car insurance or renew your current insurance policy, shop around online and compare car insurance rates with other companies. Sites that allow you to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies online make it easy to check around for cheap auto insurance without leaving home or subjecting yourself to sales calls.
Bundle Your Policies
Does your homeowners' insurance company offer car insurance? You can save up to 10 percent on your total policy cost when you buy home and car insurance from the same company.
Raise Your Deductible
A higher deductible means cheaper car insurance premiums. In fact, raising your deductible from $200 to $500 can take 20 percent off your auto insurance rates. Keep in mind, though, that the offset for the lower rates is paying more money out of pocket if you have an accident. Set the deductible aside in an interest-bearing account to make the best use of that money.
Go After Every Discount
Don't be shy about asking for discounts. Insurance companies give cheap car insurance rates for some surprising things. If you've got a teen driver in your home, for example, you may qualify for a discount if he's a straight-A student. Other unexpected things that can result in cheap auto insurance rates: getting married, having a baby, getting a promotion at work or going off to college. Always ask your agent about discounts when you're looking at ways to get cheap car insurance.
Drive the Right Car
You may be in love with that gorgeous sky-blue Mustang convertible, but your insurance company probably doesn't share your feelings. Insurance companies rate every make and model of car for safety, repair costs and replacement cost, and those figures go into coming up with your premium. If you're shopping for a new car, keep cheap car insurance rates in mind as part of your shopping criteria.
Follow Traffic Rules
Speeding tickets and moving violations can seriously hurt your chances of getting cheap auto insurance rates. Auto insurance companies do check your driving record to assign risk and determine your premiums. Following traffic rules and avoiding tickets is one of the surest ways to get the cheapest car insurance rates.
Drop Unnecessary Coverage
Once you've finished paying off your auto loan, it's up to you whether you carry comprehensive and collision coverage. Generally, you should only carry comprehensive insurance if it costs you less in premiums than you'd receive if your car were totaled in an accident.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Whenever you make a major life change, talk to your insurance agent. You may find you qualify for cheap car insurance rates that you couldn't get before. Among the things that will affect your insurance premiums: your address, parking your car in a driveway or garage, changing to a closer job location or getting married.
Be proactive about comparison shopping for insurance and discount shopping when you're looking for cheap auto insurance rates. The little bit of extra time you put in will pay off in lower premiums.
Author Resource:
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the world's MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web.