Driven by Discounts: Ways to Cut Your Auto Insurance Payments

When purchasing auto insurance, you can take advantage of various discounts that could substantially reduce the total insurance cost. There are numerous factors to consider when determining car insurance rates such as driving history, safety features of your car, your occupation, etc. Read on to discover some of the auto insurance discounts you may qualify for.

Multi-vehicle Discount

If you own several vehicles including motorcycles, recreational vehicles, and boats, then you may be able to get this discount. To qualify for the discount, each vehicle that you’re trying to insure should be under your name. Also, the cars should be driven only by you and your family members. All vehicles should also be covered by the same auto insurance company.

Defensive Driving Discount

You could be eligible for up to a 10% discount if you’ve completed a defensive driving or driver training course. The amount of the discount depends on the car insurance provider, and defensive driving requirements differ with each state. You may contact your state’s Department of Public Safety to see a list of approved defensive driving courses.

Safety Equipment Discount

Equipping your vehicle with safety features is another way to save money on auto insurance. Be sure to list every piece of safety equipment added to your car when talking to your auto insurance agent. Mention both factory-installed and after-market equipment.

Full Payment Auto Insurance Discount

Paying the full amount of your premium insurance instead of monthly installments will earn you a discount. Unlike other discounts, this one is encouraged by every insurance provider.

Good Driver Discount

If you have a clean driving record, then you’ll have a higher chance of getting lower premiums. Depending on the insurance company, good driver incentives range from 2% to 20%.

Homeowners Discount

Purchasing homeowners insurance and auto insurance from the same provider can earn you up to a 20% discount. If you have homeowners insurance from another firm, then ask your car insurance agent if switching to their company will help reduce your insurance rates.

Low Risk Occupation Discount

The type of job you have is one of the risk factors that auto insurance companies consider when determining insurance rates. If you have an occupation with low risks, then you may qualify for this discount.

Long Time Customer Discount

Loyal customers also earn good discounts. Many insurance firms offer up to a 10% discount to long time customers who have stayed with the same company for many years.

Low Mileage Discount

You can get this discount if your car has low annual miles as it means that you’re a low-risk driver, and you have a lesser chance of being in a car accident. Every provider has a different definition of low mileage. Typically, it ranges from 7,500 to 15,000 miles each year.

Senior Discount

Considering that insurance rates are generally based on risk, retired and senior drivers qualify for a good discount. They don’t have to drive to work, which means fewer annual miles and lower accident risks.

Most of the time, auto insurance agents fail to mention some of these discounts either because they’re not aware of the discounts, or they want to steer you away from minimizing your insurance rates. Be sure to speak up and ask questions where necessary. By knowing every discount possible, you can definitely save a considerable amount on your insurance cost.

Dennis Gilroy is a professional insurance representative who blogs in his spare time. He likes making sure people have good information to make the best decisions. AutoInsurance.US offers car insurance, visit the link to compare rates in your area.

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Tags: auto insurance, Dennis Gilroy, savings

Category: Family & Home, Money Basics