Over the years, premiums on auto insurance have increased dramatically. However, you can reduce your rates by doing a little homework on discounts. So, let’s start the engine and embark on a road trip to explore money-saving tips to drive down your auto insurance rates.
Find a Reliable Travel Companion
Shop for a reputable insurance company that offers competitive auto insurance rates. Then ask about discounts for multiple vehicles, multiple insurance policies, and student benefits. Your trusted insurance agent can help you find the optimal coverage at a good value.
Pack Your Vehicle with Safety Features
When buying a new vehicle, look for safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, auto-theft devices, and daytime running lights. Newer safety features include adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitoring, front-crash prevention, lane-departure prevention, park assist, and backover protection). Always check first with your auto insurance agent about discounts related to these features before purchasing a new vehicle.
Map Out the Rules of the Road
No driver can be too safe. Consequently, a safe driving course (for drivers 55 and over, drivers under 25, and defensive driving strategies) may reduce your risk of accidents, Additionally, you could lower your auto insurance rates as well.
Steer Clear of Bad Driving Habits
Use a tracking device to monitor your mileage and various driving habits such as acceleration, braking, turns, and speed. Even with modest savings on your premiums, you will likely improve your driving habits, which will save you money in the long run. Two bad habits to avoid are cell phone usage and driving under the influence of alcohol. Texting while driving dramatically increases the likelihood of an accident. Drinking only one alcoholic beverage may impair your judgment while driving.
Drive Safely and Consistently
Maintain a clean driving record by avoiding at-fault accidents or moving violations for at least three years. Often, this will qualify you for a claim-free discount (no claim was filed with your insurance company) if you maintain coverage with the same insurance company for that time period. Additionally, you may obtain better insurance rates when shopping for a new insurance company.
Revise Your Itinerary
Reduce your annual mileage by sharing a ride or using public transportation when commuting. Driving fewer than 5,000 miles may reduce your premiums.
Arrive at your Destination of Reduced Auto Insurance Rates
Purchase optimal coverage for your vehicle and driving needs at a good value. For example, basic cost-saving considerations include the value of your vehicle, level of coverage, and amount of deductible. Depending on your needs, rental-car reimbursement and gap insurance (replacement-cost benefits for new vehicles) may reduce your auto insurance rates and save you money in the long run.
With a little savvy shopping, you can find significant savings on auto insurance rates in the state of Illinois. Especially true in the Land of Lincoln, whose face appears on the penny, “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Benjamin Franklin.
Jack of all words 