Maximize Your Savings: The Ultimate Guide to Car Insurance Discounts
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Car insurance discounts can save you significant money on your insurance premiums, making your coverage more affordable.
This guide explains how to get discounts on car insurance, including eligibility requirements, student discounts, military discounts, and ways to maintain your savings over the long run.
What Are Car Insurance Discounts?
Drivers can enjoy car insurance discounts for everything from anti-lock brakes to a clean driving record. Insurance companies reward safe drivers for their good driving habits through these discounts.
Driver-Based Discounts: Saving Based on Your Behavior
Many car insurance discounts are based on your driving behavior, including:
Safe driver discounts: If you have a good driving history and no accidents in the past three to five years, you might qualify for a safe driver discount.
Defensive driving discounts: Insurance companies reward drivers who take the time to complete a defensive driving course. These classes emphasize traffic safety and preparedness, potentially reducing the risk of future accidents.
Good student discounts: Many insurers also offer discounts to full-time students who can provide proof of their good grades, usually a B average or above. These discounts vary based on the insurance company, but are often for students ages 16 to 24.
You might also earn discounts if you are a member of the military or a federal employee.
Vehicle-Based Discounts: Discounts Tied to Your Car
Do you drive the fastest, newest, and flashiest car on the road? Or do you get behind the wheel of an older model known for its safety features? You can probably guess which model is more expensive to insure.
You can enjoy discounts based on the kind of car you drive, including the following:
Safety features: Insurance companies love anti-lock brakes, blind-spot detection, anti-theft devices, rearview cameras, and other safety features that can reduce your risk of getting into an accident. A safe cars discount can save you money and make for safer driving.
Hybrid and electric cars: You might also receive a green vehicle discount for driving a fuel-efficient vehicle like a hybrid or electric car.
The age of your car: This one can swing both ways. Older cars are less expensive to fix and replace; however, some insurers offer discounts on new vehicles. Check with your insurance company to determine how the age of your car might impact your auto insurance premiums.
Policy-Based Discounts: Saving With Insurance Options
You can also find discounts based on your specific auto insurance policy. Consider the following potential discounts:
Savings from bundling policies: If you have multiple insurance policies, you can typically save by bundling them with one insurance company. For instance, you can bundle your home and auto policies for notable savings.
Savings from higher deductibles: You will save money on your monthly premium by increasing your deductible. However, you will be required to pay more in the case of an accident, so it is always smart to review your finances to make sure you can cover that amount.
Savings from specific types of coverage: From liability to comprehensive insurance coverage, you can often save when you select different types of insurance. Look at your current policy to determine if you have the right coverage and what adjustments you could make.
How To Assess Eligibility for Car Insurance Discounts
Are you eligible for an auto insurance discount? If you haven't done so lately, you should review your eligibility for potential auto insurance discounts.
If you are a safe driver with a clean driving record, have installed anti-theft devices, and are affiliated with a group or organization that offers insurance discounts, look at your current policy and determine if you are paying too much. You can always ask your current auto insurance policy provider for a discount or look into new companies.
How To Maximize Your Car Insurance Savings
After you take a defensive driving course and bundle your insurance policies, you might wonder: What's next? How else can I save on car insurance?
To maximize your car insurance savings:
Consider usage-based insurance: Usage-based insurance sets prices based on telematics data that determines how well and how much you drive. You can earn discounts by reducing your mileage and driving well.
Do more online: If you get quotes, sign your policy, and make upfront payments online, you can earn additional discounts for going paperless.
Get additional insurance quotes: If you are unhappy with your current insurance premiums, it is time to look for other options. You can review and compare insurance quotes online to determine the best option for your current needs.
Maintaining Cost-Saving Practices Over Time
After finding several cost-saving options, it is time to keep up the good work!
You can install additional safety features, opt for online billing, and make sure your driving practices remain safe and smart. Again, you can always connect with your current insurance provider to check other discounts or review other companies to find more affordable insurance.
Find the Best Car Insurance Discounts Today!
You can find the best car insurance discounts by getting a free custom auto insurance quote from EverQuote. Visit EverQuote today to find the best and most affordable car insurance for your current driving needs.