Can I Save Money on Car Insurance?
Yes, it is possible to save money on car insurance, and car insurance can be expensive- especially if you have a long history of getting into accidents. Cars are expensive themselves, and although they can often be a necessity if you live in an area without public transportation, it is important to learn how to care for your car. That includes driving responsibly and having adequate car insurance to protect yourself.
Unexpected events happen where you might not even be at fault. This is where car insurance comes in handy, as it acts as a safety net to give you a chance to minimize financial costs should an accident occur. Getting car insurance can be a smart money move. However, many struggle to comprehend how car insurance companies calculate and set insurance prices, which can be an issue if you are looking to become financially literate and save on car insurance.
It is, therefore, necessary to understand what sets prices and how your manner of driving affects your insurance rates. Keep reading to learn more!
How Your Driving Affects Your Insurance Rates
Understanding how the use of your car affects insurance rates is crucial in reducing your car insurance rate. Here are some driving factors that affect insurance rates:
1. Driving experience
Your driving experience, or how long you have been driving, is a factor that insurance companies will focus on. However, while many tend to associate this figure with age, it can also depend on how early you got your driving license.
Nevertheless, the longer you have driven, the lower your premium will typically be. This factor is also closely affected by how long you have been driving with a clean record. Generally, the longer your clean record, the lower you will get to pay for coverage.
2. How Far You Drive Daily
The distance you drive will partially determine your insurance premium, and this is typically tracked through a device on your car or through an app on your smartphone. For instance, individuals who typically use their car only for short trips such as grocery shopping are likely to pay less than those who drive long distances to work every day or travel between states on a regular basis.
This is why insurance for personal-use vehicles is more likely to cost less than business vehicles and ridesharing cars. For example, you may likely pay more if your car is used for Uber services.
3. Your Driving Record
A driving record is a record of the accidents you were involved in and any traffic violations you may have. This factor is the most significant factor that decides insurance rates in American states. Every car insurance company checks a potential client’s traffic record before they can be eligible for coverage.
In other words, if you are a driver who has the tendency to be involved in accidents of different sorts, you will pay more for your coverage. Or the more tickets you have received, the higher your insurance premium will be.
4. Your Location
For states and cities with a higher risk of severe weather conditions (tornado, hail, heavy rainfall, etc.), the insurance to cover cars in these areas is usually higher than most.
Also, areas with higher traffic congestion or a history of severe crime rates might result in increased insurance costs. Additionally, urban areas tend to have higher premiums compared to rural regions due to the increased risk of accidents and theft.
5. How Much Insurance You Have Had Previously
Insurance premiums are usually higher for drivers getting insurance coverage for the first time. People who also have a gap in their insurance coverage that is, people who got canceled from their previous insurance, also fall in this category. Coverage gaps can deter companies from giving you insurance.
What are Some Ways to Save On Car Insurance?
Here are some ways to help you pay less on car insurance:
1. Compare many offers
Rather than jump at the first car insurance offer, compare offers from numerous companies and see which is best for you.
2. Request discounts
Discounts are common in the insurance sector, so you should avail yourself of one. There are many car insurance discounts on offer, such as multi-policy discounts, pay-in-full discounts, good student discounts, safe driver discounts, and many others.
3. Deductible reduction
Deductibles are part of the coverage in your insurance. If you think you have little-to-no chance of getting in an accident, you can ask for a lower deductible. However, be sure that you can pay your deductible amount easily if you end up getting into an accident.
4. Review Your Policy Regularly
Just as you undergo life changes, so do your insurance needs. Ensure you regularly review your policy, quarterly, annually, or when significant life events occur, such as if you get married, move to a new location, or purchase a new car. Adequately adjust your coverage accordingly to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.