Once you start searching for auto insurance quotes, you might feel overwhelmed when you discover what the premium will cost you. Many people start looking for ways to save money - some people even consider (illegally) going without insurance! Protecting your assets and loved ones is worth the cost, but there are still many ways to save money. You can't know what you're missing if you don't know what's there to begin with, so below are some of the most common discounts for car insurance and how you can take advantage of them.
Many people searching for insurance have more than one vehicle to insure. This can be due to a family, or work vehicle. Many times you can receive a discount for having multiple vehicles. This is called a multi-vehicle policy, and most major insurance companies offer it. Similarly, if you have other needs such as life, renters, boat, or home insurance, you can often get all of these policies through the same company and qualify for a discount. You may need to comparison shop and find out the prices for quotes individually and together, but on average, combining policies saves money.
Many time companies or organizations will provide discounts on insurance. There are many universities, farm bureaus, clubs, and other businesses that qualify. You may need to change insurance companies to take advantage of this discount, but it might be worth the savings. Also, upgrading your vehicle might save you some money. Certain safety features such as automatic seat belts, anti-theft systems, and anti-lock brakes can get you a discount on your auto insurance quotes. Research what your car already has and what is available to add yourself to find out where the savings are.
Some of these discounts are out of your control (how many cars you have, where you work) but there are several discounts you can get based on your lifestyle. Discounts are available for company loyalty (staying with the same insurance company), having a safe driving history, or taking a defensive driving class. This might take a little effort, but the savings are there!
As you can see, there are many ways to save money on car insurance. Research, comparison-shopping, and some slight lifestyle changes is all it takes to shave the cost of your premium. Remember to research other auto insurance quotes each time you renew your policy to make sure you're getting the best deal each year.