One easy trick to lowering your auto insurance rate is to pick up the phone and make a call. Though most of us prefer to go online to shop around, it really does pay to call the company you are looking to do business with. Speaking directly to a live person saved me 11 percent over the online insurance quote.
Why Call the Insurance Company?
The representative will have more knowledge of the discounts you are eligible for, as well as different coverage options that can save you a bundle. Sometimes they even have promotions that aren’t listed online. I was told that because we were moving, she could offer me a plan where I make no payments for three months since moving is expensive. The next three months would make up the difference. The agent also found that we had selected the wrong deductible (which is easy to do when clicking different options online), and through her keen eye, we were able to bring down our quote by 11 percent!
Health Insurance vs. PIP Coverage
Some states also allow you to use your health insurance as primary over your car insurance, should you be in an accident. This option should only be used if you have good health insurance, with a low deductible. If you select this option and have a high deductible on your health insurance, you could end up with a lot of bills, and the $30 per month savings will not be worth it! With this option my husband and I were able to save $45 per month. That is a whopping $540 per year!
Other easy ways to lower rates:
- Good student discount
- Smart driver course
- Safe driver discount (using devices you put in the car)
- Multi car discount
- Bundle home and auto
The good student discount is available to full time high school and college students (under age 25) who maintain a B average (or 3.0 GPA). Qualifications may vary a bit depending on your state and insurance company, but most companies offer discounts to good kids with good grades. A smart driver’s course is offered through a variety of different sources. Senior citizens can do this through their AARP membership.
There are several companies who advertise the safe driver discount, using a device you put in your car. The device keeps track of:
- Breaking habits
- Speeding (over 80 mph)
- Time of day you drive
- Turns
- How you accelerate
If the data shows you are a “good” driver, you can save money. But it all depends on your driving habits and how long you have the device. This device can also work against your rate, so consider this option carefully.
When getting an auto quote, always call, always bundle your home and auto and remember to ask for discounts available to you.
