subject: 5 Tips for More Affordable Car Insurance [print this page] 5 Tips for More Affordable Car Insurance
Car insurance is a necessity, but it doesn't have to leave a huge hole in your budget. If you pay attention and tailor your car insurance to your needs, you can get away with much more affordable car insurance. Here are five tips to do just that.
1. Only pay for the coverage you need.
Every state defines a minimum level of auto insurance coverage you need to carry in order to drive your car on the roads. Most often, this cheap car insurance coverage is called "compulsory" insurance, and it usually only covers damage caused by your car to other people and their property. If you're still paying off a car loan, the lender may also require you to carry theft and fire insurance so that they can be assured of getting their money if your car is lost or damaged in a fire. Every other add-on such as glass insurance, roadside coverage, and rental coverage costs you more money. Go through your policy and prioritize the extras on your insurance policy, then cancel the coverage that you don't need.
2. Increase your deductible.
The most common advice given to people who are looking for affordable auto insurance is to increase their deductibles which is the amount of money you have to pay out of pocket for repairs or replacement before the insurance company will kick in its share. Increasing the deductible on your overall policy or on specific parts of your policy can reduce your monthly premium, but it's balanced by a risk. If you do have an accident, you'll end up paying more in repair costs than you save on the premium. Consider carefully what you can afford to pay out of pocket in case of an accident, then increase your deductible to that rate if it makes sense.
3. Evaluate your coverage at least once a year.
Most people don't consider the effect that major life changes may have on their auto insurance rates. That's a shame, since in some cases it can help you get more affordable auto insurance coverage. If you take a job closer to home and eliminate a long auto commute, for example, you may qualify for cheaper rates because you're putting less mileage on your car. Likewise, if your teen heads off to college and is no longer driving your car, you could see lower rates on your auto insurance.
4. Pay for your insurance all at once.
While most people think of their car insurance as a monthly bill, it's actually not - the entire amount of your auto insurance for the year is due when you sign the contract. Most insurance companies treat monthly insurance payments as they would a loan, adding interest to the actual cost of the policy. To avoid that, find an inexpensive auto insurance policy and pay for it all at once. You could save a considerable amount, and won't have to worry about late fees or forgetting to make your payments.
5. Buy affordable car insurance online.
Car insurance comparison sites allow you to request quotes for affordable auto insurance from several different companies at once. Shopping for the best car insurance online is one of the best ways to reduce your auto insurance costs.
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