Auto Insurance Directory

Here's a short article I wrote to help you get the most out of your search. It explains some excellent tips and ideas you can use to save money.

Top 8 Ways to Save on Auto Insurance Quotes

by: Matthew Keith

We all hate doing it, but it's something that we all must do at one time or another... the wonderful task of shopping for auto insurance quotes!

Since there's no avoiding it, you might as well learn a few ways you can save money in the process. Here's a compilation of the top tips you can use to make sure you never overpay for your auto insurance premiums.

1. Search for auto insurance quotes regularly. Many people inadvertantly pay the same premium for years without ever shopping around. As your vehicle ages, it depreciates in value. You shouldn't pay the same premium on an older vehicle as you would on a newer one... think about it! It's generally good practice to do a quote search on a yearly basis, but the more often you do it, the better chances you have of getting lower rates.

2. If you have an older vehicle, consider "liability only" insurance. When making a decision like this, you need to consider the value of your vehicle compared to what you're paying for your premium. If your vehicles wholesale value is, say $2000, why pay almost half that much every year (give or take) when that is all you will get from your insurance agency... if you total your vehicle?

3. Take a defensive driving course. A simple 6 hour defensive driving course can save you up to ten percent on your auto insurance premiums. Contact your local motor vehicle division for information on taking this course. Many times, you can even take this course by mail, by video or even online!

4. If you have more than one vehicle in your household, insure them with the same agency. Most insurance agencies will knock a huge percentage off your premiums for multiple auto insurance policies.

5. If you also have home, life, health, boat or any other type of insurance, use the same agency. As with having multiple auto insurance policies, most agencies will knock a huge percentage off your premium for multiple policies of different types.

6. Increase your deductible. The higher the deductible you choose, the lower your premium will be, so set your deductible at the highest rate possible... just make sure that if you were to need the insurance you'd be able to cover this deductible.

7. Maintain good credit. Insurance agencies, just like any other business, like to be paid... and on time. A good credit rating will definitely keep your premiums low.

8. Think like an insurance agent. Insurance agencies base their rates foremost on one thing... risk. The more at risk you seem to be, the higher the premium will be, and vice versa.

When talking with an agent, give them reasons that you're at a lower risk, ie: you have a safe vehicle, you have a clean driving record, you don't use your vehicle for work purposes, you don't travel often, you're vehicle has anti-theft devices, you park in a garage, etc. A good idea would be to make a list of why you're at a lower risk before you even speak to an agent. Be creative!


Ready to put these strategies to use? Start getting instant free quotes from just about every major company at our auto insurance quotes page.