The purpose of
auto insurance is to protect you from financial loss if you are involved in a car accident. If you have several tickets or have been involved in more than one or two accidents, you may be considered high-risk. Having bad credit may also put you in the high-risk category. Being labeled high-risk may increase your premiums.
The following are a few ways in which you can lower the overall cost of your auto insurance.
Don't Buy the First Policy You Are Offered
Never purchase the first policy you are offered. You want a policy that will protect you financially, but you don't want the price to be so high you can't afford it. Shop around and compare quotes. Ask what discounts are available and find out what your options are. You may be surprised to find that, even though you are high-risk, there are several policies you may still be able to afford. Shopping around will give you a chance to choose a policy that provides what you need without inflating the costs.
Enroll in a Defensive Driving Class
Many insurance companies will offer discounts to drivers who have completed a defensive driving or driver education class. Choosing to enroll in a defensive driving class voluntarily may earn you a substantial discount. It will also keep you informed of the new laws and could be a great way to refresh your memory about specific laws. Many online defensive driving programs have been specially designed for experienced drivers who wish to refresh their memories or stay updated on the latest laws.
Enroll in a Usage-based Insurance Program
Usage-based insurance programs are a great way to track your driving habits firsthand. Your insurance provider will give you a transponder to be placed in your vehicle. This device will connect with your car's computer via Bluetooth and give you an inside look at how you drive. It will help you be aware of crossing speed limits or driving long distances, which can negatively affect your driving score, thus increasing your premiums.
Lower Your Coverage or Increase Your Deductible
In order to make your insurance more affordable, you can reduce the amount of coverage or increase the amount of deductible (that is, the amount that you have to pay out of pocket before your policy kicks in). It's up to you to determine what type of coverage is best for you. If you don't drive much, you may want to lower your coverage. Increasing the amount of your deductible will not reduce your coverage. Instead, it will increase the amount you have to pay out of pocket if an accident occurs.
Buy a Safer Car
Instead of buying a sports car that comes with higher risks, look for a family-oriented, safer car such as a sedan or small SUV. Buying a more practical vehicle is one of the best ways to reduce your risk and, at the same time, reduce the cost of your coverage. If you have an older vehicle, upgrading to a newer vehicle may be your best option. You don't have to purchase a brand new car to upgrade to a safer, more reliable one.
When you are looking for information on how to make your auto insurance more affordable, your first call should be to the experts. Our team of experienced professionals at
Fuller Insurance Agency will make sure you have all of the information you need to choose the right policy at the right price.
Contact us today to get started!
