The best route to a lower car premium is to become a better driver. Many people might say, "I'm already a good driver," but they should also consider insurance rates are based heavily on driving behavior. Getting tickets and accidents on your driving record can take a toll on insurance rates. Here are essential tips on how to reduce your auto insurance premium.
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Minimize Driving Distractions
At the top of your priorities as a strategy to lower car insurance premium costs, you should devote 100% of your driving time to focusing on the road and your surroundings. That means eliminating factors, especially mobile gadgets, that create distractions while driving. Many accidents are caused by drivers talking on cell phones, despite laws across the nation that prohibit such activity. Singing with the radio can also be a distraction.
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Avoid Aggressive Driving
Another important point to reduce your auto insurance premium is to never get angry while driving, even when an inconsiderate driver cuts you off. You should always remain calm while driving and never overreact to situations. Staying in a logical and non-emotional frame of mind is key to maintaining good driving behavior. Getting upset, however, can lead to irrational decisions.
One of the main concepts to remember while you are behind the wheel is to practice safe driving for the protection of yourself, passengers, and others outside your vehicle. Taking social responsibility is a more advantageous mindset than using your vehicle for joyriding. Forget about trying to race someone or even trying to beat the clock to avoid showing up late somewhere. Always prioritize driving safety, even if it means getting yelled at by your boss.
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Look Both Ways at Intersections
Turning right while only looking left has caused many accidents over the years, leading to injuries to pedestrians. It's always important to look both ways at crosswalks to make sure the road is clear of both pedestrians and wrong-way drunk drivers. Keep in mind many drunk driving accidents happen at night.
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Stay Away from Unsafe Drivers
Even the safest drivers on earth have to look out for unsafe drivers, which is a core principle of defensive driving. Never assume that because the rules are such no-brainers that there aren't drivers violating rules. You should also remember that not all out-of-control drivers are intentionally violating the law. Sometimes people lose control of their vehicles due to unforeseen mechanical problems.
Another type of unsafe driver is one who has vision or hearing problems but drives anyway. This issue affects many senior citizens, as vision becomes less reliable with age. Inability to distinguish between red and green lights due to color blindness or other vision impairment can create a serious accident at night. You should also be on the lookout for young inexperienced drivers who aren't yet confident in challenging road situations.
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Be Clear on Policy Details
Finally, if you really want to lower your insurance premium, you need to pay attention to the policy itself. Take time periodically to review all your coverage to ensure it's up-to-date with your needs. Keep in mind insurance needs change over time, such as when an individual pays off their car loan or when they no longer commute long distances each day.
Many people are driving less these days due to higher unemployment caused by the pandemic. If you take on online assignments and work from home, you'll be saving fuel while lowering your risks. Talk with your insurance agent about how much money you can save each month if you drive less due to working from home.
There are several ways to lower your auto insurance premium without taking the fun out of driving. Simply pay attention to the road and respect others, and you'll encounter fewer risks. Contact the experts at
Fuller Insurance in Southern California today for more information on how to maintain affordable insurance rates.
