How to Get Cheap Auto Insurance

‘If it isn't broken, don't fix it' is a maxim that can make insurance companies a lot of money. Although everybody would like cheap car insurance, people tend to stick to the company that they are with rather than shop around for the lowest price for auto insurance. This can cost you hundreds of dollars a year.

There are a number of ways of getting cheap auto insurance, regardless of your current company and driving status.

• Shop Around
• Check for Discounts
• Select a higher insurance deductible
• Reduce coverage on older vehicles

Shop Around

Only by shopping around for auto insurance coverage and getting quotes on premiums from several insurance companies will you be able to know for certain you are getting the lowest price for auto insurance. Be sure to compare like with like. Cheap car insurance should not mean little or no insurance, or bad insurance. Ask about how insurance claims are approved and processed, and how quickly they're paid. Look into each insurers' financial stability (there are independent rating services that can help you with this).

Check for Discounts

Insurance companies like market share, and in order to increase or maintain their market share many companies offer discounts to drivers. You might be eligible for a discount if you have a good driving record or if you have taken a ‘Defensive Driver Training Program'. There may be discounts available for antitheft or other safety devices on the car. Most companies offer low mileage discounts.

Select a higher insurance deductible

When you file a claim, a deductible is the amount you pay first before your insurer pays the remaining balance. Often people select lower deductibles, so when they have to submit a claim, their out-of-pocket expenses are minimal. But the truth is, the higher your collision and comprehensive deductibles the lower your auto insurance premium. The savings by increasing your deductible to say $1,000 from $250 are significant—you can save hundreds of dollars off your insurance premium.

Reduce coverage on older vehicles

If your car is an older model, you may want to think about dropping the collision or comprehensive coverage (or both) on your policy. You need to weigh the cost of the collision and comprehensive against the value of your car and your chosen deductibles. For example, if you had a 10-year-old car that's worth about $1000, and your deductible was $1000, the coverage is not actually going to help you. This is one of the best means of getting cheap auto insurance.

No matter how you are now insured or how much your premium costs, there are means of getting the lowest price for auto insurance. Check out you local insurance brokers. They will be able to find cheap car insurance by finding insurance companies that are a match to your strengths.

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