Car insurance discounts are like the Sasquatch of the insurance world. Some people claim to have seen them, but there are few first-person accounts. The good news is, they do exist, and this article will help you learn how to capitalize on discounts for your car insurance.
Rewarding Your Good Driving
Whether you're an experienced driver or just setting out on your driver’s journey, there are discounts that you can take advantage of regarding car insurance. You see, the thing about insurance companies is that they love to reward good behavior. While the primary goal of auto insurance is to protect other drivers from potentially dangerous situations, your clean driving record is something to capitalize on. Let’s look at how you can save money on your car insurance.
Know When to Renew Your Policy
Though it might seem like a no-brainer, life moves fast, and we don’t always keep up with the details. Driving without auto insurance is illegal. There’s going to be a whole world of trouble if you are in an accident, you injure someone, or you get pulled over by the police with no insurance. Regardless of whether you plan to switch your policy to another insurance company or continue with the one you have, you cannot afford to have your car insurance lapse.
Many insurance companies offer incentives when you renew your policy early. These bonuses allow you to save money while being organized and having the security of knowing that you’re covered, no matter what happens. It’s worth asking your insurance company about early signing discounts that will save you money in the long run.
Safety Saves You Money When It Comes to Auto Insurance
If you’ve always been a cautious driver who has a clean driving record, your insurance company will take notice. You are the ideal customer, and insurers want to retain your business. Many insurance companies offer incentives to their clients to encourage them to maintain clean driving records. For example, you might receive a discount for every year you avoid an accident or have consecutive years of demonstrable safe driving.
Claim-free discounts are similar to the idea of safe-driver discounts, and they reward drivers for both avoiding accidents and claims over a specific period of time. Furthermore, there are such things as usage-based discounts. They are a little like a pay-as-you-drive program except that your car will be monitored to ensure you drive safely. This discount is a good option for a safe driver who is not on the road a lot.
Your Vehicles Safety Features
Something you must consider when shopping for a new car is the safety features in your next vehicle. Cars are truly becoming smarter, and some onboard features can end up saving you money on your car insurance. The most common features that will win you a discount are:
- Automatic seat belts, so you never forget to buckle up
- Daytime running lights will make you visible to other drivers and allow you to see the road more clearly
- Anti-lock brakes are now a standard safety feature that will save you money and lower potential injuries in the event of a collision
- Air-bags located throughout the vehicle are standard on new cars
- Lane departure warning systems track when you may be drifting, alerting you to danger
Read more about how safety features can save you money on your car insurance here.
Don’t Make Auto Theft Easy
Car alarms have made a lot of progress since the days when we were awakened in the night because a cat jumped onto the neighbor's car and set off the alarm. There are now car-jacking alerts, car finder buttons, visual remotes, panic buttons, and more. Some of the anti-theft devices may make a difference to your car insurance and offer you a discount. Be sure to ask your agent and consider upgrading your car’s features, especially when purchasing a new car. The best buyer's guide for car alarm systems can be found here.
Think Before You Buy A New Car
If you’re in the fortunate position of buying a new car, there are some questions your insurance company may have about your choice of vehicle. The zippy little convertible you’ve been eyeing may not be the best purchase. There are usually higher premiums involved with cars that have a higher potential for damage or costly repairs. Similarly, the SUV you love may not offer any insurance discounts because bigger cars have a more significant ability to do damage in an accident. Before you buy, think about the practical considerations for safety and car insurance.
If You Don’t Ask, You’ll Never Know
One of the largest mistakes consumers make is not asking what discounts are available. Perhaps your insurance company is good at letting you know where they can help you save money, but not everyone’s provider is prepared to do this. Asking your agent about discounts is an essential part of being the consumer. Consider asking about savings regarding:
- Mature drivers
- Clean driving records
- Home insurance on the same policy as auto
- Driver’s education courses
- Safety equipment on your vehicle
- Anti-theft devices
These are the primary discounts you may be entitled to, but you’ll never know if you don’t ask.
Do Your Research
The National Association of Insurance Commissioners has a lot of information that you as a consumer will find useful whether you’re interested in discounts on your car insurance or other forms of coverage. Consumer education on issues like distracted driving, a helpful glossary of insurance terms, and resources to help you with all issues insurance, make their website a valuable reference.
Consume Wisely
It’s your duty as a consumer to be as well informed about the product as possible. Ask questions of your insurance agent and make sure they know you are interested in discounts on car insurance. Shop around and compare offers. Insurance companies want your business, especially if you have a good driving record. So capitalize on your clean driver’s abstract and save money. Contact an agent at Smallwood Insurance to learn how we can start making your life a little easier with car insurance discounts. We at Smallwood Insurance look forward to meeting you and providing you with the right insurance to meet your needs.
