Car Insurance Savings

There are many ways to save with your auto insurance. Here is a list compiled by your About.com Personal Insurance Guide.

Make sure to print this list to use while shopping online or with a local agent.

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Theft Devices: Most new cars have theft devices. Some are automatic and some have to be started at the touch of a button, but all usually get discounts. Also, some states provide extra discounts for such things as window sketching.

Multiple Car Discount: Did you know sometimes insuring two cars can be the same price as insuring one?

If not the same price, insuring another car usually does not cost as much as you may think. And if you have 2 cars, it is very wise to check with your agent to make sure you are getting this discount.

Also, if you are planning to sell a second car, it might be cheaper to keep that car on just liability to get your multiple car discount.

Sometimes people are surprised when they call to take a car off of their insurance to find that their price did not go down but possibly increased! Yearly Policies: Choosing a yearly policy can extend your savings. Purchasing a yearly policy instead of a six month policy gives you a rate that cannot be changed for one year VS. changing every six months.

Comprehensive Storage Coverage: If you are planning to store your car for any period of time, you can save with only keeping comprehensive coverage during the storage time. Since the car would be stored, it is very unlikely it will get in a collision or need the liability coverage.

Mileage: If you are really close to the "miles to work" breakoff, you may want to check your mileage closely. When your company or agent asks you "How many miles do you drive to work one way?" this is a crucial question that will designate you into a particular class. Each class can have significant differences in prices.

Organization Affiliation: Many companies offer a discount for being affiliated with certain organizations. These can range from credit unions, college sororities, or just having a certain credit card. Call your service center and ask them for a list of the organization affiliation.

Liability/Comprehensive/Collision/Medical Payments Coverages: Of course, you can lower your basic coverages. Comprehensive and Collision are probably the first to look at lowering by increasing your deductibles. Most vehicles that are on bank loans can have up to a $1000 deductible. Next, lowering your liability and medical payments could help, but only if you are having a hard time paying for your premium and is not recommended for general savings.

EFT Payments: Many companies are now charging up to $5.00 or more for mail payments, but sometimes nothing if you choose to have payments automatically deducted. And sometimes the deductions can come from your credit card, so you don't have to worry if the money will be in your bank account when payment time comes.

Defensive Driving Course: Some companies give considerable discounts for attending defensive driving courses. Check with your state insurance commissioner or insurance company to see if you could qualify and to find out where to take courses.

Auto/Home/Renter's Companion Policies: Most insurance companies give a discount if you carry your auto and home or renter's policy with the same company. This discount can be anywhere from 5%-20%!

Credit Rating: Yes, a lot of companies are checking your credit and basing your policy on what is found. Make sure you check to see if your credit is in good shape, and if it is not, you may want to seek out companies who do not do credit checks.

Teenage Drivers: Drivers Education can give a reasonable discount, but also good grades! You can report them to your insurance company every semester.

Rental Car: If you have comprehensive and collision coverage on your current vehicle, you might not need rental coverage. You are covered as much on a rental car as you would be on your vehicle. So, if you have a fairly new car you should be OK, but if your car is only worth a few thousand, you should get additional coverage.

High Risk: If you are in a high risk category and when you try to get insurance you either get turned down or cannot afford the ridiculous high premiums, you may want to contact your state insurance commissioner.

All states have insurance for high risk individuals who may not be able to obtain insurance elsewhere. The coverage may not be the greatest, but at least it will get you rolling again!