Can I ask for cheaper car insurance?


Editorial team Published on

Yes, you can ask your car insurance company to lower your rate, though they typically will not just lower it upon request without changes to your policy or added discounts.

How to Talk to Your Insurer

Directly negotiating a lower rate for the exact same policy usually does not work because rates are set by fixed, filed statistical formulas. However, you can call and request a comprehensive policy review to find new savings.

Opinions on Quora are mixed, but users note you can often get your current insurer to adjust your pricing if you present them with lower competing quotes from other companies.

Effective Ways to Lower Your Rate

When you call your provider, ask about these specific adjustments:

  • Ask for missed discounts: Check if you qualify for newly added discounts, such as low annual mileage, paperless billing, auto-pay, or defensive driving courses.
  • Raise your deductibles: Increasing your comprehensive and collision deductible (for example, from $500 to $1,000) can reduce your premium by 20% or more.
  • Adjust your coverage: Drop optional collision or comprehensive coverage if you drive an older car that is fully paid off and worth very little.
  • Update life changes: Let them know if your credit score, commute distance, or driving record has improved, or if a youthful driver is away at college without a car.