How can I cut the cost of my car insurance?

Asked by: Ms. Judy Kessler MD  |  Last update: February 11, 2022
Score: 4.9/5 (55 votes)

One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance costs down is to have a good driving record.
  1. Shop around. ...
  2. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs. ...
  3. Ask for higher deductibles. ...
  4. Reduce coverage on older cars. ...
  5. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer. ...
  6. Maintain a good credit record.

What raises and lowers your car insurance?

Some factors that may affect your auto insurance premiums are your car, your driving habits, demographic factors and the coverages, limits and deductibles you choose. These factors may include things such as your age, anti-theft features in your car and your driving record.

Can you ask for a discount on car insurance?

Can You Negotiate Car Insurance Rates? The simple answer is that you cannot negotiate rates since prices and the insurance industry are heavily regulated by each state. The insurer cannot change its range of rates without a state review along with proof that the change is needed.

Why is my car insurance so high?

Common causes of overly expensive insurance rates include your age, driving record, credit history, coverage options, what car you drive and where you live. Anything that insurers can link to an increased likelihood that you will be in an accident and file a claim will result in higher car insurance premiums.

How can I get cheaper insurance?

8 Ways to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance Rates Possible
  1. Don't assume any one company is the cheapest. ...
  2. Don't ignore local and regional insurers. ...
  3. Ask about discounts. ...
  4. Work on your credit. ...
  5. Skip comprehensive and collision coverage for an older car. ...
  6. Raise your deductible. ...
  7. Consider usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance.

How to Save on Car Insurance: 6 Tips to Cut Costs

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What are three ways to reduce your car insurance premiums?

Listed below are other things you can do to lower your insurance costs.
  1. Shop around. ...
  2. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs. ...
  3. Ask for higher deductibles. ...
  4. Reduce coverage on older cars. ...
  5. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer. ...
  6. Maintain a good credit record. ...
  7. Take advantage of low mileage discounts.

Who really has the cheapest auto insurance?

Who has the cheapest car insurance? Among national insurers, USAA has the cheapest rates, at $36 per month, with State Farm in second place, at $44 per month. The cheapest local insurers are Auto-Owners, at $40 per month, and Farm Bureau, at $39 per month.

Is 500 a month too much for car insurance?

According to The Zebra, a $500 deductible is the auto insurance industry standard. On average, drivers can expect to pay just over $900, or around $150 a month, for a six-month policy that includes a $500 deductible.

Why did my car insurance go up $100?

Since people are driving more and more, accidents are on the rise. This causes an increase in how much is paid out by insurance companies for each claim. Rising medical costs is the reason for the steep hike in price for cost per claim, which translates to higher auto insurance premiums. Health care costs are climbing.

Does car insurance go down at 26?

In general, younger drivers tend to pay more for car insurance—but once you reach the age of 25, the cost of your insurance policy can drop.

Can you negotiate with insurance?

Although you can't negotiate your car insurance rate, you're not contractually obligated to stay with your insurance company. If you find a cheaper rate elsewhere, you can switch insurance providers.

Do you get a discount for paying car insurance in full?

Pay in full

While this payment choice isn't an option for some people, if you do have the lump sum on hand to cover your auto insurance premium in full, consider it. Many insurers offer a sizable discount (i.e., you're avoiding the APR on car insurance) — often up to 10% — for paying in full.

What factors determine auto insurance rates?

What factors are most important for car insurance rates?
  1. Age. Age is a very significant rating factor, especially for young drivers. ...
  2. Driving history. This rating factor is straightforward. ...
  3. Credit score. ...
  4. Years of driving experience. ...
  5. Location. ...
  6. Gender. ...
  7. Insurance history. ...
  8. Annual mileage.

Which is a type of insurance to avoid?

Avoid buying insurance that you don't need. Chances are you need life, health, auto, disability, and, perhaps, long-term care insurance. But don't buy into sales arguments that you need other more costly insurance that provides you with coverage only for a limited range of events.

Is it more expensive to insure a new or old car?

Older cars are cheaper to insure than newer cars, all else being equal. An older vehicle is cheaper to insure mainly because older cars are less valuable, so an insurer won't have to pay out as much in the event of a total loss.

Does insurance cost less if you own the car?

Owning your car, fully, does not guarantee a reduction in the insurance premium rate. However, it will allow you to control your coverage options. After you pay off your car, you'll likely see a drop on your car insurance premiums, sometimes dramatically. ... Car depreciation.

Why is Progressive so much cheaper?

Progressive is cheap because it offers a variety of discounts and equips consumers with advanced tools to get the best rates. ... Progressive also offers the Name Your Price® tool, which lets customers state their desired price for car insurance and offers a range of coverage options that fit their budget.

Did car insurance go up 2021?

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., November 18, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Insurify, America's leading car insurance comparison platform, has released its second annual Insuring the American Driver report, revealing a 12% increase in car insurance costs in 2021 compared to 2020.

Does car insurance go up for no reason?

A rise in your cost for car insurance can be frustrating, especially if you haven't filed a claim and have a clean driving record. But know that insurance premiums aren't raised on a whim, and the reason for a rate increase is almost always tied to insurance risk.

How do I know if I'm paying too much for car insurance?

Insurance providers use your credit history to gauge your ability to pay premiums. They will look at how you've handled debt in the past and give you a quote based on their risk assessment. If you have zero or little credit history or your credit score is poor, you will get a higher premium.

What age group pays the most for car insurance?

Your age is one of the biggest drivers of your car insurance rate. Young male drivers tend to pay the most for car insurance, with 18-year-old men paying an average of $5,650 per year for full coverage, according to 2021 rate data pulled from Quadrant Information Services.

Is Geico really the cheapest?

Geico has the cheapest car insurance for most drivers in California. The company charges $390 per year on average for a minimum liability policy. That's 35% cheaper than the statewide average. The average cost of minimum-coverage car insurance in California is $604 per year, or $50 per month.

Will Geico raise rates after comprehensive claim?

Geico insurance will go up by about 45% after your first accident resulting in a claim of $750 or more. ... Your rate won't increase if the accident is not your fault and the other driver's insurance pays for your claim, or if the damage is less than $750.

Is AAA auto insurance expensive?

Find Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Your Area

For drivers with a bad driving record, AAA's insurance premiums were only 46% more expensive on average, than their rates for drivers with clean motor vehicle records — compared to a 51% difference for Geico.