Many of us rely on our cars to go to work, drop the kids off at school, and run errands. Having a car allows us to discover a newfound independence when we get our license for the first time, and it allows us to remain independent as we age.
But driving can also be dangerous. The last thing you want is to total your car, experience an injury, or figure out what to do if someone sues you after a car accident.
Insurance can help, but only if you have the right kind.
Here are the top tips for getting the right insurance so you can drive with peace of mind, no matter what you encounter on the road.
Get the Coverage You Actually Need
There are quite a few different kinds of auto insurance. It’s important to do your research and get the right kind for your car.
For example, getting collision and comprehensive insurance is best if you have a new car or you’re leasing your vehicle. If you have an old vehicle, you may want to consider liability insurance instead. If you have a family, you might consider medical payments coverage, but opt not to add it to your policy if you’re the only one driving and riding in your vehicle.
Don’t forget to consider your deductible! If you’re able to pay higher amounts out of pocket in the case of an accident, you could save on your premium if you choose a higher deductible.
Not sure what you need? Ask an insurance agent you trust and they can tell you what coverage you need—and what you don’t.
Ask For Discounts
There are a ton of ways for you to save on your car insurance. You just have to ask!
A few ways to get a discount on your car insurance include:
- Driving a car with safety equipment, like a backup camera and an automatic braking system
- Installing an anti-theft system
- Getting good grades if you have a student driver in high school or college
- Paying your policy upfront
- Setting up your account with automatic withdrawals
- Going paperless
- Having a certain occupation, like military personnel, teachers, and more
Combine Your Insurance Policies
Another great way to save on your insurance is to combine your insurance policies, but you’ll enjoy more than just a smaller bill.
Dealing with insurance companies can be a nightmare. It’s even more difficult if you’re dealing with multiple companies. It’s a lot easier if you bundle your home and auto insurance. You can also bundle other types of insurance, like life insurance and personal property coverage.
If there’s ever an emergency, you know exactly who to call. It’s easier if you work with an insurance agent too. When you call the same person for home insurance, auto insurance, and life insurance, you’re able to build a relationship with an insurance provider you actually trust.
Be a Safer Driver
One of the best ways to save on your insurance is to drive safely. Those with clean driving records generally pay lower premiums than those who have been in an accident recently. Not to mention, being a safe driver means you’re less likely to get into an accident in the first place.
You may also want to consider usage based insurance (UBI). It’s a type of pay-per-mile insurance where the insurance company tracks your driving habits. It’s a great option for those who drive safely and drive their vehicle less than average. You can save quite a bit of money and still get coverage for a vehicle that you don’t drive very often.
Consider Models Carefully When Shopping For a New Car
Some cars are cheaper to insure than others. Most of us don’t have the money to run out and buy a new car just to lower our car insurance, but if you happen to be shopping for a new vehicle anyway, it’s worth considering which ones are the cheapest and easiest to cover.
Don’t assume that older cars have the cheapest rates, as that’s not always the case. Newer cars with safety technology have some of the cheapest insurance rates available.
If you want to get the best rates, and stress less on the road, you should avoid:
- Sports cars, as insurers think you’re more likely to speed, and cops are more likely to pull you over
- High-end luxury cars that can be a target for thieves, and replacing a totaled car can cost a fortune
- Electric vehicles that have parts that can be extremely expensive to replace
Download the App
Do you have an updated insurance card in your glove compartment? It can be difficult to remember to replace the card every six months, but you don’t have to when you download the app.
Most states accept digital proof of insurance. All you have to do if you’re pulled over is whip out your phone.
There are other reasons to download your provider’s mobile app. Some allow you to submit questions and file a claim without having to call in.
Shop Around For New Policies Once Every Year or So
Although it can be kind of a hassle, it’s a good idea to shop around for car insurance every year or so.
A lot can change in a year. Whether you bought a new car, had a baby, or changed jobs, the discounts you get with another policy could be better with another insurer.
It also gives you a chance to reevaluate what kind of policy you need. It may turn out that you don’t need to switch insurance providers, but it would be a good idea to upgrade (or downgrade) your policy to better fit your needs and your budget.
Having the right insurance policy can give you peace of mind on the road. When you aren’t worried about who to call if you’re in an accident, how much you’re paying, or where to find your proof of insurance card when you get pulled over, you can stay safe on the road.
