How You Can Save on Car Insurance

Insurance is something every driver has to have, and it’s a big item in most people’s monthly budgets. The good news about car insurance is, there are many ways you can reduce your monthly premiums. If you own more than one vehicle, for example, or if you also insure your life or your house, you might get your insurance company to “bundle” your coverage. Bundled coverage provides all your policies, or at least several of your policies, from the same company. Understandably, insurers offer discounts to encourage you to get as much of your coverage as possible from them. Not only do bundled policies cost less, it’s also easier to manage your claims and billing by doing all your business with just one company.

Another easy way to save money on your car insurance is to raise your insurance premium?s deductible. Simply moving up to the next highest deductible can save you a lot of money. Just make sure you can afford to pay that deductible in case you have to file an insurance claim.

Get quotes from more than one qualified insurance provider. They may offer you a better deal on your car insurance premiums once they find out you are checking with the competition.

If you are a senior, a student, a member of AARP, in the military, over 25, or a woman, you may get a price break on your auto insurance. Make sure you choose policies that reward you for being in one of these categories.

Another way to save money on your car insurance is to take a basic or defensive driving course. You must prove that you took and passed the course in order to receive a discount on your insurance premiums. Many qualified insurance providers offer discounts for successfully completing these driving courses because it shows that you are serious about driving safely and responsibly.

Where you garage your car has a lot to do with how much you pay for insurance. Drivers who live in cities will pay more than drivers who live in small towns. Drivers who live in high-risk areas will pay more than drivers who live in low-risk areas. Different companies define “high-risk” differently, so shop around. What is considered a high risk by one company may be OK with another.

If you own a sports car or other high risk vehicle, considering trading it in for a safer car. Sports cars are classified as high risk because they are more prone to accidents and theft, and that means high car insurance premiums. But if you buy a car that isn?t considered high risk, you will have an easier time negotiating a lower rate on your car insurance premiums. See a qualified insurance provider for more details on what is considered a high risk vehicle.

Finally, if you can’t find a discount from the list above, ask your authorized insurance agent. Many insurance companies have their own programs that help you lower your costs down to an affordable level. Whatever your personal insurance needs may be, your professional insurance agent can work with you to get exactly the coverage you need.

Tom Martens is the content syndication coordinator for Carinsurancesa.co.za. South Arica?s leading car insurance portal.