How to Save Big on Car Insurance

If you’ve read our blog for any amount of time you know we offer a wealth of information on how to find a great auto transport company, and how to get your car from point A to point B in an affordable, safe manner. You may have read our articles on holiday travel and buying cars online.

But while everyone may not ship a car or even be comfortable with buying a car online, one thing every driver must have is car insurance. Try listening to a radio station or watching television for a few minutes without hearing an ad promising to save you money! The auto insurance world can be overwhelming and confusing. How much insurance do you need? How does it compare to what another company can offer? The good news is that auto insurance is usually a fixed budget item where if you can negotiate a lower rate, you’ll save big for months to come.

Lowest Price Not Always Best Option for Auto Insurance

Because we’re experts in the auto industry, we have some insights for you. In this situation, we’ve learned from experience. We aren’t an auto insurance seller; we’re a buyer, just like you. We’re not telling you to skimp on insurance. You need to have it, and the lowest price is often not the best value. This week we have five tips for truly affordable car insurance that you can take advantage of. Learn from our experience and take your lunch hour today, tomorrow, or next week and spend some time on these tips. You’ll thank us later, and your wallet will thank you!

Shop Around for Car Insurance

Every single blog you read on car insurance is going to tell you this. Yes, it takes time. But it is absolutely worth it! If you were hiring painters or a contractor you wouldn’t simply accept the first quote you were given. Get a few quotes from different companies. Ask friends who they use. That auto-renewal policy you got in the mail? Let that be your signal that it’s time to get a few new offers. Don’t just let it ride, make sure you get the best deal!

Don’t Pay by Installments

Auto insurance is kind of like rent or your mortgage. You know it will always be a recurring expense if you’re a car owner. Why not save up for it if you can? Paying in a lump sum can save you a serious amount of cash, and it can be a negotiating point with the company you use. If you can’t pay for the entire year’s worth, start by paying for 6 months at a time. In some cases by paying for the whole year up front you can save an extra 15% or 20%!

KNOW the Value of your Vehicle

We see a lot of people who are paying for coverage they don’t need. If your vehicle is only worth $3,000, do you really need collision coverage? It’s a risk, yes, but  keep in mind your insurance company is only going to pay what the vehicle is worth. If you’re driving an old junker, cover yourself for any liability but don’t pay for insurance you don’t need. Be sure to check your individual state’s requirements too, because each one is different.

Ask Questions & Educate Yourself

So many people don’t want to mess with car insurance because it’s complicated, but being an uninsured or under-insured motorist is dangerous. In Texas alone, nearly 13% of drivers are uninsured. There’s a lot of industry-jargon for car insurance. Words like “premium, liability, deductible, and personal injury protection” are just a few. If you don’t know exactly what your policy means, ask questions! There are hundreds of insurance representatives for every major carrier. It is worth a few minutes of asking questions to understand what your policy covers and what it doesn’t. There are no stupid questions; you have the right to know what is covered and how your policy works. If your rates seem high, ask why! And don’t forget to be bold and ask for a discount. There are tons of reasons auto insurance companies will give a discount including a good driving record, a student discount, senior status, and more.