Easy Ways to Earn Discounts on Auto Insurance
With the economy as precarious as it is, we’re all trying to save money, and one of the ways we can do that is to evaluate what we’re spending on auto insurance. While going without insurance is a bad idea, as well as illegal in most states, there are several ways to lower the premiums we pay.
One way to be sure you’re getting the best deal on your auto coverage is to be a save driver. Keeping your driving record free of tickets will make you eligible for this discount – but be aware that insurers look at the last three-to-five years of your driving history.
Safe driving is even easier when you also drive a safer vehicle, and there’s a discount for that, as well. How does this discount work? Your insurance carrier will give it to you after analyzing the safety features with which your car is equipped. These include everything from air bags and antilock brakes to anti-theft devices like alarm systems, engine immobilizers, and LoJack.
If you’re fortunate enough to have a short commute, you may also be fortunate enough to qualify for a low-mileage discount. These are generally granted to people who drive fewer than 14,000 miles/ year, but some insurers give an even larger discount if you accrue fewer than 10,000. Where you live is also a factor. If your home is in a rural area, your auto insurance will most likely be much less than someone who lives in an urban neighborhood, because city life comes with a greater risk of both accidents and theft.
If you’ve recently lost your job, or have been laid off, don’t panic about your auto insurance lapsing just yet. Instead, check out Allianz Insurance. They’ve developed a new program offering free insurance to unemployed drivers.
The Allianz program, referred to as Unemployment Protection Auto Insurance, is free to clients who become temporarily unemployed or disabled before their policies mature, and lasts for a year. In addition, they are reimbursed for the full cost of the premium paid in the year the disability or unemployment occurs.
The number one way to find the best rates on insurance is to shop around, and compare quotes. While Allianz is the only company offering free auto insurance, there are many carriers providing flexible payment plans and reduced rates for their loyal clients who need a little help.
When it comes to saving money and earning discounts on auto insurance, then, the first rule is to ask what is available.