How to Optimize Your Auto Insurance Rates

Auto insurance is known as a necessary expense if you ever want to take the wheel. However, it doesn’t have to be expensive to protect your vehicle. There are ways to optimize your auto insurance policy so that you can save money without sacrificing important coverage. 

Adjust Your Deductible 
Your car insurance deductible is how much it will cost you out of pocket after an accident. For example, if your vehicle is damaged for $2,000 and your deductible is $500, you must pay $500 toward repairs before receiving compensation for the remaining $1,500. You can choose to change your deductible depending on your needs, however. 

A higher deductible can actually lower your monthly car insurance premiums while lowering your deductible may mean higher premiums. However, a higher deductible also means paying more out of pocket after an accident before you can receive compensation. 

Take Driving Courses 
A lot of insurance provide discounts if you take certain driving courses. This can also help you avoid accidents on the road. Your driving record is one of the biggest influencers on your auto insurance rates, so having a clean driving record can save you a significant amount of money on auto insurance.  

Ask About Discounts 
There are a variety of discounts available for different reasons. Ask your insurance agent about discounts you may qualify for to save money on your auto insurance rates. Common discounts to ask about include: 

• Bundling home and auto insurance with the same insurer
• Defensive driving discounts
• Safe driver discount
• Accident free/good driver discounts
• Good student discounts
• Low mileage/low usage discounts 

Different agencies may offer different forms of discounts, so be sure to do your research and shop around. 

Use an Independent Agency 
An independent insurance agency does a lot of the hard work for you when you are searching for car insurance and comparing quotes. Most independent insurance agencies work with different providers to find drivers the best policy for their needs and in their areas. For example, if an insurance agency works with ten different providers, they can compare quotes for your car insurance needs among these insurers to find you the best price. 

Protect Your Vehicle 
There are measures you can take to protect your vehicle that can save you money on auto insurance. Choosing a vehicle with a high safety rating and an anti-burglary alarm system can save you money on auto insurance by lowering the risk of filing a claim.