The law requires you buy auto assurance. So if you must get cover, how can you reduce costs ? Here's 7 easy ways to get the best possible auto assurance deal.
* Multiple Quotes
Get multiple quotes - use the internet and call a few brokers. It's easy to gather some good comparison quotes.
Remember to get different types of quotes e.g one from a direct-sell assurance company; another from an offline broker who keeps a database of quotes; and a couple from the internet.
Cheapest might not mean best. Will they pay out if you make a claim ? How financially secure ? How reputable ? Check around with family and friends, and look for online reviews.
* Different type of car
assurance costs vary depending on car type. Obviously, that $100k sports model costs more to insure than your average runabout. If you're planning to buy a new car, check assurance costs before you buy. I once set my heart on a beautiful, high performance, highly tuned Pontiac.
Luckily I checked the auto assurance before I bought it, because I couldn't get assurance. Every broker, every assurance company flat turned me down because I lived in a high car-crime area. So I had to forget the car of my dreams until I moved up-town.
* Age and Value of Car
Maybe you're buying a used car ? Maybe your car saw better days a few years ago, and now values much lower ? So why pay for high-priced auto assurance ? In particular, do you still need fully comprehensive coverage ?
A good rule of thumb multiplies assurance premium by 10, and compares that figure with your car value. So if you're quoted $1000 premium and your car is worth less than $10,000 you may want to think if comprehensive represents good value. If you drop collision and/or comprehensive coverage, you should get big savings.
* Higher deductibles (excess charges)
Most auto assurance companies use deductibles to keep policy cost down. Deductibles, or excess charges, show what you pay before your auto assurance policy kicks in. Try requesting quotes with different levels of deductibles, and see how your quotes vary.
Most internet quote forms contain a box where you can specify preferred level of deductibles. Ask your broker his recommended level. For example, going from $250 to $500 deductible can slash your assurance costs by 20% or more. Go to $1000 and you save a lot of money. But you must pay the deductible if you need to make a claim !
* Multiple assurances
I guess this might come under the 'Get Multiple Quotes' heading, but it's still worth mentioning separately. You usually get an assurance break if you buy multiple policies with the same insurer.
This might mean multiple vehicles, or homeowner and auto assurance. Either way it's worth asking about multi-policy discounts.
* Low Mileage
More and more people work at home. No more commuting. Fewer business trips. Low mileage on your car. Maybe you do travel to work, but car pool ?
Either way, look for low mileage discounts.
* Good Driving Record
A good driving record always reduces your auto assurance costs. Keep a clean drivers license. Don't speed, don't drive dangerously, and you'll save money (apart from other benefits !)
* Bonus Tip
Okay, I said '7 Ways...', but here's some extra tips. Fit anti-theft devices to your car. Go on an advanced driver training course. Use daytime running lights. If you're a college student away from home, consider adding to parents policy.
This short article covers the things you must consider when shopping for auto assurance. Follow these tips and you'll slash your auto assurance costs.
© DigiLectual Inc. 2004
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Neil Stelling is Marketing Manager of New York based, DigiLectual Inc.