Finding cheaper car insurance can save you a significant amount of money each year. Whether you’re a new driver or simply looking to lower your current premium, there are several ways to reduce your car insurance costs without sacrificing coverage. Here’s how:
How to Get Car Insurance Cheaper
1. Shop Around and Compare Quotes
One of the most effective ways to get cheaper car insurance is by comparing quotes from multiple insurers. Rates can vary significantly from one company to another for the same coverage. Use online comparison tools to get quotes from different providers and see who offers the best deal for your situation.
Popular comparison sites include:
- The Zebra
- Gabi
- NerdWallet
- Compare.com
2. Bundle Your Policies
Most insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle multiple types of insurance (e.g., car and home insurance) under the same provider. This multi-policy discount can significantly lower your car insurance premium.
3. Increase Your Deductible
Raising your deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket in case of a claim) can lower your monthly or annual premium. Just make sure that you can afford to pay the higher deductible if you need to make a claim.
4. Look for Discounts
Insurance companies offer various discounts that can help you get cheaper car insurance. Some common discounts include:
- Good driver discount: For drivers with a clean record.
- Good student discount: For students who maintain good grades.
- Low mileage discount: For drivers who don’t drive often.
- Vehicle safety features discount: Cars equipped with anti-theft devices, airbags, etc., may qualify for savings.
- Paying in full: Paying your premium upfront annually rather than monthly can often result in a lower total cost.
5. Maintain a Good Credit Score
In many states, your credit score affects your car insurance premium. Maintaining a good credit score by paying bills on time and keeping credit balances low can help you get a cheaper rate.
6. Drive Safely
A clean driving record with no accidents or traffic violations will result in lower insurance premiums. If you’re a safe driver, you may qualify for accident-free or safe driving discounts.
7. Choose the Right Coverage
Assess your insurance needs and adjust your coverage accordingly. For older cars, it might not make sense to carry comprehensive and collision coverage, especially if the cost of the premium is higher than the value of the car. Be mindful, though, of state minimum requirements and the risk of being underinsured.
8. Opt for Usage-Based Insurance
If you don’t drive often, consider usage-based or pay-per-mile insurance, where your premium is based on how much and how safely you drive. Companies like Metromile and Progressive Snapshot offer these types of policies.
9. Review Your Policy Annually
Car insurance needs and rates change over time, so it’s important to review your policy annually. If your rate goes up, shop around again to see if you can find a better deal.
Additional Tips
Getting the cheapest car insurance and buying it online is not difficult with the right approach. Whether you’re a new driver or someone looking to save on their current policy, following these steps can help you secure the best deal:
- Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the most affordable rates.
- Bundle your policies, raise your deductibles, and take advantage of discounts to further lower your premium.
- Customize your coverage to match your driving habits and vehicle’s value.
- Review your policy annually to ensure you’re getting the best price.
When you’re ready to buy insurance online, using comparison sites and getting quotes directly from insurers will help you find the best rates. From there, it’s simply a matter of selecting your preferred coverage, making your payment, and getting your proof of insurance—all from the comfort of your own home.
With these strategies in place, you’ll be well on your way to securing cheap car insurance that fits your budget and needs.
How to Get Car Insurance Online
Getting car insurance online is fast, convenient, and allows you to compare multiple quotes easily. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get car insurance online:
1. Gather Your Information
Before getting started, you’ll need to have some key details ready, including:
- Personal Information: Name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Vehicle Information: Make, model, year, VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and the vehicle’s current mileage.
- Driving History: Information about your driving record, including any accidents or violations in the past few years.
- Current Insurance (if applicable): Details about your current coverage, including your policy number and limits.
2. Use Online Comparison Tools
The easiest way to compare quotes from multiple insurers is by using online insurance comparison websites. These tools allow you to enter your information once and receive quotes from various companies within minutes.
Popular comparison sites include:
- The Zebra
- Compare.com
- Gabi
- Insurify
3. Get Quotes Directly from Insurers
In addition to using comparison sites, you can visit the websites of individual insurance companies to get quotes directly. Major insurers like Geico, State Farm, Progressive, and Allstate offer easy-to-use online quote tools. This way, you can compare their offers with those from the comparison sites.
4. Customize Your Coverage
When getting quotes online, you’ll have the opportunity to choose the types of coverage and limits that best suit your needs. Here are the main types of car insurance coverage:
- Liability Coverage: Covers bodily injury and property damage if you’re at fault in an accident (required in most states).
- Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision-related damage (e.g., theft, fire, weather-related events).
- Collision Coverage: Pays for damages to your vehicle after a collision.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or not enough coverage.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses regardless of who’s at fault.
5. Review and Compare Offers
After entering your details, you’ll receive quotes that show the price for each policy option. Compare the offers carefully, looking not only at the price but also at the coverage options, deductibles, and any potential discounts.
6. Select a Policy and Purchase Online
Once you’ve found the policy that fits your needs and budget, you can complete the purchase online. Most insurers will allow you to pay the premium upfront or set up monthly payments.
After purchasing the policy, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your policy details and proof of insurance. Many insurers provide coverage as soon as you complete the purchase, meaning you can drive legally right away.
7. Download or Print Your Insurance Card
Once you’ve completed your purchase, you can download or print your insurance card. Most insurers also provide mobile apps where you can access your policy details and proof of insurance anytime.
8. Consider a Temporary or Short-Term Policy
If you don’t need long-term coverage, some insurance companies offer temporary or short-term car insurance policies. These are great options for students, individuals who use their cars infrequently, or those who need coverage for a specific period, like borrowing a car or renting one.
Not all insurers offer short-term policies, but companies like Root and Geico sometimes provide flexible terms that can help you save money by only paying for coverage when you need it.
Additional Tips for Cheaper Car Insurance
1. Avoid Unnecessary Coverage
While full coverage (liability, comprehensive, and collision) is essential for new or expensive cars, you may not need as much coverage for older cars. If the value of your car is low, consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage. The cost to repair or replace your car might be less than the total premium for that coverage, so evaluate your vehicle’s worth.
2. Enroll in a Defensive Driving Course
Some insurers offer discounts if you take a defensive driving course, especially if you’re over 50. These courses teach safer driving practices and accident-prevention strategies. While these courses have a small fee, the long-term savings on your car insurance premium can be worth it.
3. Limit Custom Modifications to Your Vehicle
Vehicle modifications like custom rims, paint jobs, or performance enhancements can raise your insurance premiums. Modifications may increase the risk of theft or the cost of repairs, so sticking to a factory-standard car can help keep your rates lower.
4. Install Anti-Theft Devices
If your car is equipped with advanced anti-theft devices such as GPS tracking systems, alarm systems, or immobilizers, you could qualify for lower insurance premiums. Insurers may view these devices as reducing the risk of theft, which can lead to discounts.
Conclusion
To get car insurance cheaper, shop around for multiple quotes, maintain a clean driving record, and take advantage of discounts. When you’re ready to purchase, getting car insurance online is quick and easy. By comparing quotes from several insurers and customizing your coverage to meet your needs, you can find an affordable policy in no time.