Finding Discounts on Auto Insurance

Saving money is more important than ever, especially when buying auto insurance. Don?t assume that an insurance agent will know what kinds of discounts you or your car are eligible for; you should make every effort to find the best options for yourself. CarInsurance.com will help you get the best possible deal, including many discounts you might not be able to find on your own. Discounts can drastically reduce the cost of auto insurance, and you should take advantage of any that you?re able to. If you understand the discounts available to you and how they will affect your premium, you?ll be able to make better decisions about your coverage, and you?ll be able to save yourself quite a bit of money.

Anything that reduces the risk the insurer takes on will usually equal a discount. Safety features often fetch discounts, including automatic seatbelts, airbags, anti-theft devices, and anti-lock brakes. You can also get discounts by taking defensive driving courses. However, bear in mind that any discounts connected to these classes will only apply if you take the class voluntarily; if you were required to take the class because of a citation or court case it won?t count. If you?re a good driver with no citations, accidents, or suspensions in the past three to five years, you can qualify for a safe driver discount. Or, if you?re a full-time student with good grades, unmarried, and under 25 you may also qualify for good student discounts depending on the insurer.

First off, there are discounts for Auto Safety Features. Some states will apply a discount for anti-lock brakes, Airbags and automatic seatbelt. In most states a discount can be applied if a defensive driving course has been taken, and if the principal driver is 55 years old or older and has completed an approved defensive driving course a discount may be applied. In most states this discount will only be applied if the course was voluntary, not a result of an infraction or violation. Some companies will provide a discount for having multiple vehicles on one premium, but in some cases there must also be multiple drivers. Also, if you have a clean record for any specified amount of years, you may qualify for a safe driver’s discount.

If you own a home, condo, town home, or mobile home that you use as your principal residence you may qualify for a homeowner?s discount. Military ? both active and retired, from any branch ? can qualify for a special discount as well. Some insurers will even give you a discount for insuring multiple vehicles with them, though you may only qualify if there are also two or more drivers.

If you do choose to switch insurers, a discount may be applied for proof of previous insurance, though most companies ask for proof of at least 6 months from your last company. A discount may also be applied if you are a full time student and meet certain grade requirements, are unmarried and under the requested age. If you own any home as a primary residence, if you are in or ever have been in the military and if you have an anti-theft device on your car, discounts may apply.

Another idea to lower your premium is to assume more risk: if you elect to raise your deductible (the amount you must pay for coverage before insurance kicks in), this takes risk off the insurer and places it on you. However, be sure that you have enough in the bank to cover your deductible in case something should happen.

There are many options to save money on your auto insurance, and the more you know about your policies and premiums, the more you can take advantage of the ?hidden? discounts your insurer offers to protect your car at a lower price.

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