Random Ways To Get Cheaper Car Insuranc (14 items)

• 

  (#7) Find Out Your Credit Score

  Insurance companies use the information on your credit report to predict what kind of driver you are, creating a credit-based insurance score. They assign a coverage amount based at least in part on what they can deduce from your credit report.

  If you have a strong credit rating and solid credit history, the odds of getting a more affordable car insurance rate are higher. Check your credit with any of the major agencies and see if you can make improvements or fix any reported errors. Bolstering your credit score even a little could lead to lower rates.
• 

  (#8) Purchase A Safer Car

  Car safety ratings are important to auto insurance rates. These assessments determine how well the vehicle can protect occupants during a crash. In addition, these tests evaluate the efficacy of the car's technology in preventing or mitigating accidents.

  The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety maintains an updated annual list of its top auto picks based on safety.
• 

  (#3) Select A Higher Deductible

  Consider choosing a higher deductible when shopping for your car insurance plan. Though a higher deductible does mean an auto accident requires paying more out of pocket until you hit the dollar amount where your insurance kicks in, you will likely save on your initial premium costs.

  High deductibles have another advantage, too. For example, if your deductible is $1,500 and you get in an accident that incurs $1,200 worth of damage, you will pay for it all out of pocket, so technically, you don't need to report the accident to your insurer. This will prevent your insurance rates from increasing after the accident.
• 

  (#5) Take Advantage Of Insurance Discounts

  Virtually every major car insurer offers a way for drivers to get discounts. Are you a good student with at least a 3.0 GPA? You might qualify for a discount. Do you have a safe driving record? If so, you'll typically be eligible for a discount. Does your car have anti-lock brakes or an anti-theft device? Possible discount! Are you in the military? Discount!

  These are only a sampling of the ways you can save. Before signing up for any auto insurance plan, explore all the available discount options and contact insurers directly if you need help.
• 

  (#13) Pay By The Mile

  If your annual mileage is low, paying by the mile might decrease your annual insurance rate considerably. Pay-per-mile auto insurance companies set your rates based on how much you drive. They track the mileage using a wireless in-car device. Some companies charge a base rate with a per-mile rate added on - usually a few cents per mile. Others give you a discount after seeing your tracked mileage.

  Drivers who benefit the most from this kind of coverage usually drive less than 12,000 miles per year. Pay-per-mile insurance is not available in all states, though.
• 

  (#14) Buy A Bigger Car

  Size matters - a smaller car does not typically mean smaller auto insurance rates. Small, fast cars are statistically more accident-prone, in part because their drivers are often young and inexperienced, but also because their size and speed leads to riskier driving behavior. And more accidents means higher insurance costs.

  Russ Rader, a spokesman for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, explains why: "Contrary to the idea that smaller cars can help you avoid crashes, the data shows that small cars get into more accidents. If you feel like you have a vehicle that can zip in and out of traffic, chances are you'll do that."

New Random Displays    Display All By Ranking