Car insurance can be expensive, and the last thing consumers need in a depressed economy is to throw hard earned dollars down the drain. You can insure for less by knowing about auto insurance discounts that may be available from your insurance company.
Multiple Vehicle Discounts
If you own more than one car, truck, SUV or minivan, you can receive a discount on all vehicles on your policy by insuring them with the same company. Even if one of your vehicles is older and you carry liability-only coverage, the cost of insuring that vehicle may be more than offset by a multi-car discount.
Multi-line or Multi-policy Discounts
Insurance companies want all your insurance coverage, both for increased revenues and also for proper risk protection, and they will give you a discount on your insurance for insuring your cars, home and recreational vehicles with them. The savings can be substantial, so if you currently have your insurance coverage with multiple companies, it may pay to quote your coverage with the same carrier.
Accident-free Discounts
Safe drivers are rewarded with lower insurance rates. If you have an accident-free driving history, you may qualify for another discount on your car insurance. Most insurance companies use a service called CLUE that reports any past claims you may have had, so if your CLUE report is clear and your motor vehicle report shows no accidents, you should qualify for the discount if available.
Anti-theft Device Discounts
Some car insurance companies will give you a discount if your vehicle uses a passive or active anti-theft device. Your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) doesn’t always indicate whether your car has an alarm system, so make sure your agent knows your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device.
New Vehicle Discounts
Newer vehicles may come equipped with safety features that will trigger a discount on your insurance rates. Features such as air-bags, automatic braking, heads up displays and other features may earn you a few percent off your rates.
Defensive Driving Discounts
If you’ve completed a defensive driving course, your insurance company may reward you with another break on your premiums. Provide your agent or company with proof of course completion and you may knock a few bucks off your bill.
Good Student Discounts
If you or one of the drivers on your policy have received good grades in high school or college during the most recent policy term, you may be able to again lower your rates by providing proof to your agent or company.
Teen Driver Training Discounts
Students on your policy who have completed driver training can qualify for lower rates. With the increased cost of insuring teen drivers, this is a welcomed discount.
Claim-free Discounts
Insurance companies want responsible policy-holders, and if you file a claim for every door ding, chances are you’ll pay higher car insurance rates because of this. Conversely, if you choose not to file small claims with your insurance company, they may reward you with a claim-free discount at renewal time.
Insure for less with car insurance discounts
These car insurance discounts can help you insure for less and keep some of your hard-earned money in your pocket. Some companies offer additional discounts that you can discover simply by asking your agent or company representative. Contrary to popular opinion, insurance agents work to help their clients, and even though discounts mean less premium (and less commission), most agents would gladly help you save some money on your car insurance bill.