| The auto insurance industry is more competitive | | | | 3. Seek out Special Discounts |
| today than it has ever been before. This amounts | | | | Your situation may qualify you for special auto |
| to excellent benefits for consumers, as long as | | | | insurance prices. For example, if you are an |
| you know how to shop smart and negotiate. | | | | infrequent driver, have an excellent driving record |
| Auto insurance rates vary depending how much | | | | or belong to a professional association, you may |
| coverage you get, your driving record, what kind | | | | {{{be able to get a significant reduction in your |
| of car you are covering and any special discounts | | | | monthly premium without cutting back on your |
| that you may be eligible for. In order to maximize | | | | coverage. Go ahead ask your car insurance |
| your savings on your auto insurance rates, be | | | | company if you qualify. |
| sure to follow these guidelines: | | | | 4. Consider Reducing Coverage on Older Cars |
| 1. Compare Car Insurance Rates Before Buying a | | | | All states require that you have a certain amount |
| New Car | | | | of auto insurance in order to drive legally. |
| Any savvy shopper knows that the true cost of | | | | However, if you drive an older car with a low |
| owning a vehicle goes above and beyond the | | | | Kelly Blue Book value, then it may not be cost |
| amount you pay at the dealership. Certain cars | | | | effective to have it fully covered. You can save |
| are more expensive to insure. Auto insurance | | | | on monthly costs by reducing your coverage. |
| agencies determine premiums based on your car's | | | | 5. Shop Around |
| price, its overall safety record, the likelihood of | | | | The absolute best way to find competitive vehicle |
| theft and the cost to repair the car. For example, | | | | insurance rates is to shop around. Even if you |
| a foreign sports car will have much higher car | | | | already have a vehicle insurance plan, you may be |
| insurance rates than a low-key domestic sedan | | | | able to save money by moving to another |
| that can be serviced at almost any garage. Factor | | | | company. With easy-to-use resources readily |
| this into your decision before you buy. | | | | available on the web, you can quickly survey the |
| 2. Increase your Deductible | | | | current offers from local auto insurance agencies |
| Higher deductibles will expose you to greater | | | | as well as nationwide insurers. In fact, drivers that |
| liability if you are in an at-fault car accident but it | | | | have gone for years with the same plan are |
| will save you money on your monthly premiums. | | | | most likely to be overpaying for auto insurance. |
| If you can go for a long period of time without an | | | | Seeing what other companies have to offer |
| accident, bumping up to a $1,000 deductible can | | | | certainly can't hurt - especially if you do it from |
| easily pay for itself over the years. | | | | the comfort of your home. |