| 1. Shop Around. Yes, it pays to shop and | | | | 6. Combine Policies. Purchase your homeowners, |
| compare. Regulatory changes at the state level | | | | auto, and life insurance policies from the same |
| may have encouraged new companies to jump | | | | broker and you may save on your premiums. |
| into the market, thereby increasing competition | | | | Some insurance companies reward policyholders if |
| and reducing rates for consumers. | | | | they "one-stop" purchase all of their insurance |
| 2. Raise Your Deductible. A $200 deductible | | | | needs through one company. |
| sounds wise until you learn that the cost for | | | | 7. Consider Before You Buy. The Porsche Boxster |
| having a deductible at this threshold can drive | | | | may be your ideal car, but it could also sharply |
| your rates through the roof. Consider a deductible | | | | raise your insurance rates. Maybe a less sporty |
| as high as $1000 to save on premiums. You can | | | | model would be ideal. |
| always fix minor mishaps on your own. | | | | 8. Driver's Ed Course. You may have taken a |
| 3. Drop Collision. If your automobile is worth less | | | | driver's education course and your insurance |
| than two or three thousand dollars, consider | | | | company has not factored that in when |
| dropping collision altogether. Sure, you will get | | | | determining your premium. Let them know that |
| nothing from your insurer if your car is totaled, | | | | you are a safe driver! |
| but the savings you realize by dropping collision | | | | 9. Deleted Points. If you had moving violations |
| can be used as a down payment for your next | | | | that were reported to your insurance company, |
| car. | | | | make sure that your insurer adjusts your |
| 4. Look For Discounts. If your car has certain | | | | premium downward if several years have gone |
| safety features, make sure that your insurer is | | | | by since the occurrence. You could be paying a |
| aware of this. Older cars, for the most part, do | | | | premium higher than you deserve. |
| not have air bags but if you have a model that | | | | 10. Check Your Policy. If the insurer has the |
| has airbags, you will save money on your | | | | wrong address, town or zip code on your policy |
| insurance. | | | | you could find yourself paying more than you |
| 5. Business Deduction. If you drive your car for | | | | should. |
| business, a portion of your insurance costs may | | | | Reducing your car insurance costs should not be |
| be deductible. Conversely, your rates may be | | | | an impossible feat. By following these steps you |
| increased if your insurer knows that you use your | | | | should realize some savings the next time your |
| car more for business than pleasure. | | | | policy comes up for review. |