Home Tips for getting auto insurance on a budget
Local

Tips for getting auto insurance on a budget

Contributors
buying a car
Photo Credit: Kurhan

Owning a car comes with a lot of responsibility. It’s also something you shouldn’t be paying much for, although some states make it a requirement to have your vehicle covered by a comprehensive insurance policy.

Auto insurance isn’t cheap, and there are a lot of providers to choose from. But there are ways that allow you to purchase auto insurance for less cost. Here are some helpful tips on finding the best insurance policy for you.

Compare as many quotes as you can

Your insurance costs will depend mostly on the insurance provider you deal with. That said, you should be able to make the right choice before buying a vehicle. You may want to get quotes from them and make comparisons so you can determine the right insurance product based on your budget.

Know what’s covered

Different insurance companies offer different features. Often, some of these features are unnecessary. You will find yourself paying for coverage you don’t even need. So, make sure you review your quote and check for certain items that will only rack up your monthly premiums.

See if there are products specific to your needs

Some insurance companies offer certain products for various niches like seniors, veterans, and students. For sure, each group has its own special rates. You just have to check these packages out and see what inclusions to expect. The rates are already pre-set, which means you could be making lesser monthly payments to keep your vehicle covered. Allstate agents, for one, can help you find the right products based on your location and keep you from going over what you can afford. This will prove to be advantageous if you’re on a fixed income.

Ask for additional discounts

What other discounts are offered? People don’t normally ask this enough without knowing about money-saving opportunities they’re actually missing. That said, you might want to ask an insurance provider if they have provisions for discounts. Even if you feel they’re not offering any, it won’t hurt to ask if they do.

Pay higher deductibles

For many veteran vehicle owners, one surefire way for paying less for auto insurance is to raise the cap on your deductibles. This should help you save more money. Then again, this strategy comes with a cost. While raising your deductibles lowers your monthly premiums, it can also affect your insurance claims later on. This is not a strategy that works well for many people, but it definitely provides a good start. You just have to drive safely.

Keep your credit score in good standing

Car insurance quotes can also be reduced if you are able to prove you’re in good standing with credit agencies. Like it or not, your credit score will influence how much you’re going to pay, so paying your credit card bills on time is the least you can do to access better insurance rates.

Getting auto insurance comes with a cost and a big one at that. You just have to learn how you can purchase affordable insurance products for your needs.

Contributors

Contributors

Have a guest column, letter to the editor, story idea or a news tip? Email editor Chris Graham at [email protected]. Subscribe to AFP podcasts on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPandora and YouTube.