3 Ways to Lower Car Insurance Costs

Car insurance is one of those expenses that you just grit your teeth and bear. Sometimes it feels like you’re not paying anything, especially if you’re a safe driver who lives in a safe part of the country. But, for everyone to be protected, we all have to pay for it. The good news is that there are ways to save on car insurance costs if you follow a few simple steps.

1. Buying auto insurance from an insurance agent just because it handles your other insurance needs is no longer a good idea. The “discount” they may give you because they have your homeowners or renters insurance may be less than the actual discount you could get by shopping online. Take the time to compare your quote and get the real best price.

2. One of the biggest factors in determining your auto insurance costs really has nothing to do with your car or how well you drive. Most insurance companies will look at your credit history and credit score to determine a rate for you. The assumption is that if you are a poor credit risk, then you are a poor driver. We all know this isn’t always true, but if you can do something to raise your credit score before you buy insurance, you may be able to get a better rate.

3. Don’t assume that just because you own a hot rod muscle car, it will be more expensive than a cheap Honda. Car insurance costs are based on many factors, one of which is the likelihood of your car being stolen. A Honda Civic is one of the most expensive cars to insure, for that reason alone.

Take the time to shop around for a good insurance quote and you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. Don’t trust your local insurance salesman to give you the best price!