How Can You Save On Auto Insurance Without Sacrificing Coverage?

By Martha Edwards


The cost of insuring your car can take a huge chunk out of your driving budget. On the other hand, not having sufficient coverage can cost you in more ways than one. Which begs the question, how do you buy the right Houston TX auto insurance policy without spending too much?

Did you know you can qualify for insurance discounts if your car has certain safety features? If you haven't heard about this before, that's because many insurers don't advertise all the deals they have on offer. This means you will need to press your carrier for more information on these offers, whether or not your circumstances entitle you to one.

Did you know that most companies charge interest on your premiums if you choose to pay in installments? Spreading the cost over a longer period may seem like a good idea, but it's one that will cost you more money in the long run. Depending on the carrier, paying the whole amount in an annual lump sum will see you save between 10 and 25 percent on your bill.

Most insurers reward drivers who go for a certain period without making claims with lower rates. Although protecting yours could mean having to pay a higher premium up front, it could end up saving you a fortune in the long run. Some companies will allow you to make a claim in certain circumstances without it affecting your bonus, but you must ensure it's explicitly stated in your own policy.

Perhaps the best way to save on car insurance is to protect your no-claims bonus. This could see your rates rise by a slight amount, but this quickly fades into insignificance when compared to a 90% discount on a 3-figure premium. This tactic would especially pay off if you've gone without making claims for 5 or more years, but it's crucial that you know what conditions your insurer has attached to your specific policy.

As a rule of thumb, the higher your deductible is, the lower your premiums will be. This refers to the amount you pay out-of-pocket when making a claim. As long as you can afford it, hiking your deductible can save you up to 40% on coverage.

Did you know that you could save about 30% on your annual premiums just by shopping around? Most insurers tend to reserve their best deals for new customers, so don't renew your coverage before exploring the market to see what's available. What you should do instead is to shop for quotes and spend some time comparing them to see if you could save by switching insurers.

For motorists who already have to deal with high fuel prices, making informed decisions when buying auto coverage is crucial. How much you will pay for your policy will depend on a handful of factors, a few of which you can control. So understand what you need to do to lower your expenses, and keep these points in mind when shopping for insurance.




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