When you ask a friend about how much their car costs them, they usually tell you the monthly loan amount.
Unfortunately, your car costs a lot more than just the loan amount.
Think about it.
When it comes to monthly expenses, you have gas purchases, maintenance, and car washes.
Catch what I left out? Yes, car insurance that is.
If you just thought about the Geico commercials you're on the right track.
9 out of 10 people spend too much money on car insurance.
Typically, this is due to ignorance and the insurance companies not providing you with the information I'm about to tell you.
Before I go on, I would like to thank the University of Washington for educating me on this topic.
After crunching the numbers, I have saved myself and my family over $100,000 over the long term.
Here are 10 ways you too can save on car insurance: 1-The single best thing you should do is shop around.
So many people I run into stick with one company because it's all they know and trust.
Thankfully, we live in a capitalist society, so car insurance companies are competing for your business! This means greater savings for you.
Use Esurance.
com to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.
2-If you can, buy car insurance and home insurance from the same company.
Typically, companies provide a discount if you do this or just give you a lower rate across the board.
This will save you a significant amount of money over the long term.
3-Ask about special discounts.
This is another easy step.
All you have to do is give your insurance company a call and ask them about these discounts.
These discounts aren't publicly advertised for good reason, they don't want to give these discounts to everyone! Some of these discounts include: low mileage drivers, alarm installations, good student grades, completion of defensive driving courses, multiple policy holder, and good driver discount.
4-Decrease your auto deductible.
This is a tricky one.
I recommend going as low as possible on your deductible if you have liquid savings you can tap into if you did have an accident.
A lower deductible will significantly lower your auto insurance rates.
Mine is at $250...
5-Keep up a clean driving record.
This seems like common sense, but even I struggle with this one! Slow down and go the speed limit! Moving violations and/or accidents add points to your license and end up costing you thousands in higher insurance costs.
Keep your risk profile as low as possible.
6-Improve your credit score.
This is simple, manage your money well.
Carry a couple credit cards and pay them in full each month.
The simple things go a long ways.
I encourage you to check your credit score on a yearly basis.
I use http://www.
creditkarma.
com and check on a semi-regular basis.
7-Drive a boring car! The faster or higher profile car your drive, the higher insurance rate you will have.
Everything from engine size to whether it's a two or four door will impact your car insurance rates.
Don't drive a red corvette, drive a black civic, do you catch my drift? 8-Lower your coverage.
Too much coverage is unnecessary.
It's just a car, nothing more.
I carry a middle of the road auto insurance plan.
Most people have too much coverage and never realize it.
For example, comprehensive/collision insurance might not even make sense if you drive an older vehicle.
This is a judgment call you will have to make.
You have to think about whether or not it costs more to insure the car than it does to replace one.
Then again, if you lie on the poor side of the economic spectrum, it might be wise to insure your car well in case of an accident, especially if you have low savings.
Check the value of your car at http://www.
kbb.
com.
9-Group discounts are key! Many times, you can get special deals though credit unions and banks for car insurance rates.
A good place to ask is your employer, local financial institutions and large professional organizations.
10-If you can, insure your car on a family plan.
This is a fantastic way to save on your monthly car insurance bill.
I've been on my family's car insurance plan for years.
Even moving away and starting my career, I haven't left their family plan.
Well, I hope you incorporate these tips! They've saved me thousands in long term savings and will do the same for you.
Since learning of these tips and tricks, I have a very low auto insurance premium.
If you were interested I drive a 2004 Acura TL with very low mileage.
A typical insurance plan for my car and my age is right around $200.
Because of the aforementioned bullets, I pay a low rate of $105/month.
Most people don't believe me.
I even have a speeding ticket on my record! Anyways, that's enough about me.
I'd love to hear success stories in the comment section below.
Feel free to shoot me a message if you have further questions on this issue.
Thanks for reading.
-JE