Obtaining discounts on your auto insurance is often very easy. The criteria that insurers use to provide auto insurance discounts means that you will probably be able to qualify for some and not others, but there are definitely things that every policyholder can do to obtain additional discounts.
The first thing you can do as a policyholder is to become, or to remain a safe driver. If you have had a bad history of accidents or violations, be sure to make a commitment to improving your driving record. Insurance companies will look for people who have been accident free for several years. To qualify, you will also need to have a policy that has been effect for several years.
Moving violations can have a significant affect on the availability of discounts and if you get speeding tickets you may find that your premium will go up. Many laws dictate when an insurer can raise a person's premium. In most cases, you will have up to 3 years after a violation until it drops off your history.
Consider demonstrating to your insurance company that you are a safe driver by taking a driver's safety course as well. In order for the course to qualify for a discount, it must be recognized by the state you live in so be sure to check the details of any driver's safety course that you are considering.
The type of car you drive will always affect your insurance premiums and safer cars will yield better discounts. Auto insurance discounts are often available for passive restraint systems, anti-lock brakes, and anti-theft devices. Most of these items come either standard or as options on new cars so you may already qualify for these discounts. The age of the car you drive can have an impact on auto insurance discounts available to you as well. New cars can qualify for a discount just because they are new. Economy cars have special discounts, as do utility vehicles such as pick-up trucks. If you are a farmer, farm and ranch vehicles may qualify for discounts if they are solely used on farm property.
Almost all insurance companies will offer a discount if you buy auto insurance and homeowner's insurance from them. This is referred to as a multiple policy discount and is often easy to obtain since most people have the same agent for their auto and homeowner's insurance.
Students can be candidates for an auto insurance discount under certain criteria. There are often restrictions on full-time vs. part-time students and there are minimum GPA requirements.
Auto insurance discounts are also available for those over 65. These can be as high as 25 percent in some states. There are also discounts for retired persons.
Research is key when determining which company offers the best auto insurance discount. Every company has their own unique discount structure so look hard for discount opportunities. When comparing quotes, make sure you compare overall coverage and premiums first, then examine the discounts offered by prospective insurers.
