We all dream of cheap auto insurance (or at least, auto insurance that isn't going to completely clean our bank accounts out on a monthly basis) but most of us never realize exactly how close that cheap auto insurance really is. There's only six degrees of separation standing between you and the insurance rates you deserve. All you have to do is figure out how to connect the dots.
1) A clean driving record. The number one thing standing between most people and great auto insurance rates is a blemished driving record. Every time you're in an accident, or you get a speeding ticket, or you run a red light, your insurance rates go up. Even small infractions can completely kill your chances of cheap insurance, so it's important to make sure you're paying attention when you're behind the wheel.
2) What kind of car are you driving? Did you know that there are certain types of cars that are 100% proven to get into trouble more often than other types? It seems odd, but it's true. No one really knows the specifics, but every year certain makes and models of cars are involved in more accidents, stolen from more parking lots and caught speeding down the road more quickly than any other.
Every year the Highway Loss Data Institute tracks these numbers and reports them to auto insurance companies across the nation. To keep your auto insurance rates down, keep an eye on these numbers (they're available through the HLDI website) when you're shopping for your next new vehicle.
3) Age. Seriously. If you're under 25 you're always going to be paying higher auto insurance rates, since you're going to be considered a higher risk. No, it's not fair, but there you have it. On the other hand, if you're over 52 and/or retired you might be eligible for lower insurance rates since you're probably going to be spending less time on the highways during peak traffic hours.
4) What do your job and your credit score say about your reliability behind the wheel? Did you know that engineers and teachers pay less for their insurance than just about any other group of drivers? (Although telecommuters are quickly closing the gap.) That's because statistically speaking, people in these professions, and people with higher credit scores, are less likely to be involved in accidents and therefore less likely to file auto insurance claims.
5) Are you getting all the discounts you qualify for? You'd be amazed by what can save you money on your insurance, so don't hesitate to sit down and grill your insurance agent about what savings you qualify for and which ones you don't. If you're not getting all the discounts you're eligible for, you're missing out.
6) Shopping around! Yes, comparing auto insurance quotes is a hassle, but so is paying too much. Not all auto insurance companies are created equal, which means not all companies are going to charge you the same price for your insurance coverage. Digging around until you find that perfect match will go a long way toward bringing top notch insurance coverage down into your price range.
