Car Insurance

Finding cheap car insurance for men is not always easy.  Statistics show that men are three times more likely to be involved in an automobile accident than their female counterparts – men under the age of 25 are at an even greater risk.  These startling statistics have caused insurance companies to take notice and action.  Today, male drivers can expect to pay far higher premium rates than other drivers on the road.

So, is it possible to find cheap car insurance for men?  Especially young men and teenagers?  The answer to that question is invariably yes. But, those lower rates may not offer the complete coverage that men need. Be sure that you understand what an individual policy offers and does not offer before signing on the dotted line.  A discount rate may not be worth the hassle should an accident occur and you need to file a claim.

When shopping for cheap car insurance, men should consider some of these cost-cutting efforts before taking on a policy with limited coverage or even dangerous gaps in important coverage:

Downsizing
Cars with more powerful engines usually cost more to insure.  That means an eight-cylinder engine will have a higher insurance rate than a four cylinder one.  The age, model and even the extra features on your vehicle can all add cost to your insurance policy. Men are notorious for choosing newer sporty “fun” cars to show off.  That is fine if you do not mind paying extra for the privilege.  If, however, you are on a quest for cheaper insurance, then you might want to consider trading it that SUV or other high-end vehicle for an older model mini-van, sedan or smaller standard vehicle that is void of all of those “extras.”

Keeping Your Record Clean
Nothing will kill am man’s insurance rate faster than a poor driving record. That includes more than accidents.  Tickets too can add dollars to your premiums.  Every speeding ticket or other vehicular infraction you get caught with is recorded and your insurance company is notified.  Just one speeding ticket or ticket for running a stop sign can add 5-20% to a man’s annual insurance rate.  Become a habitual ticket collector and you will be considered a high risk driver and pay the price for your sloppiness.  In the event you do find yourself getting a ticket, there is something you can do to help lower your rates again: take a safe drivers class.  Making the commitment to learn safer driving techniques will show your insurance company that you have learned from your mistake and they will likely rescind their rate increase after a few months.

Choosing Your Coverage Carefully
Picking and choosing the type of coverage and riders you have on your vehicle can also keep rates low.  Opt out of any non-essentials that you can (like rental coverage or even collision on older models).  Just be sure that you have the right amount of insurance to cover your expense sin an accident.  It is also important to carry the proper amount and coverage if you have a loan out on your vehicle. Check with your lender for their requirements.

Ask for Discounts
Most insurance carriers offer a myriad of discounts to policyholders; even male ones.  By utilizing all of the discounts you can, you may be able to lower your insurance rates by up to one half.  Here are just some of the most popular auto discounts being offered by the main carriers within the insurance industry:

• safe driver discount – manage to go a certain amount of time (usually 12-36 months) without filing an insurance claim and get 5-20% off your insurance bill

• auto theft protection: have an alarm installed in your car and get a break on your insurance bill

• multi-driver discount:  add another driver to your policy and see your rates shrink. Married drivers typically get an even deeper discount.

• higher deductible discount: be willing to pay a little more in the event of an accident and you can save big bucks on your annual premium

• multi-policy discount: be willing to give all of your insurance business to one carrier and you can enjoy deep discounts on them all

At first glance, it may seem as if men pay more in auto insurance than they should, and that may be true. Lucky for them, there are ways to get cheap car insurance – or at least get their rates cut for a better deal. The trick is to be a smart consumer and an even smarter (and safer0 driver.

Your insurance agent hands you a bill for your car insurance.  You think that the premium is what you have to pay.  Not so fast.  Rates for car insurance do not have to be set in stone.  Just because your insurance agent says that your annual premium is one amount, does not mean that is what you will – or should – be paying. There may be discounts offered by your carrier that your agent has no idea you qualify for.  It is your job to stay informed and let him know when you think there’s a discount to be had.

There are dozens of ways to cut the rates for car insurance by 20-50%.  Yes, that’s right – as much as 50%!All you have to do to get these multiple discounts is to ask your insurer which ones they offer. Then start applying them to your own premium and watch your bill decrease.

So, what type of rate-cutting discounts should you be looking for?  Here are the most common:

• Multiple Vehicle Discount:  If you have ore than one vehicle insured with the same company then you should be getting some sort of discount.  Keep in mind that a vehicle can be a car, truck, motorcycle, RV, or other type of motor vehicle

• Multiple Driver Discount:  Families with more than one driver in the house, a discount is offered; especially if you have fewer cars insured than you have drivers. After all, if three of you are drivers and you only have two cars, that means someone will not on the road at all times. – and that means that  person can’t get into an accident.  

• Low Mileage Discount:  Drive your vehicle less than 7,000 miles per year and you probably qualify for a big low mileage discount.  Of course you will have to prove how little you drive through your inspection reports, but those are simple to get from your mechanic. Ask your carrier what their policy is regarding low mileage verification.

• Multi-Policy Discount:  All-too-often people disregard the benefits of using the same insurance carrier for all of your insurance needs.  By taking out policies for your car, house, life, etc. with a single provider, you may qualify for discounts on all of your insurance needs.

• Anti-Theft Discount:  Be sure to tell your agent about any anti-theft devices installed in your vehicle to receive a rebate or ongoing discount on your premiums.

• Safe Driver Discount:  Why should a good driver pay as much for insurance as a bad one? You don’t have to.  If you have not had an accident or claim in awhile, be sure to let your agent know that you expect a reduction in your rate.  Plus, if you register and attend a driver safety course you may qualify for an additional rate cut.

• Good Student Discount: Have a teenage driver?  If they are an A-student, be sure to register those good grades with your insurance carrier for a discount up to 20%! Most carriers are more than happy to reward good students with an insurance rate cut.

In addition to these standard car insurance discounts being offered by most of the main carriers across the U.S., there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make to help keep the rates for car insurance low:

• Drive Carefully (and slowly): Avoid getting caught speeding or getting any other type of traffic violation to keep your insurance rates as low as possible. Every traffic ticket you get is reported to your insurance carrier, which could raise your premiums.

• Keep your credit score high: Most people do not realize that their insurance carrier can use a poor credit rating to boost your insurance rates.  A bad credit score usually indicates an irresponsible consumer. Therefore, it has become common practice  for companies to periodically check a customers credit rating, and use a poor credit score as  areas on to spike their insurance premiums

• Downgrade your car.  Te fancier the car; the more insurance you will pay on it. The least expensive car sports the cheapest insurance rates and for good reasons: they are cheaper to fix after an accident.

• Get Married:  Single men are hot the hardest when it comes to buying car insurance. Get married and reap a discount up to 30%!

• Move to a better neighborhood. High crime areas sport the highest insurance rates. Move to a cheaper neighborhood (or the suburbs) and get a lower rate.

Cutting your rates for car insurance doesn’t have to be hard. All you really have to do is follow the tips listed above and watch your next bill clashed by a whopping 30-50%!

Auto Liability Insurance is very common in the US today. It is mandatory in most states and should therefore be included when you purchase or drive a car. This will indeed save you from financial and legal troubles that may arise in the event that you will meet an accident. 

There are two types of coverage under Car Liability. The Property Damage and the Bodily Injury.

• Property Damage: As the name connotes, it insures you from all damages of properties you might do to other parties. This basically includes all structures from houses, buildings, etc. It will not, however cover costs of damage to our own property. It also excludes damages by Hail.
• Bodily Injury: This covers all injuries caused to other people. This includes medical and funeral bills, on site emergency aid, payments for loss of income and legal fees. Again, this will exclude damages to you or your own passengers in the car that may have been injured.

Both types are very important and certain limits are included in your insurance coverage. This is called Split Limit Liability. They are divided by 3 according to the following categories: Bodily Injury per person/ Bodily injury per accident/Property Damage. These are therefore shown by numbers. For instance: 20/40/10 would mean $20,000 coverage for Bodily injury per person/ $40,000 Bodily injury per accident/ $10,000 Property Damage. 

The Premiums for Split Limit Liability is rather cheap because they have certain limits the coverage but you can always get a higher coverage and premium for each according to your needs.

It is then high time for us to look into our insurance policies, talk to our agents and have them explain to you in detail each coverage and their advantages. If need be, you should get a higher premium. This is for your own risk management. You should protect yourself and your assets at all times.

Photo Credit: Blurry Lenses

A lot of things can affect motorcycle insurance prices, including the type of motorcycle you drive; whether or not you take riders with you; and even whether you belong to a riding organization.  All of these variables can make it tough for some people to decide which policy is best and to find the best premium price.

First, let’s talk about some of the things you should consider before shopping for motorcycle insurance:

Your Bike
The type of bike you drive will have the most to do with how much insurance will cost to cover it – and you.  A small or midsize commuter motorcycle could cost as little as $200 a year to ensure; while a high-powered sport racer can cost  five to ten times that much to insure. The reason is twofold: higher priced bikes cost more to repair in the event of an accident and the more power your bike has, the more likely you are to be involved in an accident in the first place.  Those two things alone can send your premiums skyrocketing.

The Coverage You Need
Another thing that can affect your bottom line when it comes to getting solid motorcycle insurance prices is the type of coverage you need.  Not every policy is equal and thus not every price is the same (or even close).  Some of the more important things to consider when determining exactly the coverage you will need are:

• Who will be riding on the bike.  If you plan on being a sole rider then your premium will be lower. Of course, if you do not buy passenger insurance coverage, then you will NEVER be able to take a passenger along for a ride. Still, for those who ride alone, getting rid of those passenger premiums can save you a few bucks.

• Whether or not you need comprehensive and collision insurance. Smaller, less expensive bikes can usually be fixed (or even replaced) much more cheaply when covering them with comprehensive collision insurance is.  Compare the cost of the two and consider what the odds are that you will need to file a claim before dropping any coverage.

• If you have a loan on the bike.  If you borrowed money to purchase that dream cycle, then you may be required to carry a full line of coverage.  See your lender for details.

• What your state laws are.  In some states every motorcycle must be insured with a standard package that includes passenger service; health coverage, and more.  Your insurance agent should be able to easily outline the coverage you must carry by law and what coverage items you can waive.

Whether or Not You Belong to Motorcycle Club or Association
Believe it or not, belonging to a certified motorcycle group like Motorcycle Safety Foundation may qualify you for insurance discounts. Be sure to check with your carrier about nay safety course discounts or organizational discounts available in your area.

Your Driving History
Another main premium component is your own driving history – and not just your cycle driving, but your complete driving history.  The better you drive, the less you will pay for any vehicle insurance – including the coverage you need for your motorcycle.  Keep claims at a minimum and don’t get any tickets for awhile and you can ask for a safe driver discount for both your motorcycle and standard car insurance policies.

Your Credit History
Many insurers are now standing by the notion that those who are responsible for paying their bills on time are also more responsible when it comes to their driving and safety habits.  Simply keeping your credit score high can help save you 10-20% on your insurance coverage.


Once you have determined the type of coverage you will need and use some of the tips listed above to trim your liability costs, it is time to begin looking for the best carrier and the best policy in the industry has to offer. When shopping around for motorcycle insurance, be sure to compare like polices, which include basically the same coverage items. Then ask about such important things as whether or not the company handles claims 24/7; what their average claim time is; and what filing a claim will do to your future premiums. Armed with this important information, you will be better able to choose the right policy and the right provider at the right price to handle you motorcycle insurance needs.

Hi. I am amazed at how I actually survived an accident like this. I own a car which I have been driving to and from work for 5 years now. I recently met an accident and I only had Liability Insurance which I paid religiously for 5 years. I knew that I can benefit from this in one way or another and that it will someday save my life.

I drove home from work one night and I was getting very sleepy, I did not realize that I have already hit a passerby. I was in luck because he only had a few fractures. I also hit a fence of a neighbor and he also wanted to claim for damages. I thought it was the end of my productive life. Immediately I sank into depression but I was surprised that the insurance company took care of everything. Like your illustration, I was covered from medical bills, repair of the fence that I run over and the lawsuits filed against me were all acquitted since it was not done intentionally. I was spared from all the expenses because my insurance had a higher coverage for Property Damage and Bodily Injury. I am glad I did. Although I had just bruises and was not sent to the hospital, I did not need any insurance to cover myself. I was saved from financial debt, since I did not have that much money to pay for everything! I am grateful to Liability Insurance and I do not wish to stop paying for this monthly. It costs so little for so much coverage.

I am glad that I did not kill that person but I know now looking the infographic that my insurance will surely cover funeral bills as well. I know my limits now as the illustration shows and it’s not a problem. I know I am still covered and that is what is important. Cheers!

Infographic by LiabilityInsurance.Org

Teens are notorious for getting into fender benders.  From small dents and dings to full fledged accidents, a teen driver’s rate of auto accidents is three times higher than for someone in their early 20’s.  This, of course, causes insurance rates to skyrocket across the board, affecting even the best young driver.

While you probably won’t be able to find cut-rate insurance for your teen, you should be able to negotiate a better deal if you are willing to make a few policy adjustments and sacrifices.

First, it is important to understand why your teen drivers insurance costs are so much higher than your own.  Not only do young drivers have a much higher accident rate (with boys under the age of 25 being involved in many more accidents than even their female counterparts), but also because of their lack of experience.  Car insurance rates have the tendency to be lowered after a period of responsibility which results in no accidents over a period of time.  Since younger drivers have not had the ability establish a good track record with their insurance carrier, they will almost always be considered high risk for the first few years that they are behind the wheel.

Secondly, it is vital to understand what you can do to help lower those high young driver rates.  Not all of the options listed below will be popular with your teen, but they will help to keep some money in your wallet:

• Limit your young driver’s time behind the wheel:  by listing your young driver as an occasional river instead of a primary one on your insurance policy, you should be able to pay a bit less in premiums. Of course this means that he/she will not be able to drive as much as they may like.  Occasional drivers normally clock less than 10,000 miles per year.  Of course, the less your teenager drivers, the less chance they have of being involved in an accident, which will also help keep your rates lower.

• Buy your teen a clunker.  This serves several purposes. First, an older sedan type vehicle is cheaper to insure compared to a sportier model or SUV. Why? Because they are cheaper to fix when banged up.  Secondly, if you give your teen an old clunker to drive you probably won’t have a need for expensive collision insurance since the premium will likely cost more than to replace the car in the event of a serious accident.

• Require the completion of a driver’s safety course for your teen.  Passing any type of safe driving course can help to lower young driver rates by as much as 20%. This can be a driver’s education course offered at their school or a private safety course found in the community.

• Require at least a B-average in school.  The better your student driver’s grades, the deeper discount you can enjoy on their auto insurance. Most carriers now acknowledge that good students tend to be more responsible in all areas of their lives – including when they drive, and therefore are involved in fewer accidents.

• Insist that your teens keep friends out of the car when they are driving.  While driving alone or with just one good friend will not qualify you for an insurance rate cut, the less distractions your young driver has with friends in the car, the safer they will drive and the les accidents they will be involved in.  Fewer (or no accidents) means lower insurance rates down the line.  Every year your teen can go without an insurance claim, the cheaper their insurances premiums will become.

• Restrict cell phone use in the car. While you are at it, prohibit all cell phone use while driving.  Talking and texting have been proven to distract young drivers at a rate equal to a drunken adult driver.

• Limiting your claims. Remember, every claim you make is held against your young driver. So, if they back into your own back fence, pay for the fix out of your own pocket.

• Increase your deductible.  Sure it will cost you more if your teen is involved in an accident, but it could save you big bucks over the long haul in insurance premiums.

Insurance for young drivers can certainly break the bank if you are not careful. But following just a few of these simple strategies and you can enjoy a deep discount on your young driver auto rates.  And that won’t just save your bottom line, but their as well when they move out on their own and have to pay those insurance bills themselves.

It is sleek, fast and ohhh sooo sporty. It is everything you have dreamed of since your dad handed you your first set of keys…so, you have finally purchased the car of your dreams. Congratulations!  But now you have to deal with the daily issues of owning such a wonderful car – like getting the right high performance insurance coverage.

High performance vehicles deserve more than premium gasoline and care; they deserve premium insurance coverage as well.  And, if you have financed that new car, then your lender will insist that you take out a high performance insurance policy to cover their investment.  And that, dear sports car owner can be expensive – very, very expensive.

Why the added cost for insurance for high performance vehicles? The answer is simple: they cost more to fix.  But having a high performance vehicle is not the only thing that can jack up your insurance costs.  How fast the car can go, its safety features and upgrades and your own driving habits will all be considered when rating your policy.  Here are some of the main things to consider when choosing that dream car:

The Speed of the Vehicle
How fast a high performance vehicle can go can have a tremendous impact on your insurance rates.  Statistics how those faster running cars are in more accidents and since higher speeds cause more damage, the cost of repairs can be quite pricey.  Unfortunately, those statistics will ultimately raise the cost of insuring this type of vehicle.

The Availability of Parts
Is it hard to find replacement parts for your vehicle? If so, plan on spending more for insurance. Why? Because if that car is involved in an accident and you make a claim, it is up to your insurance company to pay to find those hard-to-get parts and that search can be costly.

The Extras on Your Car
All of those bells and whistles are nice on any car – but especially a high performance car. Unfortunately they too can cost you in the long run when it comes to insuring that vehicle. The reason is simply this: the more extras that can get broken (and need fixing or replacement) due to an accident will cost you when it comes to setting a price for your insurance coverage.

Ways to Save Money on High Performance Vehicle Insurance
Of course, some high performance vehicles can also save you money on insurance under the right conditions. Here are a few ways to cut back on those high priced premiums:

• Drive your car on special occasions only.  Keeping the mileage low can save you big bucks on insurance. After all, you can not get into an accident if you are not on the road much. That does not mean you can not every drive your new car. Just keep your driving to less than 10,000 miles per year.

• Have a high quality security system installed in your car. This will keep theft at bay and can qualify you for a discount on your insurance.

• Avoid traffic violations.  Having a car that can reach top speeds may be nice, but if you are constantly getting speeding tickets, you will pay the price in higher insurance rates.  Plus, add on an accident or two and you could easily find yourself making the equivalent of that car payment in monthly insurance costs.  Obey all traffic rules and keep your record clean for the best rates.

When shopping for high performance car insurance, be sure to check all available carriers and policies for the one that best meets your needs and expectations. Look carefully at any policy you are considering to make sure the discount price you are offered truly gives you the level of coverage that you need.  Many cut rate policies cut corners when it comes to replacement values, deductibles and even some overages at all.

While you are at it, check to see what the company’s customer service and claims policies look like. Paying or high end service should also mean getting high end treatment.  Failing to offer a complete package may mean that a cheaper policy simply is not worth the money spent. Going for the gold standard instead may end up being a much better deal in the end.

Most importantly, be sure to shop around for your new high performance vehicle insurance.  Not every carrier nor every policy is equal, so choose yours carefully to ensure that you get the overage and service that you deserve for years to come.

Looking for a quality insurance carrier at a price you can afford?  Comparing rates is easier than ever these days, thanks to the many tools now offered on the internet.   From checking individual companies’ records, to getting actual quotes to compare, the internet is a wonderful way to check and see what options are available and which coverage plans will cost you the least.

Individual Company Websites
The first place you should turn to find out what types of car insurance rates are available to you is to check with individual company websites. Begin with those you know best and then Google for smaller carriers in your area. Easy to use, many carriers now allow potential customers to type in their information and receive a basic quote without being hassled by any salespeople.   Others may require you to at least talk with a sales representative in order to get an actual price quote. Of course picking up the phone and talking with agents for specific companies of interest can also yield the same information – albeit it may take a bit longer to gather.  Contacting each carrier individually will require you to compare those policies (and rates) on your own and it will take more time; but the prices are generally more comprehensive than doing it through a larger search engine product.


Comparison Engines
Don’t have time to log into individual insurance carrier websites to get the information you are after?  Let a comparison engine do the work for you.  Most big carriers now offer this simple tool on their websites as do individual engine comparison sites.  All you have to do is type in some basic information regarding your vehicles like the overage you are after; your driving record and the region in which you live. Within seconds you will have a list of insurance carriers; the products they offer and the prices they charge.  You can streamline your search to include only major carriers or ask the engine to give you rate information form even the smallest carrier.  There is no limit to how many carriers you can compare at one time.

A wonderful way to see at a glance what type of policies different companies offer (and at what price), it is important to understand that not every policy offered through this type of quick search will be equal. There are variables offered by individual companies which could alter the final price of the policy that you choose.  Always take the time to be sure that the prices you are comparing truly are for the same quality product.

Deciding Which Policy Is Best
Of course, price will have a lot to do with which policy you ultimately choose for your car insurance needs. But be careful that you do not simply choose the cheapest insurance, despite what it offers. If you do you risk not having the coverage you need in the case of an accident.

When comparing car insurance rates be sure to always:

• Consider the companies track record: does this company handle claims quickly and efficiently?  Are they service oriented and helpful?  Will they drop your coverage if you file a claim above a certain amount?  Be sure to check for blog entries regarding a company’s approval rating or check with the Better Business Bureau in your state for complaints.

• Check what the policy covers.  Not every insurance policy is equal. Some carriers offer very basic plans void of some of the important coverage you may need like collision; medical; passenger coverage; and more.  Deductibles can also vary greatly, which will have a big impact on how much you pay for your insurance. Choosing a cheap policy over a well-rounded policy can lead to hassle and extended costs down the line should you need to make a claim.

• Consider the overall cost. Sure, the basic plan may seem cheap enough, but if those added riders cost too much, your final bill could be more than the other higher-priced policy you overlooked.  Be sure that the final fees are what you expect before agreeing to nay policy.

• Check for discounts.  When checking an auto insurance comparison chart, you may see that one company charges a bit more than another. Wait! That price may not be as firm as you think. Check each carrier for discount options.  You may be surprised at how low you can get that final amount. For instance, if company A charges $800 a year for coverage, but offers a 10% multi-driver discount and a 20% safe driver discount, their final price is only $560; compared to company B who charges $680 for coverage, but no comparable discounts.

Looking for the best deal using a car insurance rates comparison chart is a great way to figure out your scar insurance options. But be careful to look at all of the variables before making your final decision and choosing a policy you may later regret.

Your teen can’t wait to drive and maybe after years of schlepping them here and fro you can’t wait either; until you get the quote for their car insurance. Wow!  Car insurance for first time drivers sure can be pricey – and for good reason.  Drivers between the ages of 16-19 have a three times higher chance of getting into an accident than their 20-25 year old counterparts. In addition, if your teen is a male, count on paying 20-50% more than you would for a daughter. Why? Because statistics show that young male drivers have an even worse track record on the road.  Couple these statistics with the grim facts regarding teen death rates behind the wheel and it is no wonder that car insurance companies must take a proactive stance in regards to first time driver rates.

In a quest to save thousands of dollars in claim costs, insurance carriers tend to err on the side of caution and charge exorbitant rates to their first time drivers.  That may leave parents wondering if there are any ways to cut costs and still keep their young drivers (and their vehicles) safe from harm. The answer is yes.  There are strategies you can employ to keep your rates down somewhat; but don’t expect any big savings for a few years. By then your young driver will be able to establish a track record with your insurer and possibly get their rates cut – if of course, they have managed to stay accident free during that time.

In the meantime, here are a few simple things you can do to help cut car insurance for first time drivers:

• Get your young driver professional driving instruction.  Whether they take a certified driver’s education course at their high school or you shell out hundreds for private driving lessons doesn’t really matter.  What will make a difference in the eyes of your insurance carrier is that they have taken the time to learn the proper safety measures with some sort of driver’s education and safety instruction.

• Buy a cheap clunker for your teen to drive.  This can save you in high insurance costs in several ways:

1. older vehicles cost less to fix when damaged and therefore cost less to insure
2. depending on the condition of your old clunker, you may not need as much coverage (especially when it comes to collision) as you would a newer model
3. sportier vehicles and SUV’s tend to inspire less safe driving among first time drivers, thus causing more accidents

• Insist on good grades.  Not only do better students drive more safely, but they tend to be more responsible behind the wheel and most insurance carriers now acknowledge that with good student / good driving discounts.

• Prohibit talking and texting when behind the wheel.  Did you know that a teen driver distracted with a cell phone drives about the same as an adult who is drunk? It’s true. Talking and texting while driving slows down a teen’s response and can cause serious injury and accidents.

• Limit your teen’s driving (at first).  Sure, your young driver needs practice to become a better driver, but give them time to ease into this new responsibility.  Limit your teen’s solo driving time can help you keep a better eye on poor driving habits; plus you may get a discount from your insurance carrier if they are considered an occasional driver clocking less than 7,000 driving miles per year.

• Increase your deductible. Sure, it will cost you a few hundred dollars more if your teen is in an accident; but compared to the hundreds you will shell out each year on insurance costs, you could save a small fortune – especially if your teen turns out to be a super-safe driver.

• Don’t file a lot of claims. Some people just love to file every little claim they can to get check from their insurance company. This is a bad idea when it comes to also insurance for first time drivers.  If they dent the bumper or scratch the floor, who cares?  Leave it be or pay to fix it yourself and keep the insurance company out of it. The more claims you file, the higher your rates will become.

Car insurance for first time drivers sure can cost a fortune. For most parents, it is important to find as many ways as possible to lower those rates in order to even allow their teen behind the wheel before college.  To find exactly what types of young driver discounts your teen is eligible for, be sure to talk with your insurance agent. They are the best source of discount information, regardless of the driver’s age.

In today’s tough economy, consumers are looking for value anywhere they can find it, and their car insurance is no exception.  Since car insurance premiums are not a fixed price, it is one of those costs that can be tweaked to best meet your needs and budget. But how do you go about buying car insurance cheap? 

First, you have to understand how car insurance works.  You choose your coverage (or pick a prepackaged plan), and then tweak the price with a good driving record and appropriate discounts. Just because your agent says that your premium will cost a certain amount does not mean that is what you will ultimately pay. Buy car insurance cheap by using some of these tried and true cost cutting strategies:


Drive the cheapest car you can
You might dream of hitting the street in a flashy sports car or loaded SUV, but if cheap insurance is what you are after, you’d be smart to buy a cheap sedan to get to and from work.  Less expensive (and by that I mean cheap) vehicles cost far less to insure; as do older models. The best way to keep your premiums low id to drive the cheapest and oldest car you can find that can still get you where you need to go.

Increase your deductible
Sure, a small deductible will save you cash if you need to file a claim, but you will pay for that luxury in higher premiums now.  Instead, put some money in the bank to cover that deductible and save as much as 10% on your overall premium.

Buy only the coverage you absolutely need
Take a good look at your insurance policy.  Do you really need all of that coverage? The odds are that you don’t.  For instance, if you have a second car (or one that you could borrow in an emergency), ditch the rental coverage on your policy.  It can cost a hundred dollars or more a year and the odds are good you will never use it. Consider this: if you spend $75 a year for 10 years on rental coverage, you could rent a quality car for more than a month in most regions of the country –depending on the car you rent you may even be able to get one for ala longer period of time.  Now, think about how long you will likely need a rental if you are in an accident (maybe 2 weeks)?  That is a lot of wasted premium money.

Live in the safest area you can afford or even consider a move to the suburbs
The safer the neighborhood you keep your car, the less expensive your insurance will be. Better yet, move to the suburbs and watch your insurance premiums plummet.

Drive less
The less you drive the less chance you have of getting in an accident.  That is why driving less can save you money on your car insurance premiums.  If you can prove that you drive less than 10,000 miles per year, you can enjoy a discount.  The next time you have your car inspected, have your mechanic certify the mileage and then submit that report to your insurance agent for review.


Get married
Married couples traditionally spend less on car insurance than singles.  One reason may be the multi-driver discount they enjoy.

Shop around
The absolute best way to buy cheap car insurance is to shop around. Not every carrier offers the same plans or fees.  Be sure to check with a variety of companies and brokers for the best deal.  Use the insurance comparison charts on the internet to helps find cheap insurance in the area in which you live. But, be careful not to cut rate yourself to the point of buying insurance that will not give you the protective coverage that you need. It is fine to look for a discount plan, just as long as the policy you pay for will indeed cover your costs in the event of an accident.

When it comes to finding a way to buy cheap car insurance, it is always best to look for a reputable company and then ask about the variety of discounts that they may offer.   In addition to the cost savings methods listed above, you can also see if your insurance carrier offers these common discounts:

• Multi-Vehicle discount for drivers with more than one vehicle
• Safe Driver discount offered to drivers who remain accident free for a certain period of time
• Multi-driver discount offered to households with more than one river
• Theft protection discount offered to vehicles  sporting any one of several anti -theft devices