Saving the Most: How to Get the Cheapest, Most Affordable Car Insurance Possible
Chances are that you’re paying too much for car insurance. But what if fixing that was easier than you ever thought?
One thing all California drivers have in common is the desire to get the cheapest car insurance possible. However, most residents simply accept the policy they are offered and think that paying anything less is just a pipe dream.
Fortunately, making that dream a reality is easier than you might think. Ready to start paying way less without compromising on the protection you need? Keep reading to discover everything you need to know to get the most affordable car insurance in the state!
Understand Your Insurance Needs
When it comes to auto policies, getting the lowest cost starts with figuring out exactly how much coverage you need. For example, full coverage policies offer your finances the most protection possible, but these policies are also the most expensive. That is, unless you know how to find cheap full coverage policies in California. If your car isn’t that valuable or you don’t drive very much, then such a policy may be more than you need.
Therefore, if you’re wondering how to get cheaper car insurance, it starts with honestly determining what types of coverage you need and what coverage limits are best. From there, you can shop around to get more competitive offers from other carriers.
Maximize Your Savings
There are a few universal qualities when it comes to insurers. For example, no matter which carrier you choose, it’s possible to save money on car insurance by bundling it with other policies and embracing a pay-as-you-go policy based on how much you use your car.
Just how do these discounts work, and what do you need to do to start saving? The information below will help you get started.
Bundling Policies for Multi-Policy Discounts
Bundling is relatively simple: If you need more than one type of insurance policy, you can “bundle” them by getting each kind of coverage through the same carrier. This helps you pay less for each policy than you otherwise would. Bundling typically helps consumers shave 5%–10% off their overall premium payments, all while simplifying things by giving you only one carrier to deal with instead of two. A good example is bundling your auto policy with your homeowner’s insurance.
Embrace Pay-As-You-Go with Usage-Based Options
When the carrier calculates your insurance premium, they are assuming you will be regularly driving your vehicle throughout most of the week. If you drive less (for example, you’re someone who works from home), you may be able to get a “pay-as-you-go” policy where the carrier tracks your usage. As long as you aren’t driving very much, this can help you save at the pump and in your premium.
Customize Your Coverage Options
If you’re hoping to get the most inexpensive car insurance, your best bet may be to simply tweak your current coverage. What does this mean in practical terms? It’s all about finding the right balance between deductibles and overall coverage. Such a balance can help you save each month while still giving you the protection you need.
Balancing Deductibles and Coverage to Minimize Costs
Most drivers like the idea of a low deductible because if they have to file a claim, they won’t pay as much out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in to cover their costs. However, low deductibles always lead to higher premiums. If you are willing to raise your deductible (which may be particularly wise for an older vehicle), it will instantly lower how much you pay.
Similarly, your premium reflects the type of coverage you have (liability, collision, comprehensive, or all three) and what your limits are. If you are willing to drop some of that coverage (like dropping comprehensive coverage on an older vehicle) and lower your limits, you can realize instant savings. For parents, this is one of the best ways to keep a teen’s car insurance cheap.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Premiums
Many different factors impact how much you have to pay for your automobile premium. If you want to get cheap insurance for your auto, you need to know a bit more about them.
Maintaining a Good Driving Record
Generally speaking, the best, low-cost auto insurance is reserved for drivers with safe records. If you have gone at least three years without filing a claim or getting any tickets, you may qualify for a special discount that can lower your premium. Conversely, if you have a history of claims and citations, the carrier will raise your premium because they think you are relatively risky to insure.
The Type of Car You Drive
What you drive influences how much you pay for coverage. Sports cars, for example, cost a bit more to insure because they are more prone to theft and possibly riskier driving. Newer and more luxurious vehicles are also more expensive to cover because they cost more to repair and replace. Incidentally, if you are willing to switch to an older car from a newer one, you might instantly save on your premium. Either way, you should know which family car is cheaper to insure.
Age
Age is a factor in your premium cost, though this actually benefits most drivers. When you are younger than 25, you will be more expensive to insure, and the same goes for when you are older than 75. As long as you are between these ranges, you will be paying less from month to month. Teens, don’t worry; there are ways for young drivers to find cheap car insurance in California.
Location
Where you live plays a role in the cost of your coverage. In short, carriers look at how crowded the traffic is in certain areas as well as how many claims are filed in those areas each year. The higher the amount of cars and claims, the higher your premium. Fortunately, by moving to a safer area, you can instantly lower your monthly bill.
Review and Adjust Your Coverage Annually
Instead of sticking with the same insurance each year, consider reviewing and modifying as needed. By better adjusting your current coverage to your current needs, you can lower your premium and never be stuck paying for more coverage than is necessary. Keep in mind that if you pay for your policy from month to month, you can change it or switch carriers at any time.
Look for Special Discounts and Offers
Every carrier offers special discounts for drivers who meet certain criteria. These include safe-driving discounts, good student discounts, and even discounts for completing a defensive driving class.
Additionally, your carrier likely has special offers that allow you to get discounts by bundling multiple policies through the same insurance company. If you want to attain the cheapest, most affordable coverage in all of California, consider switching to a carrier with better rates and better discounts.
Ready to Shift Into Savings Gear? Get the Cheapest Car Insurance
Now you know how to get the cheapest and most affordable car insurance. But do you know who is ready to help you achieve the savings of your dreams?
At Cost-U-Less, we’re here to help California residents protect both their rides and their wallets. Ready to stop worrying about your bill and start saving instead? Call us at (800) 390-4071 or get a fast and free car insurance quote online. You can also find a Cost-U-Less office near you.
