Personal automobile insurance can be expensive, but did you know that insurance carriers offer discounts that can ease the burden? Ask your insurance agent about the types of discounts available. Keep in mind that not every discount listed below is available in every state or with every carrier:
Defensive Driving Discount – Reduce your risk of accidents by taking a defensive driving class, and many insurers will give you a discount on premiums. These courses usually last from 5 to 6 hours and train you to recognize road hazards and how to react in enough time to prevent accidents. The fee is about $20.00, but successful completion can earn you a 3-year, 10 percent discount on liability, medical payments and collision coverage.
Good Student Discount – Earn good grades in school and your carrier may reward you. That’s because statistics show that good students make better drivers because they are more mature and reliable. Many states allow a 5 to 10 percent discount if your student driver makes good grades, usually an overall “A” or “B” average in high school or college.
Good Driver Discount – Maintain a clean driving record, and you can save money. If a carrier’s risk is lowered, it will pass the savings on to you.
Home/Car Discount – Purchase both your homeowners and automobile insurance from the same carrier, and you may receive a discount of 10 percent or more, which will lower the premiums on both policies.
Multiple Car Discount – Insure two cars with the same carrier, and you may be eligible for a discount on both cars’ coverage.
Model-Related Discounts – Buy a car that has been assigned a high safety/anti-theft rating. Industry agencies rate every car model based on its collision history and the number of injury and theft claims associated with it. The higher the rating, the more probability of insurance premium discounts. Choosing a car with a lower rating can significantly raise a premium because of the higher risk factor.
Protection from Physical Damage/Theft – Choose options that protect your car from physical damage and theft, and you may receive a discount. Many insurers reward consumers who reduce risk by opting for anti-lock brakes, airbags, alarm systems and other security devices.
Low-Mileage Discounts – Use public transportation to commute to work, and your carrier may offer you a discount. That’s because the less time you spend on the road, the less of a possibility there is for an accident.