Auto insurance is a mandatory requirement nationwide. If you own a car, you must also have a valid insurance policy to cover for any losses or liabilities that arise out of mishaps. But insurance premiums can be really expensive to pay if you are not careful about the type of policy or skip certain eligible discounts.

Learn defensive driving
Auto insurance companies offer more competitive rates to people who know defensive driving. These exclusive courses train drivers to navigate and control vehicles more efficiently. The rules of defensive driving and certification will vary from state to state. But you can certainly ask for better discounts on the insurance quotes with this benefit. The long-term savings on insurance premium and interest is well worth taking the course. Also, insurance companies prefer drivers who don’t have multiple violations or have not been involved in any mishaps on the road. Safe driving discounts are an exclusive benefit over and above those who qualify the defensive criteria.

Consider driving a simpler car
Insurance quotes will become increasingly expensive depending on the make and model of the vehicle. The bigger or more luxurious your car, the higher auto insurance costs for the year will be. Also, many insurance companies are offering exclusive discounts to car owners who drive a hybrid or electric vehicle. So, keep this point in mind and consider a trade where you can switch to a more functional vehicle and save on insurance. 

Multi-car discount policies
Family members or unrelated close friends can cosign on the insurance and avail of multi-car discounts. Buying auto insurance from one company for all family members is more economical if you own multiple vehicles. You can enjoy cheaper quotes and even avail of the discount for each vehicle added to the premium and interest. Remember, bundle deals are always more cost-effective than choosing multiple providers for the same terms and conditions.

Check deductibles
When you make a claim, the insurance company will assess the type and amount of deductibles to process the claim. Not all deductibles will be eligible, and some expenses must be paid out of pocket. So, check the rates and identify the type of expenses that will be processed for any claims. Experts recommend taking a higher deductible as this will lower the premium you are expected to pay each month. This is also ideal since you won’t be making many major claims, and the minor costs are already covered under the deductible. So, it’s a perfect win-win scenario.

Explore additional discounts
Many insurance companies offer lower premiums for vehicle safety, student drivers, new cars, and even good drivers. All these are eligible criteria for reduced insurance risk and make it one of the more valid reasons to claim discounts. Some insurance companies also offer vehicle tracking discounts where you let the company monitor driving and overall performance. If the company’s qualifying expectations are met in the process, you can also ask for low mileage and safe driving discounts. Research shows that car owners with a dedicated parking garage enjoy better discounts on the same policies when compared to drivers who park streetside.

Maintain favorable credit scores
Insurance companies reserve the best quotes and discounts to car owners with a decent credit score. A higher credit score indicates financial stability and a lower risk of filing unprecedented claims to avail of insurance. So, consider improving your credit scores and also your odds of securing premiums at an affordable price.

Research and compare
Never settle for the first few quotes offered by the top insurance providers. Always check and compare quotes from multiple sources as some smaller companies may have better offers.

Insurance quotes are subject to policy changes and availability. So, consult the executive and discuss such updates before signing a binding contract.