Auto Insurance Discounts | Cut costs with these tips

It has been nickeled and tarnished for years. defend. Starting with what you spend on car insurance. In a recent survey, co-sponsored by Trusted Choice and Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America, more than 20 percent of car owners reported that they “either didn’t know or said they didn’t double all available auto insurance discounts with them.” Don’t be one of them. Review your car coverage now to see if you are overlooking any auto insurance deductibles and benefits.

Auto insurance discounts offered by most carriers include:

1. Low mileage discounts. If you drive less these days, you can make some big savings.
2. Multiple policy discounts. Insure all of your vehicles with one carrier or take it to the next level and have one carrier write all of your insurance documents.
3. Anti-theft discounts. Passive devices make some savings. Electronic tracking systems pull in even bigger discounts.
4. Discounts on safety equipment. Features that prevent accidents or reduce their severity such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and automatic restraint systems are eligible.
5. Good credit discounts. If you can maintain a good credit rating, this can lead to lower auto insurance premiums.
6. Good driving record discounts. Harvest cash rewards for avoiding accidents and tickets.
7. Lump payment discounts. You can save a few bucks by paying your premium in one payment instead of paying in installments.
8. Longtime customer discounts. Insurers are painfully aware that consumers are constantly comparing and switching. They may reward your loyalty with lower premiums.

Discounts for teen drivers include:

1. Good discounts. If your teen driver maintains a good GPA, it could save you money.
2. Driver education discounts. Enrolling your teen in a certified driver course can mean cost savings.
3. Good Citizen Discounts. Is your teen driver a member of a community service organization? Check to see if you qualify for a discount on teen auto insurance.

Unknown discounts include:

1. Green driver discounts. Some carriers offer discounts on hybrid vehicles.
2. Defensive driving course discounts are often available for drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course.
3. Carpool discounts. Fewer drivers mean fewer accidents in the minds of insurers who are driven by statistical probability.
4. Mature driver discounts. If you are over the age of 55, you may qualify.
5. Alma mater discounts. Believe it or not, some insurance companies give graduation credit from certain preferred universities.
6. Lost spouse discounts. Some insurance companies offer remarriage discounts for widows.
7. Affiliation discounts. You may belong to a union, credit union, professional association, alumni group, or service club that qualifies for group auto insurance discounts.
8. Military discounts. Active and retired military personnel can save up to 15% on annual premiums.

Auto insurance discounts you won’t know about unless you ask. Talk to your insurance agent to see if you’re leaving money on the table by ignoring a potential deductible.