Last month we talked about some of the most controversial factors affecting your car insurance rates–most of which you can’t do anything about, unless you want to get married, move to a new county, or wait until you fit into a different age bracket.
Today, we’re talking about factors you can change, and some of them might surprise you! Keep reading to find out more.
1. Your Car’s Safety Features
You can’t necessarily change the safety features of a car you already have, but if you’re like thousands of other Kansas residents, you have a new (or new-to-you) car purchase somewhere on the horizon. Next time you buy, opt for a car with the best possible safety ratings. Added safety features like lane change alerts can also impact your car insurance rates (for the lower).
2. The Number of Miles You Drive
Long commute? Opting for public transport instead can save you on more than just fuel costs. Lowering the amount you drive each year can also lower your insurance rates, because those who drive less are less risky to insure.
3. Your Driving Record and Claims History
The fewer claims you file, the lower your insurance rates will go. Driving defensively and keeping claims to a minimum can make a huge difference in your rates, so if your driving record is less than stellar (like many) it’s worth the effort to rebuild a clean driving record and claims history by putting distance between you and those incidents.
4. Discounts
Many drivers miss out on discounts simply because they don’t know discounts exist. If you’re not sure, ask! Insurance companies offer a wide variety of discounts for a variety of drivers. Some of the most common include:
- Claim-free Discounts: For drivers who have never filed a claim/haven’t filed a claim in a specified period of time
- Safe Driver Discounts: For drivers with a clean driving record/no driving tickets or violations
- Good Student Discounts: For high school or college students who maintain high grades
- Military Discounts: For veterans, reservists, or active duty service members
Think you might be eligible for a discount? It never hurts to ask.
5. The Amount of Coverage You Maintain
Before we dive into this one, please note: it’s absolutely vital to maintain adequate insurance to keep you protected–and that’s almost always well beyond the minimums required by the state of Kansas. But it’s also possible to purchase more insurance than you really need, driving your costs up.
For some drivers, opting for a higher deductible and lower regular premiums is a smart move. For others, lowering the amount of insurance they maintain when downgrading to an older or less-expensive car can be a reasonable choice. Always make sure you’ll be able to afford your deductible and anything else your insurance doesn’t cover if you chose to lower the amount of coverage you maintain.
Wondering if Integrity can help you lower your auto insurance rates? Give us a call. We’ll help balance the perfect policy that both protects you and fits your budget.
