Auto Insurance Tips

Save money and get better coverage with expert advice

Why Smart Auto Insurance Shopping Matters

Auto insurance rates can vary by hundreds or even thousands of dollars between companies for the same coverage. With the right knowledge and strategies, you can save significantly while ensuring you have adequate protection.

Save Money
Average savings: $200-500/year
Better Coverage
Right protection for your needs
Smart Choices
Informed decisions save money
8
Money-Saving Tips
6
Coverage Types Explained
30%
Potential Savings Available

Understanding Auto Insurance Coverage

Know what each type of coverage does and how to save money on each one

RequiredMedium Cost

Liability Coverage

Covers damage you cause to others in an accident

Bodily injury liability
Property damage liability
Required by law in most states
Minimum limits vary by state
Savings Tip
Choose state minimums only if you have few assets to protect
High Cost

Collision Coverage

Covers damage to your car from collisions

Covers accidents with other vehicles
Covers single-car accidents
Subject to deductible
Not required by law
Savings Tip
Skip if your car is worth less than 10x the annual premium
Medium Cost

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers non-collision damage to your car

Theft and vandalism
Weather damage
Animal collisions
Fire and flood damage
Savings Tip
Choose higher deductibles to lower premiums significantly
Medium Cost

Personal Injury Protection

Covers medical expenses regardless of fault

Medical expenses
Lost wages
Essential services
Required in no-fault states
Savings Tip
Skip if you have good health insurance coverage
Low Cost

Uninsured Motorist

Protects you from uninsured/underinsured drivers

Bodily injury coverage
Property damage coverage
Hit-and-run protection
Gap coverage for underinsured
Savings Tip
Keep this coverage - it's inexpensive and valuable protection
Low Cost

Gap Insurance

Covers the difference between loan balance and car value

Loan/lease gap coverage
New car replacement
Depreciation protection
Useful for new cars
Savings Tip
Only needed if you owe more than the car's value

Money-Saving Discounts & Tips

Discover all the ways you can reduce your auto insurance premiums

5-25%Easy

Multi-Policy Discount

Bundle your auto insurance with home, renters, or other policies

Requirements:
Multiple policies with same insurer
Both policies active
10-23%Medium

Good Driver Discount

Maintain a clean driving record for 3-5 years

Requirements:
No accidents
No moving violations
3+ year clean record
10-25%Easy

Multi-Vehicle Discount

Insure multiple vehicles on the same policy

Requirements:
2+ vehicles
Same household
Same policy
5-15%Easy

Low Mileage Discount

Drive fewer miles per year than average

Requirements:
Under 7,500-12,000 miles/year
Mileage verification
8-25%Easy

Good Student Discount

Full-time students with good grades get discounts

Requirements:
Full-time student
B average or 3.0 GPA
Under age 25
5-20%Medium

Safety Features Discount

Cars with safety features get reduced rates

Requirements:
Anti-lock brakes
Airbags
Anti-theft devices
Electronic stability control
5-15%Medium

Defensive Driving Course

Complete an approved defensive driving course

Requirements:
State-approved course
Course completion certificate
Renewal may be required
10-30%Hard

Telematics/Usage-Based

Allow monitoring of your driving habits for personalized rates

Requirements:
Install monitoring device/app
Safe driving habits
Data sharing consent

Smart Shopping Strategy

Follow this step-by-step approach to find the best auto insurance deals

Research
2-3 hours

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get quotes from at least 3-5 different insurance companies

Action Step
Use comparison websites and contact insurers directly
Research
30 minutes

Check Financial Ratings

Verify the financial stability of insurance companies

Action Step
Check AM Best, Moody's, or S&P ratings (A- or better)
Coverage
1 hour

Understand State Requirements

Learn your state's minimum coverage requirements

Action Step
Research state minimums vs. recommended coverage levels
Coverage
45 minutes

Calculate Deductible Impact

Balance deductible amounts with premium savings

Action Step
Compare premium differences for various deductible levels
Shopping
Planning

Time Your Purchase

Shop for insurance at the right time for better rates

Action Step
Shop 2-4 weeks before renewal, avoid lapses in coverage
Shopping
During quotes

Ask About All Discounts

Inquire about every possible discount when getting quotes

Action Step
Provide complete information about your situation

Quick Money-Saving Tips

Increase your deductible to lower your premium - but make sure you can afford it

Drop collision and comprehensive on cars worth less than $3,000

Shop for new rates every 6-12 months - loyalty doesn't always pay

Pay annually instead of monthly to avoid processing fees

Consider usage-based insurance if you're a safe, low-mileage driver

Maintain continuous coverage - gaps can increase your rates

Improve your credit score - it affects your insurance rates in most states

Choose your car wisely - sports cars and luxury vehicles cost more to insure

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Save on Auto Insurance?

Start comparing quotes today and put these tips into action