Gas prices are rising along with inflation so it is getting more and more difficult to get ahead these days. Then add in all the other costs of car ownership and you might be wondering if you just have to accept that it is going to cost a lot. The reality is that there are a lot of ways to lower those costs so you can keep more money in your own pocket.
One of the ways you can save quite a bit is to lower your insurance payments. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t necessarily have to be stuck with high premiums. There are quite a few ways of lowering them. In this article, we will go over some of the best ways to save on your car insurance costs.
1 – Shop around
There are a lot of factors that go into your premium so that price is not fixed. In fact, many different companies have different ways to evaluate how your premium is determined. This means that you can, and should, shop around to find the best rate for you.
Getting a quote is easy online, but it pays off to call since a person may be able to look for ways to save that an algorithm doesn’t. Start out by looking online at different companies to see what people are saying. Geico insurance reviews, for instance, may sound good so give them a call and see get a quote.
Many insurance companies like to grab customers from other companies and often will reward you for switching.
2 – Use technology
Many people are using dashboard cameras to make videos while they drive. If there is ever an accident, then you will have video proof that it is the other driver’s fault. This can go a long way to making sure that your insurance rate doesn’t jump up if it is unclear who was at fault when you didn’t record it.
Also, if you are ever involved in a hit and run it will be easy to find the other driver. Otherwise, if the driver isn’t found, your insurance will go up after you’ve made a claim.
Another piece of tech that is helpful is a telematics device that you attach to your car’s onboard computer. This will record all of your driving habits which can then be transmitted to your insurance company. Good driving will be rewarded when it comes time to renew your policy.
3 – Drive defensively
Prevention is often the best medicine. If you can avoid an accident, even if it isn’t your fault, you are going to save loads of money in the long run. Every year that you go without a moving violation or accident gives you a lower premium.
Driving defensively is a great way to avoid both of those scenarios. It is simply driving with purpose so you can spot a dangerous situation and have the time to react. Avoid texting while driving and other distractions that take your eyes off the road.