Even with less-than-stellar driving history, getting cheap car insurance is possible. Try these strategies to lower your bill.
Consider switching providers. Don’t assume any one company is cheapest. Insurance companies’ rates vary widely and change often. Shop around periodically (every three to six months) to avoid overpaying.
A quick and easy way to shop multiple companies at once is through Jerry
. Jerry can help you find cheap car insurance customized to your needs by comparing quotes from over 50 companies in seconds. You can also work toward improving your credit score. Providers take your credit history into account when pricing your policy. Better credit scores translate into lower insurance rates.
Another strategy is to look into discounts. To save money, you may be able to:
Bundle your policies: If you have more than one policy with the same company, chances are they offer a bundling discount
. For example, get home insurance from the same company you have car insurance through (or vice versa). Choose safe vehicles: Car safety discounts are available to drivers whose cars have specific safety features (like seatbelts, airbags, anti-theft devices, etc.). Ask your agent to find out if your vehicle qualifies.
Take a defensive driving course: If you have a poor driving record, your insurer may offer a discount if you complete an approved defensive driving course. Contact your agent for details.
Opt for autopay: Some companies will apply a discount if you authorize them to automatically withdraw your insurance payment from your bank account each month.
Go paperless: It’s not just good for the environment, it’s also good for your wallet. When you choose to receive your documents, bills, and policies through email rather than mail, you’ll get an additional 5% discount with most companies.
And of course, work on your driving record. Luckily, many driving violations disappear from your records after a few years (depending on the state). So commit to driving safely and in a few years, your rate will likely fall if your recent driving record is clean.