How to Lower Your Car Insurance Cost

Auto insurance is often the most significant expense of car ownership after buying a model, even including the cost of gasoline. Spending less on this legal requirement in Orange County, California, gives you more money to use for enjoying your drive. To lower your car insurance cost, follow these tips brought to you by the dealers at the Beach Boulevard of Cars in Huntington Beach.

Shop around.

Just like when you buy groceries, clothes, or airline tickets, shopping around for car insurance can save you money because different companies offer different prices and levels of service. You may discover that company A costs far less than company B just because they have different methods for setting rates for drivers like you.

You can easily get a quote online by visiting the insurer’s website and answering some questions. However, don’t pick an insurance company simply because they have the lowest cost. You may be paying less because you receive less service, or they don’t pay as much on claims.

Check out independent ratings, such as from U.S. News & World Report, so you can find a company that gives you the best value for your money. If you want to save time, go with an insurance broker. Because they work with multiple companies, they can recommend the best choice for your budget and driving style.

Buy a less expensive trim.

A car’s value is one of the factors used to determine your monthly premium because a more expensive model costs more to maintain and repair. Look for a less expensive auto that meets the demands you place on your drive.

If you have your heart set on a particular brand and model, consider buying the version from last year or the year before. Because used cars are worth less than new ones, they’re cheaper to repair or replace, which reduces insurance rates.

You can also look for lists of vehicles that cost less to insure. According to Forbes, the least expensive cars to insure in 2023 include the Honda CR-V LX, Jeep Wrangler JL Sport, and Subaru Crosstrek.
Increase your deductible.

The deductible is what you have to pay on a claim out of your pocket before your auto insurance kicks in. Going for a higher deductible can substantially reduce your insurance cost.

The Insurance Institute says that increasing your deductible from $200 to $500 can drop your comprehensive and collision coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent. Upping that deductible to $1,000 saves you a minimum of 40 percent or more. You can always bank your savings and use it to pay for the higher deductible if you need to make a claim.

Ask for discounts.

Auto insurers spend a lot of time and money to get customers, so they run many promotions for attracting and keeping your business. All you have to do is ask your insurance agent for one or more of the following discounts if you don’t receive them automatically.

Bundling the insurance for all the vehicles in your household and your home with the same company.
Good Driver if your record is free of traffic tickets and accidents within the past three to five years because you’re less likely to file a claim.
Technology for installing telematics to track your driving, opting for certain safety or anti-theft devices, or driving an alternative-energy car.
Defensive Driver by completing a defensive driving course to learn how to become a safer driver. This may only apply if you’re 55 and older.

See us at Beach Boulevard of Cars today and learn about all the available models that fit your budget.