Here’s a question for you. When was the last time you stopped to research your Car Insurance Fresno in order to see where you might be able to save money on your premium? If you can’t remember, then maybe it is time that you consider spending some time doing so. As a result of the recent economic downturn, consumers are more conscious of the money they spend when making a major purchase. We now live in a society of educated consumers that are adept at saving a buck every chance they get.
This is especially true when it comes to purchasing a new or used vehicle and saving money when they insure it. Unfortunately, Car Insurance Fresno premiums are most likely not going to decrease anytime soon. So it is up to the consumer to find ways for them to lower the cost of their Car Insurance Fresno. Fortunately, there are a number of things that you can do to accomplish this. The following is a list of helpful tips that will enable you to lower your car insurance costs and save money in the process.
Be careful when selecting a new vehicle – you may be tempted to purchase a 5,000 pound, gas guzzling SUV but that top-of-the-line vehicle will cost you more to insure than a safer, smaller vehicle that costs a lot less. Additionally, insurance companies refer to a vehicle’s safety ratings as one of the factors involved in determining the amount of your insurance premium.
Complete a state-approved defensive driving class – many insurance companies today offer additional discounts for taking a defensive driving course. Drivers with too many points on their driving record can reduce the number of them by taking an accident prevention or defensive driving class, thereby reducing their insurance rates in the process.
Do some comparison shopping – if you recently noticed that your insurance rates took a significant jump upon renewal, it may be time to start shopping around for a cheaper premium. Be sure that you get quotes from at least 5 or 6 companies and don’t just settle for the first one that can save you money.
Improve your credit rating – drivers with poor credit ratings are more likely to file more claims. Your credit history is another factor that many insurance companies use to figure out the amount of your Car Insurance Fresno premium. An additional theory is that individuals who have a good credit score are usually safer drivers and get into fewer accidents.
Increase your deductibles – deductibles range from $250 to $1,000. The lower the amount of the deductible, the more your premium will cost you. Conversely, taking the maximum allowable deductible reduces the amount of your premium. You may be able to lower the cost of your premium by several percent which will put money back in your wallet.
Install anti-theft and security devices – whether they are installed by the manufacturer or you have aftermarket devices installed, anti-theft and vehicle security devices protect your vehicle and lower the cost of your insurance premium. Ask the insurance agent to discuss the devices they recommend and which ones will enable you to save the most money on your premium.
Insure every driver in the family under a single policy – when you get a quote on a single vehicle, it will most likely cost you more than if you insure multiple cars and drivers. Many insurance companies will offer “bulk rates” to earn your business. Be sure to ask every agent you talk to about this.
Keep your driving record clean – the more traffic accidents an individual gets involved in or the more moving violations they are charged with, the higher the price of their premium. By practicing safe driving habits, you stand a better chance of not having an accident or getting a traffic citation.
Leave your vehicle parked in the garage occasionally – last but not least, one of the factors that help car insurance companies determine your premium rate is your annual mileage. The more you drive, the greater the risk of getting into an accident. As a result, a commuter will most likely pay higher rates than those who use public transportation or carpool with co-workers. This not only saves you money on your car insurance, it saves gas money, too.
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