Hidden Ways to Cut Car Insurance

Upgrade Your Car

When you're shopping for a car, consider dealership upgrades or after-market security features that help to make your car safer and more secure. Although these can boost the initial sticker price of your vehicle, it will often lower the cost of your insurance because your car is safer for you and more resistant to theft. Some examples of these features include anti-lock brakes and anti-theft security features like an alarm, airbags and daytime running lights.

You may think that your credit score has more to do with things like credit cards and mortgage rates, but it can also have a big impact on your car insurance rates. That's because car insurers have found a correlation between a driver's credit score and how likely he or she will file a car insurance claim. Boost your credit score to help lower the cost of your car insurance. And, if your credit score has recently taken a hit, wait a couple months before purchasing a new auto insurance policy.

Many auto insurance companies offer rewards in the forms of rate reductions to drivers who either work in a specific profession, such as teachers or doctors, or who hold advanced academic degrees. You may be able to get such lower rates directly through your insurer, or by joining a trade group or association like your university's alumni group. Generally, artists, pilots, scientists and actors enjoy the greatest car insurance discounts.

You may be drawn to a big car insurance provider who runs lots of flashy ads, but don't forget that smaller, regional companies also offer car insurance. Aim to get three or more quotes for your car to help you pinpoint the best deal.