Without using the “R” word, we’ll just say things are getting more expensive these days. These “things” include the price of car insurance. Now is as good a time as any to examine what you pay and see if you may be able to get a cheaper rate somewhere else. Let’s go over some tips that should help you save some money:

- Shop online. At least do your preliminary shopping here. There are many useful sites, like AISinsurance.com, that will do a lot of the gritty work for you. Recent surveys showed that consumers who research online have the potential to save up to 25%. Make sure to use a reputable site to ensure you are receiving correct information.

- Use a company that does the shopping for you. Generally, if you find a great rate online, the representative can get you that same rate as well. The benefit to using an agency is that you can pick their brain to make sure you have a clear understanding of your policy. Some people also prefer to have real a person they can turn to. Properly understanding your coverage can save you money in the long run.

- If you’re 55 or older, take a defensive driving course. Most insurance companies will provide a discount for mature drivers who complete this course. It helps you save money and also become a better driver.

- Follow the traffic laws. These days insurance companies are rewarding their good drivers. Drive safely and follow the traffic laws to take advantage of this discount.

- Automatic Electronic Payments. Most insurance companies have reduced installment fees when you sign up for electronic payments. This helps them to reduce some administrative costs and as a result, pass some of the savings on to you.

These are just some tips to help you save. Check out some of our past blog posts to find additional ways you can save on your auto insurance.

This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.

If you’re 25, male, and drive a red, 2-door sports car you’re going to pay the highest insurance rates, right? Maybe not. Auto insurance can be very confusing if you are not familiar with the industry. Today we’ll go over some of the most common myths about auto insurance.  

•  “I pay higher rates because I have a red car.” Not true. The color of your car has NO affect on your auto insurance rates. However, the vehicle make, model, year, body type, and engine size will have an impact.
• “My friend was driving; his insurance will cover the damages.” Nope. You’re on the hook. It’s your car and it’s your responsibility. Insurance follows the the car, not the driver. If your coverage is not enough, then, your friends insurance will cover the rest.
• “My personal policy will cover all uses of my vehicle.” False again. A personal auto policy will cover your personal driving needs, but nothing related to work. If you’re a realtor or you deliver pizzas, you will need to purchase a commercial policy.
•  “My rates won’t go up if I don’t report the accident to my insurance company.” Maybe.  Although you may have not reported the accident to your carrier, the other person involved may have reported it to theirs. As a result their company may inform yours about the accident, leading to an increase in premium. Additionally, the accident may appear on your motor vehicle record and follow you for at least three years.  You are required by the terms of your policy to report all accidents to your insurance carrier, and all accidents with damages totaling $750 or greater and all injury accidents to the Department of Motor Vehicles.
• “The police said it wasn’t my fault.” Just because the police said you were not at fault, doesn’t mean the insurance companies will agree, at least in whole. Insurance companies use comparative negligence to assign partial risk to both drivers in an accident where they believe no one is solely at fault.
• “I just got my first speeding ticket and now my rates are going to skyrocket.” Not necessarily. Many auto insurance companies will not raise your rates from your first speeding ticket. However, if you rack up 2 or 3, you can bet you’ll see an increase.
• “Are my parking tickets going to affect my rates?” No. Parking tickets do not count against your driving record; but unpaid parking tickets can affect your ability to renew your driver’s license.

To find out more answers to common question about auto insurance, click here.

 This content is offered for educational purposes only and does not represent contractual agreements. The definitions, terms and coverages in a given policy may be different than those suggested here and such policy will be governed by the language contained therein. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.