The best cheap auto insurance is tailored to each driver, so it’s important to shop around. Use an online car insurance calculator to get personalized rates for a variety of insurers. Answer a few questions to see which companies have the cheapest auto insurance in your state. It’s also a good idea to check prices roughly once a year, as your driving record and credit score may affect your rate.
Getting cheap car insurance doesn’t mean skimping on quality or service. Here are some tips for finding affordable coverage that fits your budget:
Click Here To Get Fast, Accurate Vehicle VIN Reports
Click Here To Get Additional Information On Any Vehicle…You Won’t Regret It
Make sure you’re eligible for all discounts. The more you qualify for, the lower your rate will be. For example, many insurers offer a good student discount for drivers with a high GPA. Some also offer a safe driving discount for drivers who go violation and accident free for a certain period of time. Insure more than one vehicle with the same company to get a multi-car discount.
Check the rates of smaller insurers. They may be cheaper than the larger national companies. For example, USAA is the cheapest national insurer in most states, but it’s only available to military members, veterans and their families. In general, however, you’re better off sticking with large insurers that are available in your area. Locally based companies like Erie and Auto-Owners have some of the cheapest rates in multiple states.
Shop for the cheapest rates when you have major life changes. If you get married, have a baby or move to a safer neighborhood, it could save you money on your auto insurance. It’s also a good idea for drivers with bad driving records to shop for quotes every three or five years. Over time, their tickets and violations will drop off your record and help them earn a lower rate.
If you have a clean driving record, shop for the cheapest rates with your current insurer and any other companies you’re considering. Your driving record and credit history are the biggest factors in determining your rate, but other factors include your age, ZIP code and the type of car you drive.
In New York, Progressive is the cheapest company for full-coverage insurance. A typical policy costs $84 per month, which is 44% cheaper than the statewide average. NYCM, Erie and Geico are also some of the cheapest insurers for good drivers in New York. GEICO is also nationally available and often has some of the cheapest rates, although it has more service complaints than most. It offers a wide variety of policy add-ons to help you customize your coverage. Some insurers also give discounts for specific occupations, such as teachers, doctors and police officers. These discounts are usually small, but they can add up over time. Some even refund the premiums for drivers who don’t file a claim. Other ways to save on car insurance include paying your bill in full and using electronic payment transfers. Having a good credit rating and taking a defensive driving course are other ways to improve your chances of getting cheap car insurance.