Auto insurance costs are not something anyone wants to pay more for year-after-year. Yet, rate increases are common. Inflation is one of the biggest factors to these rate increases. However, most policies are all about you and how risky you are as a driver. There is help for you if you want to find a way to reduce your costs. Here are some steps to help you.
Call Your Agent – Ask Why
The first step is the most important. Call your agent when you receive notice of the price increase. Find out why the cost is rising. It may be due to an across-the-board increase that all people will face. It could be a result of your recent actions, such as a speeding ticket. Some drivers may find that there is no real explanation. That’s okay. You can still work to lower your costs.
During this call, ask your agent if you qualify for any discounts. You may learn of a new option to lower your rates. Also, ask if the company’s policy truly reflects your needs. If there are extra costs here, those may help reduce your costs.
Securing a New Policy
In some cases, it is best to look for car insurance from another company. Getting a quote or two can help you see what you can actually expect to pay for insurance from another insurer. Be sure to consider a few key things:
- Compare policies based on the type and amount of coverage they provide to you. Get a quote that matches the coverage you have.
- Ask for discounts. Good driver discounts, good student discounts, safety features, and anti-lock brakes are all common discounts. You may have to ask for them.
- Ask about bundling your auto insurance with other insurance products you need. This includes other vehicles in your home, life insurance, and home insurance.
By working with an independent insurance agency, you can work with an agent who can compare the policies of multiple insurers.
Your Driving Record
If your driving record is not as good as it could be, you may be able to see your costs drop in a few other ways. Some car insurance companies will offer a discount for you if you take a driver’s education program. A refresher like this can help to show you are serious about being a safe driver. Also, over time, your points come off your license. At that point, you may qualify for lower rates.
Auto insurance costs can rise from time-to-time. You may still be able to get a lower rate, though. To do so, request a Houston auto insurance quote from a new insurer for comparison.