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Finding Cheap Auto Insurance
Written by Jonathan Green   
As you look for insurance, cheap car insurance is likely what you are most interested in just like life insurance policies .  For most people, paying insurance isn't something they are looking forward to. Insurance is a protection you can't go without, though.  Finding affordable insurance is possible, which can help to lower some of the costs tremendously.  Cheap insurance still provides you with insurance protection, but as you consider the different types available to you, look at what is covered and what is not.  Often, insurance companies will lower costs of insurance as they lower the protection you receive.

Shop Around

One of the most important things to do when getting car insurance is to shop around.  There are many insurance providers who can offer you a policy.  Each company has different policy options, different discounts and different rates. The more shopping you do, the better your chances are of finding a low cost insurance policy. 
The only way to know what the car insurance policy covers is to get a quote. Nearly all auto insurance providers will provide you with a quote of service.  This quote will provide you with:
  • The price of the policy, called the insurance premium
  • The included protections, specific covered incidents
  • Any exclusions or specific items not covered
  • The deductible, or the amount of money you must pay before your insurance company makes a payout
  • The length of the policy
  • The length of time the quote is good for
You can often get insurance quotes from insurance providers right online.  You'll go through a series of question answering online and then get an instant quote.  Be as honest and thorough during the quote process as possible.  Also, in order to compare the policies effectively, be sure you get a quote for the same type of policy from each one. 

Getting Discounts

Nearly all insurance companies offer discounts of some type.  A discount is a reduction in cost based on your qualifying factors.  Some auto insurance providers have more discounts than others.  Most do provide you with a range of discounts because it is one of the most improtnat ways to draw in customers.  They know you are looking for a good price and discounts can make that happen.  Some of the most common discounts offered by insurance providers include these:
  • Deductible discounts:  Higher deductibles may allow you to get a lower rate
  • No accident discounts: Often with a time limit, such as no accidents for 3 years, which gives you a discount if you haven't been involved in any accidents during that timeframe
  • No moving violations discount: Similar to no accident discounts, but this also includes any traffic tickets
  • More than one car discount: If you have more than one car (or even other types of insurance) with the same insurance provider, this may help lower your costs
  • Driving training and education discounts: Some insurance companies offer discounts to those that invest in defensive driving or driver training courses
  • Anti theft devices: Cars that are harder to get stolen because of alarms or other devices can be a discount on your car insurance
  • Car design and function:  A variety of discounts may apply here including air bag equipped vehicles, anti lock brakes on the vehicle, daytime running lights on the vehicle, etc
  • Low mileage discounts:  Those that do not use their vehicle as much shouldn't pay as much.  This discount is usually based on the average number of miles you drive the vehicle each year
  • Student driver discounts:  Policies for teenagers and college students are expensive, but good grades can help to lower the costs with some insurance providers; look for college student away from home discounts for students who will or will not take their vehicle with them to school
  • Long time discounts:  If you have been with a company for a long period, usually over three years, you may qualify for additional discounts.
These are just some of the discounts available to drivers today.  Not all insurance companies offer the same coverage, but nearly all of them do offer some types of discounts.  Ask for them.

Why Your Insurance Is More

Finding auto insurance cheap is difficult for some people more so than others.  There are many factors that car insurance companies take into consideration before providing you with insurance.  What they are looking for is the amount of risk you represent to the company.  They measure risk by looking at your past driving but also the historical data they collect on people from all walks of life.

One of the most common reasons for a larger insurance premium may be your age.  Those who are new drivers up to about 21 for women and 25 for men will pay more for auto insurance than middle class individuals.  These younger drivers are less experienced and historical data shows they are more likely to cause accidents than others.  Elderly costs for insurance also rise in some cases.

Another reason for your insurance being higher than someone else’s may have to do with your vehicle.  Some vehicles are worth more and therefore need more coverage.  In addition, some vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents.  Sports cars, for example, are over driven over the speed limit and evidence shows that they are more often involved in accidents and legal situations than other cars.  Therefore, choosing a car that offers a lower insurance premium is important.

Make finding low cost insurance for your car a task that you take seriously.  Take the time to find insurance companies who give you affordable quotes and discounts.  Most companies are happy to work with you to find a lower rate.  They will usually only do so, though, if you ask for it.  Therefore, once you get a quote in hand from one insurance provider, let the other insurance companies know you have a lower rate.  Many times, they will match or beat the cost, therefore giving you an even better opportunity to save.
 
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