February 10, 2010

How Studying Your Driving Habits Can Lead To Discounts On Your Auto Insurance Bill

Every driver would love to limit the amount that he or she spends on auto insurance premiums; however, finding the means to get around the gradually rising costs of car insurance is another issue altogether. Price comparison websites provide a great tool for many consumers. The Internet provides a greater field of competition, which yields a much lower auto insurance rate for many people. However, by studying driving habits and practices, a driver can easily find more ways to decrease premiums.

First of all, it is helpful to look at how much you drive and to where you primarily drive over the course of a year. Many drivers are completely unaware of the discounts that some auto insurance companies offer low mileage customers. If you are not taking a lot of big mileage trips, you do not present as much of a risk to insurance companies, since you spend less time on the road than the average driver. Your auto insurance rate will reflect this rate in many cases, as long as your insurance company can confirm your low mileage (often through odometer checks, which are well worth the lowered costs). If you’re self-employed and use your vehicle mainly for business, you should check to see if it qualifies as a commercial vehicle. Although insurance costs will be higher, many of the vehicle’s costs will be deductible, which will save you quite a bit of money in the long run.

Many auto insurance discounts are available for safe drivers, so check your habits to see whether you’re taking any unnecessary risks. Nothing will cause a bigger jump in your auto insurance rate than a claim or a citation (or a combination of both), so keep your mind on the road and avoid aggressive driving. If you’re paying for comprehensive coverage, check whether your insurer gives discounts for safe parking. Many insurance companies will drop your rates if you regularly park in a garage or in another safe location. The insurance companies may require verification in order to give you these discounts.

The best way to find out which discounts are available based on your driving habits is to call your insurer and ask. They will often be happy to discuss the programs that they offer with you, and you may be surprised at the wide variety of discounts available. Even if you do not fall into one of the categories listed above, your driving habits could still potentially yield some benefits. By taking the time to check, you will stand a substantial chance of lowering your auto insurance rate permanently, which is certainly good news for all types of drivers.