By Barbara Dearing
When was the last time you compared free car insurance quotes? More than a year? More than two? According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), only 20 to 35 percent of us compare car insurance rates annually. If you are part of that group, there is a good chance you are paying more for car insurance than you need to. Perhaps a lot more!
But before you dial up the phone and start calling insurance companies, take a moment to review a few steps that can help to reduce your insurance premiums. Not all of these steps will apply to every individual, but there should be a couple of items on the list that can significantly reduce your car insurance cost.
1. Make sure you inform the insurance company of any recent changes to your vehicle that could affect your insurance rate. For instance, have you installed an anti-theft device?
2. Think about any changes in your lifestyle that would affect your driving habits. Have you left a job in order to work from home? The reduction in miles driven can have a significant impact on your car insurance quote.
3. Check you budget and decide whether or not you can afford to pay your entire car insurance premium up front. While it can be convenient to pay monthly or quarterly installment payments, the insurance company usually adds an administrative or finance fee to your premium. When you are comparing car insurance quotes, ask each provider if they offer a discount for customers who pay in full within the first ten days of the policy. Continue Reading
