5 Ways To Ensure You Get The Best Auto Insurance Rates

Between gasoline, maintenance, and repairs, cars are expensive enough as it is. Throw insurance in on top of all that, and you may start wondering whether you can afford your car at all. Luckily, it is possible to get reasonable insurance rates if you're smart. This article, then, will outline five tips for keeping your insurance as low as possible.

Get multiple quotes

You may be surprised to learn how drastically prices can vary from one insurance company to another. Most people never realize this for the simple fact that they end up going with the first provider they contact. While getting multiple quotes is more of a time investment, it will pay off in the long run. The best way to find out more about carriers in your area is through your state's Department of Insurance website.

Research insurance before you buy a car

Believe it or not, the make and model of your car can have a huge impact on your eventual insurance rates. Unfortunately, this often means that luxury automobiles cost a good deal more to insure than their plainer brethren. Yet rates can vary more than you'd think, even within similar models. Therefore it's a good idea to contact your insurance company and ask them for the rates for the various models you're considering buying.  

Set a higher deductible

A higher deductible means you'll put more money down for repairs if your car is involved in an accident--but it also means you'll pay less each month when your insurance bill comes. Depending on the particulars of your policy--not to mention your driving habits--this can be a smart idea. Younger drivers, because they are considered more of a risk, often benefit from this strategy much more than older drivers. 

Investigate low-mileage discounts

Lots of insurance companies offer discounted rates to customers whose yearly mileage falls below the average. Whether you live close to work, are a part-time cyclist, or simply don't use your car that often, it's a good idea to look into whether you qualify for a discount based on your reduced-usage rates.

Maintain your credit

More and more, insurance companies are taking credit scores into consideration when calculating rates. The idea here is that there is a correlation between your credit history and the risk you pose behind the wheel. Known as an insurance risk score, this information isn't just used to determine your premiums but also how likely you are to file a claim. Therefore, it is a wise idea to maintain a healthy credit score.  

Contact an insurance company like Illinois Automobile Insurance to learn about specific coverage types.

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