Car insurance doesn’t have to be yet another costly burden that comes with owning a vehicle. Although drivers are legally required to purchase insurance for any vehicle they drive, there are plenty of ways to make sure you’re receiving the best rate possible.
Finding and obtaining the best rates on car insurance is the only way to obtain ultimate peace of mind when it comes to keeping yourself, your wallet and your vehicle covered. Get insider information on how you can get the best rates possible below.
Fix Your Credit Score
Before shopping for new car insurance, take a look at your credit report. Car insurance companies tend to offer lower rates to drivers with higher credit scores, because they are proven to be less likely to file insurance claims. If your credit falls below 660, you should work on improving your score before purchasing a new insurance plan. Of course, if you need car insurance right away, don’t wait to get it. Simply work on improving your credit score, and then shop around for better rates once you reach it. Start comparing auto insurance rates today for free, and you can save yourself hundreds in premiums from the onset.
Maintain Car Insurance With No Lapses
Since car insurance is required, insurance companies count lapses in coverage against you. If you’ve gone more than a couple of months without auto insurance, your premiums could increase by $100 or more. Don’t go without coverage just to save yourself some money. Instead, shop for better plans and rates online.
Check Your Driving Record
It’s always a good idea to keep up with your driving record, just in case there are errors. Insurance companies look at your driving record for three very important reasons: to see if you’ve been in any accidents, to access any information on traffic violations you may have received and to see if your driver’s license has ever been suspended. All of these factors determine your insurance rates, and you may find yourself with a sky-high premium without ever knowing why. By checking your driving record, you have the chance to fix any detrimental errors before you begin shopping for car insurance.
Regularly Compare Auto Insurance Rates
DMV.com recommends comparing insurance rates every 6 months to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible. Car insurance companies frequently change their insurance rates, and if you don’t shop around, you could miss out on some great deals. Furthermore, if you’ve been working on improving your credit score, you could save yourself hundreds of dollars a year by comparing rates that reflect your new credit score. The same goes for any mishaps on your driving record that may have been removed. If you’ve been paying high premium rates because of an accident that happened years ago, now is the time to get the rates you deserve. Compare car insurance rates today, and start saving.