Steps to Avoid an Auto Insurance Premium Increase

Learning about an auto insurance premium increase can be a bummer, especially for safe drivers with clean records.

Thankfully, there are steps motorists can take to limit hikes in their rates.

Drive Safe

Avoiding accidents and speeding tickets is the most important part of averting an auto insurance premium increase. Motorists with tickets and crashes on their records are higher risks for insurance companies, and their premiums reflect that.

Take a Defensive Driving Course

Speaking of safe driving, in some states taking a defensive driving course (like the AAA Driver Improvement Program) can earn you an insurance discount. Even if you don’t get a discount, the tips you learn can help keep you safe behind the wheel, which is a big part of managing insurance costs. Learn more.

Bundle Up

Getting auto, renters and homeowners insurance through the same company is a recipe for savings. Most companies give discounts to customers who bundle coverage.

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Look at Your Deductibles

Deductibles are what drivers are required to pay toward the cost of a claim before insurance kicks in. Many drivers who increase their deductibles see a drop in premiums because they’re limiting the costs their insurance companies will face following an accident.

Look at Your Vehicles

The cost of repairing a vehicle after a crash factors into insurance premiums. It’s why a high-end sports car is likely going to be more expensive to insure than your everyday sedan. Drivers can consider the types of coverage they have. Comprehensive and collision protection might make sense for newer cars (it may also be required for financed vehicles), but as cars get older and their values decrease, the expense of such coverage might not be worth it.

Good Grades

Adding a teen driver to your policy can be expensive, but many companies will give discounts to young drivers who are doing well in school. Your child must be a full-time high school or college student and maintain at least a B (3.0) average or equivalent.

Use Your Garage

Has your garage become more of a storage container than a place to house your vehicle? If so, think about spending a Saturday or Sunday cleaning it out. Some companies offer discounts to drivers who garage their vehicles.

Pay at Once

Paying for your policy in one payment versus installments may get you a discount. Some companies also provide discounts to drivers who have monthly payments automatically deducted from their bank accounts.

Maintain Good Credit

In most states (excluding Massachusetts, California and Hawaii), having mediocre or poor credit can impact your premium.

Talk to Your Agent

A lot of drivers only talk with their insurance agents when they’re looking for a policy quote or after an accident. But regular communication with your agent can help make sure your insurance costs aren’t higher than necessary. AAA Insurance agents are ready to discuss these and other ways of getting you the right coverage for the right price.

Learn more about AAA Insurance.

This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated.