Braxton Taylor
Welcome to Ask Lacey, an advice column in which accredited financial counselor and MilMo founder Lacey Langford answers your pressing financial questions. Have a question for Lacey? Submit it here.
Q: Do any programs offer cheap auto insurance?
Yes, some programs can help you get cheaper auto insurance, especially if you qualify for specific discounts. Car insurance is expensive, so I understand wanting to find the best deal possible. It’s doable but requires a little homework. Many programs and options can help you save money. Some programs are based on your background, driving record or income. The best way to find a good deal is to shop around and get plenty of quotes to compare.
Just because you’ve been with an auto insurer for a long time doesn’t mean it has the best deal. Don’t be afraid to periodically get quotes to ensure you’re getting the lowest rate. Here are some ways to find the best deals on auto insurance:
1. Insurance for Military Families
If you or your spouse is on active duty or a veteran, there are insurance companies that cater to the military community. Their prices are usually lower than those of other companies, depending on your situation, and they’re known for being easy to work with because they are familiar with the unique circumstances of military life. Not everyone qualifies, but if you do, definitely check them out and get a quote. Even if it’s not a military-specific insurance company, ask about a military discount and see what they offer.
Read Next: Ask Lacey: How Can Veterans Get Free Cell Phones?
2. State-Sponsored Programs
A few states run programs to help people who can’t afford regular car insurance. For example, California has a Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program for individuals earning below a certain income. It’s worth doing a quick Google search for your state and “low-cost auto insurance” to look for something similar where you live. Many states also offer information and resources on car insurance and guidelines specific to their state. West Virginia, for example, provides a consumer guide to auto insurance.
3. Good Student Discounts
If you have a child still in school, many insurance companies give a “good student” discount for at least a B average. So making sure everyone is keeping their grades up can make your insurance cheaper.
4. Safe Driving Discounts
Not everyone is comfortable with being monitored while driving, but it can save you money. Some companies will give you a discount by letting them track your driving. They have apps that check things such as your speed, how hard you brake or if you use your phone while driving. If you’re a safe driver, you can reduce the cost of your insurance. You can ask about this when you call various companies for quotes.
5. Drive Less, Pay Less
If you don’t drive a lot, such as if you work from home or drive only on weekends, you might want to consider pay-per-mile insurance. Companies such as Mile Auto charge you based on the number of miles you actually drive. If you’re barely using your car, it can save you a lot of money compared to a regular policy. Some companies that aren’t pay per mile will also lower your rate, because you drive less throughout the year.
6. Bundle and Save
If you have renters, homeowners or even life insurance, you can often bundle it with your car insurance and get a discount. Almost every company offers this. You don’t really have to do anything extra. Just ask whether they can bundle your plans when you’re getting quotes. You can’t receive it if you don’t ask!
7. Get Lots of Quotes
Many people don’t realize how much prices can vary between companies. One company might quote you $250 a month, and another might offer $180 for basically the same coverage. You can use websites, such as NerdWallet, The Zebra or Military.com, which let you compare multiple options at once. Or you can call the companies individually. It doesn’t matter which way you do it. The main point is to get more than a few quotes so you can compare the price and coverage of each company to make the best insurance choice for your situation. It’s worth the time and effort to save money and get the proper coverage.
8. Raise Your Deductible
If you want lower monthly payments, you can also raise your deductible. That option isn’t for everyone because you have to make sure you have some money saved in case you need to use it. The deductible is the amount you pay first if you get in an accident before your insurance kicks in and helps cover costs. If you opt for a higher deductible, make sure you can cover that amount if needed.
9. Other Discounts
Here are a few more ways you could save:
- Having safety features such as anti-lock brakes or airbags
- Being part of organizations such as AAA or AARP
- Taking a defensive driving course (especially for motorcycle insurance)
- Being a longtime customer (some places give you loyalty discounts)
Finding cheaper auto insurance is all about shopping around, asking questions and requesting discounts. Don’t be afraid to get multiple quotes and definitely ask about every discount they offer. Every little bit helps! Hopefully, you’ll find a lower-cost option for your auto insurance.
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Whether you’re trying to balance your budget, build up your credit, select a good life insurance program or are gearing up for a home purchase, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com and get the latest military benefit updates and tips delivered straight to your inbox.
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