You need insurance. You don't need to be ripped off

* We're going to start with an "outside the box" one here.
Believe it or not in many cases it's NOT your driving record that for many insurers carries the most weight with your insurer.
The number one factor that makes up your consumer score?
YOUR CREDIT RATING!
This is important if your about to take part in any financial activity-no matter how necessary-that could affect your credit rating.
Taking out a big, or even small loan. Opening more credit cards. Refinancing a loan with another loan.
This may be necessary in some cases but it also might be a better idea to do all those things you can first to get the least expensive rate locked in first.
Not many people realize that your consumer score can hurt you in so many areas but they can.

* Lower the amount of coverage on your vehicle.
* Raise your deductible.
* Keep your current car longer.
Newer cars usually cost more to insure.
Fact.

* Be married.
If you and your significant other are considering getting married anyway chances are your coverage will cost less.
Again no one is saying get married just to save on car insurance but if your getting married anyway make sure your insurer is aware of this.

* Your job.
Certain occupations pay more for insurance than others.
Roughly speaking, office type jobs pay less than jobs like the trades manual type work. Make sure your insurance company isn't mislabeling you.

* Your education level.
The more educated you are the lower your cost generally is.
If you do have a degree, even an associate's (a two-year degree) make sure they're aware.

* Where you live will affect your insurance rate.
If your moving to a safer area tell the insurance company right away.
* If your car is garage kept be sure to make known as well.

* If you were in the military you could be eligible for a discount.

* Go over your car insurance statement with a fine-tooth comb.
The insurance people are human and prone to mistakes. The problem is, they're not entirely motivated to correct mistakes that make them more money by costing you more.
If you do find a mistake, especially a glaring one, have it removed at once and request they reimburse you for their faulty charges.
All they can say is no. And if you've been an especially good customer you could, nicely, question the wisdom of not doing what's right.
They might just see the light and at least you tried.
Also they may remember this when you come to them with other issues.

* Distance driven discount.
If one or more of your vehicles are used sparingly at best consider trying to get a discount for that.
This can be a significant discount.

* Driving a "safe" car by industry standards will fetch you a lower premium not to mention you'll be driving a safer car.

* When buying a car remember that some cars are more targeted by car thieves and of course your vehicle insurer will use that information to justify charging you more.
So when you do consider making that car purchase find out first if your insurance would suffer for it.

* Let your insurer know if you have a car alarm.

* Also, if you have a recovery device, such as a "low jack" make sure they know.

* Don't declare bankruptcy.
If you do you that will affect your cost going forward.
And not for the better.

* Fight any traffic tickets you do get.
To the hilt.
It's tempting to just pay a speeding or other traffic tickets and be done with it.
Particularly when you feel you were at fault.
DON'T!
Fight any tickets you do get and at least try to make sure you don't get any points assessed to your record.
* Pay upfront in six-month or even twelve-month blocks. You will still be paying up to years worth of car insurance up front.
Most companies will take down your premium for it.
This is one of the easiest and most overlooked ways to save.

* Take a defensive driving course.
And try to get a discount for it.

* Don't make small claims.
If you have a fender bender it's usually better to pay for the damage yourself (if it's your fault).
The increase in insurance rates going forward will make you wish you had just paid it yourself.

* Don't ever drink and drive.
Besides the dozens of other reasons typically cited it will absolutely skyrocket your insurance cost.
And it will do so for AT LEAST TEN YEARS.
At least.

* `Consider bundling.
We didn't say do it we said consider it.
Usually you will get a decent discount.

* Comparison shop way more often.
You likely don't comparison shop at all.
This fact alone could well be costing you hundreds of dollars a year.
Some insurers will offer customers with great driving records and high credit rating a much better rate just to lure you over.
Make sure they are reputable though.
* If your a homeowner your generally paying less than an apartment dweller.
So if you buy a home make sure you fight for that one.

* Loyal customer discounts.
While you should shop around for the best rates from reputable insurers make certain if you do stay with a specific insurer that you get a some sort of loyal customer rebate.

* Use a telematics device.
This will provide direct information to your insurance company that allows them to more fairly rate your policy cost.
It tells them things like how much you drive and when.

* Get a Dashcam installed in your car.
This can be a duel-edged sword. Protecting you when your clearly now at fault. But not so much if you are.
Still some companies will give you a discount for it.

* If your married to someone whose job is eligible for a discount use that to try to get a rebate.
Being married to a teacher, police officer, etc will often get you a lower rate.

* Take advantage of affinity groups. Being a member has its advantages.
A member of certain civic or religious organizations that is.
Make note of whatever group or organization you or your spouse belongs to and find out.

* If you feel you can't reduce your cost anymore (hint. you nearly always can) consider trying to get some freebies like free roadside assistance or free first accident forgiveness.
Your still saving money if your not spending more for something that usually cost money.

* Use The App.
Yup there's an app for everything including safe driving.
It will serve to more closely monitor your driving behavior but if you don't mind it will save you something.

* Provide your VIN When Requesting Auto Insurance Quotes.
This will give a potential insurer the detailed information he can have.
Also walking into an insurer's office with VIN number information shows your a serious customer and not just "kicking the tires".
Your insurer, or potential insurers, do have some discretion when setting your rates.

* Consider Automatic Payments.
As a rule I don't like to give any company direct access to my bank account.
But there are safe alternatives.
Some companies won't give any discounts for six or twelve month block payments but will give, substantial discounts to automatic billing.

* If your shopping in person display a serious professional yet affable demeanor toward the insurance agent.
He or she is doing their job.
Also they, the agents, do have some input in what they offer you as a best rate.

* Take Any Type of Driver’s Education.
Theres other courses besides defensive driving courses that can lower your premium.
The more you take the more you can save.
That said first contact your insurer to verify you whether you will get a discount for your trouble.

* Never be late on ANY BILLS.
If your insurer finds out your chronically late on certain bills they could use it as justification to either raise your rate or deny you certain discounts.
Remember leverage works both ways.

* Only deal with reputable companies.
It's not a deal if the company you choose is impossible to get hold of and its business model is barely clinging to life.
Thats a red flag.
Not a deal.

* Retiree Discounts.
If you have just retired tell your insurer your no longer working.
Maybe they can point you to a cheaper alternative to your current policy.

* Ask About Welcome Discounts or if your current insurer will match.
Usually its the insurer who will try to lure you in with such things as a new premium member.
Sometimes your current insurer will generally honor any competitors offers. Make sure the promotion offered is in writing.

* Fight every increase in insurance cost everytime.
Make them explain why you, a safe and careful driver have to pay more when you feel your record indicates to you, and any competing agent should be paying less.
Only one of four things can happen.
One they say their hands are tied and can't reduce the increase.
Second they decide they CAN reduce their increase at least somewhat.
Third they decide your a valuable customer and rescind the increase in its entirety.
Forth. YOU DECIDE you've had enough and go with a less expansive alternative with a reputable company.

* Don't have a car payment.
Most people don't realize if your making payments on a vehicle you're almost certainly REQUIRED to carry a much higher level of insurance than the bare-bones insurance your likely seeking.
Remember car loans can last SIX YEARS.
Don't have a car loan at all or at least pay it off as fast as possible.
Car payments combined with higher insurance easily means THOUSANDS of extra dollars every year.

* Don't add aftermarket products if possible.
Spoilers and custom exhaust systems might add to your policy cost.

* If your credit score has improved since you began coverage with a particular insurer ask them to re-adjust the charged premium.
If they won't that's a huge red flag.

* Start the comparison shopping duties a month or two before your renewal.

* Use Comparison Sites and if you do find a rate you like contact the company directly.

* Consider E-insurance.
Online only insurers are the cheapest around.
By far.
But this ultra low price comes with a different cost.
Eveything is done online and it can be frustrating when you really feel the need for face to face help.
Older drivers in particular are inherently opposed to E-insurance.
Younger drivers the opposite. You have to research the company of course but E-insurance seems to be becoming a more valid option.

* Take Advantage of Referral Fees.
If you like your insurer reward them AND YOURSELF.
Referring someone to your insurer often will get you discounts with your current policy or other kinds of bonuses.

* Cosco.
Here we go way outside the box again.
But if you are a Cosco member already you may be eligible for significantly discounted insurance through their relationship through Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance.
Some members post online positive experiences, with very low cost rates combined with a live person you can actually call.
* If your comfortable using the insurers recommended mechanic use them. Sometimes this is a good idea sometimes not.
Sometimes you will get a discount using the insuring agents recommended mechanic.
It can to be sure fraught with contradictory interest being served, The agent may even getting some kind of bonus for steering customers their way.
All this said good mechanics are never easy to find. If you happen to find one that will also help lower your rate then maybe.

* Bundling isn't just for car insurance.
The emphasis here is on CAR insurance and how to save on it.
Very often you can get even steeper discounts for bundling multiple cars along with a homeowners policy, if of course you need a homeowners policy.
These bundle discounts can be nearly unbeatable.
Not always. But often.

* Signing documents online will sometimes entitle you to a discount because you're saving the agents time.
Oftentimes this is just a gimme so the agent doesn't have to schedule a face to face when some office clerk can do this for him online.

* If your vehicle is in a garage or other well-secured area with a home security device you should definitely get a discount for this.
This not only lowers your car insurance it helps defray the cost of a good home security system which you should have anyway.

* Longtime customer discount.

As opposed to the loyal customer discount this discount is usually for customers who have been with an insurer an even longer period of time.
It's often automatically a 1%-2% discount to your policy. Make sure it's not being overlooked.
The loyal customer discount is generally a specified (three year no claims) one-time rebate that then gives way to the longtime customer discount.
Again if you've made no claims or incurred no tickets in the last billing cycle and your car insurance premium still goes up its a red flag you should immediately investigate.
* Let your insurer know your using winter tires when appropriate.
A lesser known opportunity for a discount but since you should be using winter tires in the winter anyway let it save you a few bucks.

* This one is for multi-vehicle households.
Seriously consider dropping insurance altogether if you know one of your cars can't or won't be used for and expended period of time.
Perhaps fall is turning to winter and only one of your vehicles is winter worthy. If your not using the vehicle anyway consider temporarily dropping it.
Or at the very least think about changing the vehicle your not going to be used to a low mileage discount policy.

* If your using an in-person agent make sure there's not only availability but also willingness to work with you.
Some agents don't like being "bothered" for "every little thing".
If that's his or her attitude go into the relationship knowing what it is.
That doesn't mean you should constantly badger your agent for every little thing but it does mean they should be fast and helpful whenever you can reasonably expect it.
This is their job and they're paid to do their job.
But be reasonable and polite.
It's also is a huge help for your agent to have all your expected discounts questions the first time you meet up.

* Never let anyone not authorized to drive your vehicle drive it.

* If possible work directly with the insurer and not with one of their agents.
Some won't let you some will. Try though and expect your cost to be lower.

* Make sure your insurer gets your occupation correctly.
Some job titles can expect to pay more.
If your warehouse worker make sure your job title isn't listed as factory worker etc.
Make sure if your job changes to something with a lower cost let your insurer know.
* If you've comparison-shopped hard and still can't get more than a 5% reduction on your insurance, and your happy with the service they currently provide, stay put.
* Drive Safely.
This shouldn't have to be explained, so just drive safely.