Get the Cheapest Insurance Rates
Getting the best deal on insurance is crucial to saving money, but finding affordable coverage can be tricky. By shopping around, understanding the factors that affect your rates, and taking advantage of discounts, you can secure the cheapest insurance for your needs. Here are some tips for getting the lowest rates on car, home, health, and life insurance.
Compare Rates from Multiple Providers
The first step to finding the cheapest insurance is to compare rates from a variety of providers. Each company uses its own formulas to calculate premiums, so the price for the same coverage can vary widely between insurers. Get quotes from at least three to five companies when shopping for any type of insurance. Look at both large national carriers and smaller regional or local providers. Online insurance marketplaces like InsuranceQuotes, SelectQuote, and PolicyGenius make it easy to compare quotes from multiple insurers at once.
Consider Bundling Your Policies
Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies, such as home and auto insurance, with them. Bundling can save you 10% or more on your total insurance costs. Shop around to see which insurer offers the biggest discount for bundled coverage. Just make sure you still compare rates on the individual policies—bundling only saves money if the insurer’s prices are competitive to start with.
Raise Your Deductible
For car, home, and health insurance, choosing a higher deductible—the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in—typically results in a lower premium. Evaluate how much you can afford to pay in the event of a claim and select the highest deductible you’re comfortable with. This can reduce your rates significantly. However, don’t raise the deductible so high that it’s unaffordable if you do have an accident or claim.
Enhance Home Security
Adding security measures like deadbolt locks, alarm systems, security cameras, and fire/smoke detectors can lower your home insurance rates. Let your insurer know about any safety upgrades you add. Some companies offer discounts just for installing specific security devices. Making your home more secure means fewer risks for the insurer, so they pass the savings on to you.
Improve Your Credit Score
Insurers often use credit-based insurance scores to help set premiums. Maintaining a high credit score demonstrates responsibility and shows you are less of a risk, which can translate to lower rates. Pay bills on time, reduce debts, and check your credit report for errors to help improve your insurance score.
Inquire About Discounts
There are many common discounts to ask about that can help you score cheaper insurance:
- Good driver discounts reward safe driving records with lower car insurance rates.
- Safety feature discounts apply if your vehicle has airbags, anti-lock brakes, anti-theft devices, and more.
- Defensive driver discounts on car insurance require taking a defensive driving course.
- Bundle discounts save you money for insuring multiple policies with the same provider.
- Loyalty discounts apply if you’ve stayed with your insurance company for several years.
- Occupational discounts apply if you work in certain professions like law enforcement, education, or healthcare.
The availability of discounts varies by state and insurer, so inquire about any you may qualify for when comparing rates.
Choose a Higher Health Plan Deductible
As with other types of insurance, choosing a higher deductible when selecting a health insurance plan leads to lower premiums. Calculate your expected healthcare expenses for the year and pick a deductible you can afford to pay in full if needed. Plans with deductibles of at least $1,000 for an individual or $2,000 for a family typically offer the lowest monthly rates.
Select the Right Auto Coverage Levels
Only buy as much car insurance coverage as you actually need. Consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage on older vehicles worth less than $1,000. Raise liability limits above your state minimum only if your assets are substantial. And avoid unnecessary add-ons like rental reimbursement or roadside assistance if you don’t value the perks. The right auto insurance coverage levels reduce your rates without leaving you underinsured.
Compare Rates Annually
Don’t just sign up with an insurer and let your policy auto-renew every year. Rates and discounts can change over time. Review your options at least once a year by getting new quotes. Switch providers if you find a much better deal on comparable coverage. Set a monthly calendar reminder to shop for cheaper insurance every 12 months.
Using these strategies can help you score lower rates for optimal insurance coverage. Compare multiple quotes, adjust your deductibles and coverage, and take advantage of discounts to maximize savings. With some research and smart planning, you can secure the cheapest insurance rates possible.
