We all wish we didn’t have to pay for auto insurance every month, but it’s unavoidable. Even if you are the safest driver on the road, and would never hit another car, you still need insurance to protect your car from other people.
And you can’t trust others, especially when they are driving massive, heavy-weight, metal vehicles at insane speeds while looking at their cell phones.
But if you’d like to save as much money each month as possible, it’s up to you to at least find cheap auto insurance, so that you don’t have to waste all your hard-earned money each month.
For many people, car insurance is a major expense each month. If they could just lower it by 10 or 20 percent, they would free up extra cash that could be used to pay down debt, save up for a major purchase, or just have more fun.
Does that sound like you? Then keep reading to discover the best ways to find cheap full coverage auto insurance.
Ditch the Car
No, this option isn’t for everyone. In fact, most people will scoff at this idea. In America, we’ve become so accustomed to owning and using cars for everything that most people couldn’t imagine living without a car.
In fact, eight out of 10 people in the US own a car. More Americans own cars than people in almost every other country in the world.
But it is possible to live without a car. Most car trips are under five miles. If you live in a big city, or if you live near your workplace, living without a car would be easier than you think.
This is especially true in our day in age when groceries can be delivered to our front door. An Uber can be called upon at a moment’s notice. And bikes come with motors so that you don’t even have to pedal very hard.
If you’d like to save thousands of dollars every year on car insurance, car payments, and car maintenance, going car-free is a great idea. You could instead get a moped, a bicycle, or an electric bike for a more fun, more affordable, and more active lifestyle.
Move to a Cheaper State
Not ready to leave your car behind? Another way to lower your insurance payments is to move to a state where car insurance costs less.
Car insurance in Michigan and Louisiana, for example, are the most expensive in the country. These states are two times more expensive than the national average. Florida and California are up there, too. Cheap auto insurance in Florida and California is still a major expense, due to high traffic and accident rates.
Just living and driving in these states will result in you wasting over $1,000 each year compared to residents in other states. Even just moving one state over can potentially save you a lot of money.
If you are open to moving across the country, the states with the lowest auto insurance rates include Maine, Ohio, Idaho, and Washington.
Pay Off Your Car
If you have a loan on your car, then you are required to have full coverage insurance. This is the most expensive type of insurance to get, though it offers the most protection.
If your car is totaled in an accident, your lender wants to ensure they get all of their money back. But since this is statistically unlikely, not having full coverage is an option to save money each month.
To do this, though, you’ll need to either pay off your car’s loan or sell it and buy a cheaper car with cash. If you own the vehicle outright, you have more flexibility when choosing an insurance policy and coverages.
Drive Safe
Many larger insurance companies offer discounts when you meet certain criteria. One of the most important factors is a safe driving record.
If you make it a year without an accident, a claim, or a ticket, you may earn yourself a monthly discount. So practicing safe driving habits will pay off in more ways than one.
Compare Insurance Providers
When you are looking for affordable car insurance policies, you need to be willing to put in the time to research and compare your options. Most people are lazy and choose the first company they see online.
Or they stick with a familiar, name-brand name that they’ve seen on TV. But if you want good coverage for the lowest amount of money, you need to spend some time getting quotes from as many different providers as possible.
Consider working with an independent insurance agent who isn’t tied to any particular provider. They’ll be able to find you the best rates without secretly recommending you to a company based on the commission they will earn.
Bundle Auto Insurance With Other Policies
You can often save money by bundling multiple insurance policies together. When you have multiple policies with any particular provider, they are willing to offer discounts since you are still paying them more money each month.
You can often bundle homeowners insurance with your auto insurance policy. Others may include RV, boat, or motorcycle insurance.
Pay for Cheap Auto Insurance Upfront
Another way to earn a discount on your insurance policy is to pay upfront. Oftentimes, providers give you the option to pay for an entire year at once or to pay monthly.
When you pay monthly, you’ll typically spend a bit more. Paying annually can usually save you around five percent, depending on the insurance provider that you choose. It’s not a lot of money, but every little bit counts.
When coupled with other strategies listed above, your monthly savings can really add up.
Cheap Auto Insurance Near Me
There are many ways to find cheap auto insurance. It starts with time spent researching, comparing, and requesting quotes. Then it also comes down to individual choices as far as where you live, what type of car you drive, and so forth.
Don’t settle for high insurance rates. There’s always a way to save money.
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