Are you a savvy saver looking to cut your insurance expenses without losing coverage? If so, read on and learn how to effectively reduce your insurance premiums. The following strategies can be leveraged to make insurance more affordable.
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Shop Around and Compare Quotes
Don’t settle on the first plan you find. Look around and compare your options. Insurance premiums vary between providers, though on average, US residents can expect to pay $477 per month for health coverage and $2,681 per year for full coverage car insurance. If those numbers shock you, don’t panic—you may be able to get a lower rate with some research and patience.
Obtain quotes from various providers and compare pros and cons, your needs versus wants, and what you are willing to sacrifice, either financially or in terms of coverage. Platforms like InsuranceQuotes make it easy to compare plans and get a detailed overview of what each option entails.
Bundle Your Policies for Lower Insurance Premiums
Did you know that many insurance companies offer discounts to those who bundle policies? For example, by purchasing both home and auto insurance from the same provider, you can reduce your overall premium costs.
Managing multiple policies through one provider also simplifies administration and billing, potentially lowering administrative costs for the insurer. The customer benefits through savings and improved efficiency, and the provider benefits by driving customer loyalty and profit. It’s really a win-win for everyone.
Increase Your Deductibles
Upping your insurance deductibles can lower premium costs due to the way providers assess risk and pricing. A deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket before your coverage kicks in, and basically, when you opt for a higher deductible, you agree to bear a greater portion of the initial claim cost.
This reduces the financial burden on the insurance company and they, in turn, reward you with lower insurance premiums. For instance, if you increase your auto insurance deductible from $500 to $1,000, you might only have to pay $100 for monthly premiums rather than $200.
Just make sure you can actually afford the deductible. The last thing you want to be worrying about in the event of an emergency is coming up with the funds to pay for it.
Maintain a Good Credit Score
We’ve all heard of the importance of maintaining good credit, and it can lead to major savings on premiums. Most insurers use credit-based insurance scores to assess policyholder risk. In fact, research in auto insurance shows that individuals with higher credit scores tend to file fewer claims and be more responsible with payments.
It’s simple, really: insurers want to minimize risk. You want to lower your insurance premiums. You can align your objectives with theirs by demonstrating fiscal responsibility. By doing so, you prove that you’re less of a risk, and they will be more likely to offer lower premiums.
Insurance companies use various factors from your credit report, including payment history and types of credit used, to determine your overall score. You can get a higher score by paying bills on time, keeping card balances low, and managing debt.
Embrace Security
Installing safety features in your home and car doesn’t just offer protection, but can lead to insurance premium discounts. Smoke detectors, burglar alarms, and advanced car safety technology are green flags to insurers—they let them know that you take security seriously and are thus less likely to file claims.
Review Your Coverage Annually
Your insurance needs can change from year to year, which is why it’s important to review your coverage on an annual basis and make adjustments as necessary. You may find that certain coverages no longer apply, or that you’ve sold items that were uninsured.
Updating your policy can lead to substantial cost savings. This annual review is also a great time to inquire about any new discounts or loyalty rewards that have become available since last time you checked. The bottom line? It pays to stay on top of your coverage.
Ask About Insurance Premium Discounts
It never hurts to ask about discounts or savings. For example, some car insurance companies offer savings like:
- Good Driver Discounts: For drivers that go a certain amount of time without getting in an accident or being cited for reckless violations.
- Student Discounts: For students enrolled in high school or college and who maintain a specified grade average, usually B or better.
- Low-Mileage Discounts: For drivers with fewer miles on their cars. Often, they are required to download an app or install a device to track their driving habits.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider to inquire about potential savings. They can help you navigate the field and determine which discounts may apply to you.
Start Saving on Insurance Premiums Today
It’s no secret that insurance premiums are on the rise, but by exploring your options, you can lower your rates. Don’t wait—get started today and start saving your hard-earned cash. For more financial tips, be sure to follow our blog. To have information like this delivered to your inbox, consider joining us.
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