NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Chances are you’re paying more for car insurance these days. On average, 18 percent more! So how would you like to save some money?
No one wants to pay more than they have to, especially for something necessary but not all that fun. We’re talking about car insurance, so let’s kick it in high gear.
Here are five ways to slash your premium.
Increase Your Deductible: Now might be the time if you haven’t raised your deductible recently. Consider a thousand-dollar deductible to save on your annual premium.
Remember, you’re increasing your potential out-of-pocket repair costs after a crash, so make sure you have access to the money just in case. Or use the savings to build an emergency fund.
Drop Collision and Comprehensive Insurance: As your car's years and miles pile up, its value decreases. That lowered value might not justify the expense of paying for collision and comprehensive coverage.
“As a general rule, when the premium is more than 10 percent of the car’s value, it’s time to consider dropping collision, and maybe comprehensive, too,” said Consumer Reports' Chuck Bell.
Take a Defensive Driving Course: Some insurance companies let you take a safe-driving course to get a discount. It only takes a few hours, tends to cost around $25 and the savings can add up. And you might even be able to take the course online.
Shop Around Then Bundle: You may be able to save hundreds a year by combining your home and auto policies.
Sign Up for Driver Monitoring: You can save up to $800 with some insurance companies if you allow them to track your driving habits with a smartphone app or a device that plugs into your car’s diagnostic port—so long as you prove to be a safe driver.
There are some trade-offs, remember you’re giving up some privacy, in much the same way you do when using certain smartphone apps in exchange for a potential discount.
If you drive under 10,000 miles per year, you should know about this. Most insurance companies factor in annual mileage in their pricing.
So if you're not driving ten thousand miles a year, make sure your insurance company knows that and you could save about $100.
Recently while home sick, I got to watch the news just like you — a viewer! And I have to brag on my co-workers. Not only are they great people and journalists, but they are also tremendous advocates. Look no further than the recent reporting by Amanda Roberts and Jennifer Kraus. This kind of reporting takes dogged commitment. To us, it's always more than a story; this is our home too.
- Carrie Sharp
