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Car Insurance Discounts

We all like a bit of “money off” don’t we, discounts make us think that we’re getting a bit of a bargain, and there are many things for which your car insurance company might offer a discount, but don’t get carried away. It’s a bit like buying something which you didn’t really want, just because it was reduced and it was a bargain . . . Car insurance discounts are fantastic but don’t get too bamboozled by them . . . it’s the end price which really matters, and a car insurance company which doesn’t offer you a discount might be cheaper to start with.

Car Insurance Discounts

Right, now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s take a look at some of the typical discounts which might be available on your car insurance:

• Driver Education Courses – typically aimed at younger, more inexperienced drivers, some car insurance companies will offer a discount if you have been on a driver education course. Young drivers need all the discounts they can get so find out if you can reduce your car insurance premiums in this way.
• Good Student – whilst we’re on the subject of young drivers, some car insurance companies will offer a discount for students who maintain a “B” average in their studies. It shows that they are responsible students, and if they treat their studies responsibly, then hopefully they’ll have the same attitude towards their driving.
• Low Mileage – it stands to reason that the less driving you do, the less chance there is of you being involved in an accident. Some insurers will ask how far you will be driving over the term of your policy, (don’t worry, you won’t need a calculator to work out how far it is to work and back, multiplied by 10 times per week, less 4 weeks vacation plus a trip to Grannies twice a year), just a rough estimate will be f ine. The less you drive, the lower your car insurance premiums might be.
• Multiple Vehicles – is another way you might get a discount on your car insurance. If your family has more than one vehicle (which is most of us these days), then you might be able to get a little knocked off your car insurance if you insure them all with the same company. This might also work if you drive a company car which is insured by your employer, you might be able to get a little discount for your own private vehicle.
• Safety Devices – fitted to your car can also help you to be eligible for discounts on your car insurance.  It stands to reason as the more safety devices you have on your car, the less likely you are to be involved in an accident, and if you do have an accident any injuries should be less severe than if the safety devices weren’t there. Air bags, automatic seat belts, anti-lock braking systems, that sort of thing.
• Anti-Theft Devices – can also help you to get a discount. If your car is less likely to be stolen or vandalized, the car insurance company are less likely to have to pay out for it. Alarm systems and disablers are a couple of examples.
• Auto/Home Package – insurance companies want your business, so if you take out your home insurance and car insurance with the same company, you might be eligible for a little discount.
• Good Driver Renewal – in many other sections I’ve told you not to automatically renew your car insurance with the same company at renewal time, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t talk to them about it. Some insurance companies will offer a discount if you’ve maintained a good driving record when it comes to renewing your car insurance policy.

Right, remember that it’s not the amount of money you’ll save which is important, it’s the amount of money it will cost you in the end.  Don’t ask if there’s a discount, ask how much the discount will be and make sure that you get every discount you qualify for, they might not offer the information but if you ask they’ll tell you. Here’s a quick checklist then, to help you on your way. Are there discounts available for:

• More than 1 car
• Driver Training Courses
• No accidents over the last 3 years
• No moving violations over the last 3 years
• Driving courses
• Low annual mileage
• Anti-theft devices
• Anti-lock brakes
• Airbags
• Daytime running lights
• Students with good grades
• Long-time customer
• Auto and home insurance with the same company
• Any other discounts which they offer