There are many factors that help reduce your auto insurance rates. The 2 that we are all most aware of is the number of years you have been driving, and your driving record - how many tickets and accidents have you had in the past 3 years. But there are other factors that affect your rate. Some within your control and some that are not. Following are some additional factors that can help you save money on your auto insurance:
- Deductible for comprehensive and collision. Policies are typically written with deductibles ranging between $100 to $1,000. Higher deductibles are available. Naturally, the higher the deductible the higher your discount. Just be sure not to pick a deductible that is more than you can afford to pay if you have an accident. Remember, if you have a $1,000 deductible and have a collision claim, you will be responsible to pay the first $1,000 before the insurance company pays anything.
- Multi-policy discounts. This can be a BIG discount. Our companies offer between 10% - 25%. Sometimes the discount on the auto is enough to pay for your homeowners insurance. Call us and we can work up a quote to include this discount.
- Car alarms. A car alarm typically only reduces your comprehensive coverage because theft is included in this coverage. The discount varies by company. If you have an alarm be sure to check and see if this discount is included in your rate.
- Occupational Discounts. Many companies offer discounts for certain professions, degrees and even for employees of certain large companies. For example, we work with Civil Service Employees Insurance Group (CSE) and they offer special discounts for all government employees. Travelers offers you a discount if you are an engineer, scientist, educator, doctors, dentists and CPA’s. Be sure your agent checks to see if you qualify for any of these discounts. When your policy is first written you should receive all of your qualifying discounts but over the years you might change professions and companies add discounts that they offer.
- Good Student Discount. Most companies offer a discount for full time students with a B average or better.
- Car pooling. If you are in a car pool, be sure that your agent knows. Many companies determine your rate by how far you drive to work and how many days a week. If you car pool and only drive 50% of the time and you work 5 days a week, your rate will be based on 2.5 days per week instead of 5.
- Type of Car. The type of car you drive can also have a big impact on your insurance. The rate is based on the value of your car and whether or not it is a standard performance, high performance or sports car and a variety of other factors. If you are planning on buying a new car give us a call first and we can work up a variety of quotes for you based on the cars you are considering.
At Sutherland-Scherff Insurance Services we are constantly reviewing our client’s policies to be sure they are receiving the best rate we can offer. Most times you won’t even be aware we are shopping your policy for you. But then there is the time we call you to say “Don’t pay that renewal premium you just received. We can save you money on your auto insurance if we change companies for you.”
