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Car Insurance: Mid-Year Car Insurance Review

It might be hard to believe, but 2007 is already halfway over! In fact, the holiday shopping season starts in just 145 days. More pressing, you may have noticed a little more strain on your travel budget this summer thanks to soaring gas prices. Need some financial breathing-room? A mid-year review of your auto insurance premiums may be able to offset some of those unavoidable costs.

It's a fact that insurance companies are always changing their rates, whether you know it or not. In fact, in some parts of the country, an industry price war is mounting among carriers, in the same manner that airlines slash prices: to gain consumer market share.

In these times, it's the shopping consumer that benefits from the competition through lower premiums. Accordingly, even if you haven't made any claims in the first half of the year, or received any tickets for that matter, you may be a different driver now than you were at the beginning of the year. It takes a 6-month review of your premiums to identify such savings though.

Don't continue to overspend on your car insurance in 2007 — and don't wait till the end of the year to make adjustments. Your potential savings are better used for the cost of gas, vehicle registration costs, tolls, parking, and the other hidden costs of owning a car.

1. Shop and Compare Rates Every 6 Months
In 2007, if you check your car insurance rates in January, make sure your check them again in the summer. According to an independent study, people who compare rates and switch carriers at InsWeb.com save an average of $301* on a six-month policy. Consider the savings over 12 months!

2. Select Higher Deductibles
Simply put, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Indeed the cost of an accident will be that much more expensive; however, if the damage is minor (grey zone in making accident claim), you'll be spending the same out-of-pocket amount regardless.

3. Make a Cheaper Policy Even Cheaper: Don't Pay in Monthly Installments
Additional administrative fees are commonly applied to payments when you split your premium into installments (i.e. monthly, semi-annual, annual). Be aware that a monthly fee of even $7 can add up to $84 over 12 months.

4. Look for Multi-Line Insurance Discounts
The most under recognized car insurance discount results from the multi-line insurance policy: buying your auto insurance and your homeowners insurance from the same insurance company. According to the Insurance Information Institute, a multi-line policy can save you up to 15% on both premiums.

5. Collect on Your Good Driving
Most insurance companies reward good driving with lower premiums. In fact, in some states a good driving discount is required by law. If you haven't had any accidents or tickets in the last three to five years, shop at InsWeb.com and see whether you are missing out on this money saving discount.

6. Don't Overpay for Tickets
Unfortunately moving violations are an accurate reflection of your liability to an insurance company, and your rates can skyrocket as a result. Perhaps you deserve a higher rate, but don't let the insurance company unduly punish you. Shop around and see if you can find a more reasonable rate with another company.

7. Look for Safe Vehicle Discounts
Many companies offer discounts for various safety features on your vehicle, including air bags, alarms, factory-installed mechanical seatbelts and antilock brakes. In getting updated insurance quotes, be sure to indicate such safety features to benefit from available discounts.

8. Don't Pay for Unnecessary Coverage
You may be paying for coverage that you don't need. For example, you may be a member of an auto club that provides towing services, yet you're also paying for towing on your auto insurance policy. Look for opportunities to eliminate unnecessary costs.

9. Look for a Good Student Discount or Senior Discount
Students currently enrolled in school often receive a discount on auto insurance for good grades, as many companies feel conscientious students make conscientious drivers. Similarly, insurance companies are known to value the wisdom of an experienced driver, offering discounts to drivers over 50 as a result.

10. Pay Less for Driving Less
Many insurance companies will offer discounts on vehicles that incur low annual mileage. In fact, some companies have a predetermined number of what they consider low mileage. Has your commute changed? If so, it might save you money to get an updated quote.

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