Insurance might seem like an unnecessary expense, but you’ll be glad you have it when the unexpected happens. Even if you’re a great driver, other people on the road might not be. Storms can cause unexpected damage to your home, no matter how well you take care of it. A simple household chore could somehow land you in the hospital. Insuring yourself, your family and your belongings means having confidence that you’ll be OK no matter what life throws at you.
Keep. Dropping your insurance coverage might save you now, but it will mean higher premiums in the long run.
Review. When it’s time to renew your policy, review it to make sure you’re covered for the right amount.
Discuss. Not sure what you need or how to make your payments? Ask our experts for help!
6 Ways to Lower Insurance Costs
Use these tips to help you cut down your insurance costs without cutting corners.
A low credit score can translate into higher insurance costs. The good news is that you can improve your credit score and qualify for better rates. Schedule a free Credit History Lesson to learn more about your credit score and how to improve it.
You can usually lower your monthly coverage costs by opting for a higher deductible. If you decide to do this, it’s a good idea to open a savings account to establish an emergency fund so you have money for the deductible if and when you need it.
By purchasing multiple policies through the same company, you can typically see a 15 percent savings on your auto insurance premiums and a 10 percent savings on your homeowner’s insurance premiums.
If you get pulled over for speeding, you might pay for it beyond just a speeding ticket. If you’re more than 10 mph over the speed limit in a 35- to 55-mph-zone, it will raise your auto insurance premiums for three years.
If you have a student-driver, consider this an extra incentive for her to do well in school: A good-student discount can typically shave off 15 percent on your auto insurance premiums for the vehicle the student drives. The student usually needs to carry at least a B average, or GPA of 3.0 or higher.
It costs less to purchase a life insurance policy when you’re age 40 or younger. But if you are in your 50s or 60s and are looking for life insurance, larger companies will typically provide more cost-effective coverage.
What To Do After an Auto Accident
Being in a fender bender is never fun, but keeping your cool after an accident can help you protect yourself during the claims process.
- Call the police, especially if there are injuries.
- Obtain and verify identification from everyone involved.
- Don’t admit fault – let the insurance companies work it out.
- Document the scene by taking pictures.
- Call your insurance agent right away.
Calculators & Resources
- Vehicle payment
Estimate your payment before heading to the dealership. - Vehicle affordability
Figure out what car price and monthly payment you can afford. - Auto refinance
Find out whether you could lower your payments by refinancing your car loan. - Lease vs. buy
Compare the expenses of buying vs. leasing your next ride. - Mini-Max financing
Calculate a monthly payment with Dupaco’s lease-like option.
