Some Helpful Tips Toward Low Cost Auto Insurance
There are many factors that will determine any individual's final auto insurance cost in Illinois. There are a great many reasons that premiums vary from person to person, among them:
- The car itself that the policy holder drives. More expensive cars will tend to have more expensive insurance rates, because the risk of such a car being stolen is higher.
- The place of the policy holder's residence is also a factor the insurance company considers. Living in an area known for a lot of auto accidents, or with a high incidence of crime, especially vandalism or auto theft, will raise auto insurance fees.
- Driving record, age, sex, and even marital status all have some determination in the final tabulation of premiums.
No matter what anyone's circumstances might be, however, there are ways to save some money on auto insurance. All that's needed is some good information, perhaps in the form of helpful tips. Fortunately, tips of that very nature follow, and at least one, if not all of them, will net anyone who follows them some extra money when they sign that car insurance policy.
Seven Tips to Low Cost Car Insurance
Tip #1: Do not go with the first option available. It is not a good idea to pick the same company as a friend or a family member, or just pick one that sounds good straight out of the Yellow Pages. Contrast and compare different insurance providers. It is just as important to shop around for auto insurance as it was to buy the car in the first place. Ask for at least three quotes from three different companies to see where the best deal may be.
Tip #2: Take a defensive driving course. Many insurance companies will honor this with lower rates, because a skilled driver is a safer driver and less of a risk.
Tip #3: Pay insurance in the biggest installments possible. In other words, annual payments are better than quarterly payments, which are better than monthly payments. There are usually fees attached to the act of breaking up the payments.
Tip #4: Safety features save lives and money. Air bags, alarms, and anti-lock brakes, among other security and safety measures, will more likely than not grant a reduction in car insurance premiums. Because it reduces the risk of theft or injury, it will also reduce the risk to insure the car.
Tip #5: Maintain a good credit history. Insurance companies like to see customers who pay all their bills on time, because it means the insurance providers will likely get the same treatment. If the credit bureaus have good ratings for a particular driver, that driver will be offered better quotes.
Tip #6: Anyone who has served in the military should ask for a discount.
Tip #7: Just working might mean a discount. Statistically, certain people like scientists, engineers, or teachers have a lower incidence of accidents. Just be being a member of one of those professions or something similar may also mean a discount and another way to get low cost vehicle insurance.