I’m new to this whole car insurance thing but my friend says I should shop around for good rates. Just how do I get good rates?

Hillary

Santa Fe, NM

Getting car cheap insurance these days is actually not as hard as you might think, and it wouldn’t even involve spending hours on the phone with different agents or having to consult an insurance broker. Here are some very useful tips to get you started:

1. Compare Rates Effectively – Skip the broker/agents and go online to get and compare the latest rates. Use insurance comparison websites that offer free quote checks coming from a wide-variety of insurers. This is an effective way to maximize your chances of finding the best rates out there.

2. Choose the Best Insurer – Go to the website of any independent rating agency (e.g. A.M. Best, Moodys, or J.D. Powers) and see which car insurers have the best-overall service rating in your area. This can prove quite useful to finding the providers that not only has competitive pricing, but also excellent service.

3. Be Knowledgeable about Discounts - Discounts are an easy way to get car cheap insurance. It’s always good to know what you’re eligible for so don’t hesitate to ask your insurer.

4. Make Your Good Credit Work for You – If you have excellent credit, your insurer will see you as a more responsible driver and grant you lower car insurance rates.

5. Choose a Higher Deductible – The higher your deductible goes, the lower your premium becomes. Just don’t raise it too much so that you can still file a claim when you really need to.

6. Keep a Clean Driving Record – Simply the easiest and best way to enjoy affordable rates in the long-run is to avoid accidents and follow the rules while on the road.

7. Optimize Your Policy – Read your policy carefully and do away with coverage you don’t really need. If your car is old (and cheap) enough you might not need much comprehensive coverage.