Ask for higher deductiblesĭeductibles are what you pay before your insurance policy kicks in. To help you decide what car to buy, you can get information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( 3. Many insurers offer discounts for features that reduce the risk of injuries or theft.
Car insurance premiums are based in part on the car’s price, the cost to repair it, its overall safety record and the likelihood of theft. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costsīefore you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. You can use the checklist on the back of this brochure to help you compare quotes from insurers. Pick an agent or company representative that takes the time to answer your questions. Contact your state insurance department to find out whether they provide information on consumer complaints by company. Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. They sell directly to consumers over the phone or via the Internet.ĭon’t shop by price alone. Some sell through independent agents who offer policies from several insurance companies. These agencies have the same name as the insurance company. Get quotes from different types of insurance companies. Check the financial health of insurance companies with rating companies such as AM Best ( and Standard & Poor’s ( and consult consumer magazines. It’s important to pick a company that is financially stable. You buy insurance to protect you financially and provide peace of mind. Your state insurance department may also provide comparisons of prices charged by major insurers. You can call companies directly or access information on the Internet. Prices vary from company to company, so it pays to shop around. Listed below are other things you can do to lower your insurance costs. One of the best ways to keep your auto insurance costs down is to have a good driving record.