You’ve got more than enough bills to worry about, so why add car insurance costs to the table? Well, you need insurance to protect your vehicle in case of an accident. Luckily, paying insurance premiums doesn’t have to break the bank. Savvy drivers know there’s a world of discounts out there – as long as you know where to look. We’ll show you how to navigate car insurance discounts to get the best coverage without draining your wallet.

Types of car insurance discounts 

 Car insurance discounts come in many forms, catering to different parts of your driving habits and regular life. If you want to maximize your savings, browse the options and see which ones apply to you. 

Accident-free and safe driver discounts 

One of the most common ways to save on car insurance is to keep a clean driving record. On average, safer drivers file fewer claims, making them less expensive for insurance companies to manage. Keeping a clean record makes you highly valuable, so you can expect car insurance discounts to incentivize the habit. 

To qualify you for accident-free and safe driver discounts, insurance providers typically look at your driving history over a specific period, often three to five years. A clean driving record usually means you haven’t been involved in any at-fault accidents or received significant traffic violations such as DUIs, hit-and-runs, driving without a license, or excessive speeding.

Your insurance company probably tracks your eligibility for accident-free and safe driver discounts, but you can be proactive about qualifying for and keeping those discounts. Regularly check your driving record for accuracy and take defensive driving courses to enhance your skills and qualify for additional discounts. Just be sure to check with your insurance company before taking a defensive driving course – not every course meets every insurer’s requirements. 

Multi car or shared family car discount 

If you have multiple vehicles in your household, like a parent’s car, a sibling’s car, or even your own, you might be eligible for a multi car discount. This discount encourages families to consolidate their insurance policies, leading to substantial savings. To determine eligibility, coordinate with your family and contact your insurance provider for more information.

A shared family car discount, on the other hand, typically applies if multiple people share a single vehicle. For example, if you drive your family member’s car, this could be worth looking into. Note that some policies require one of the drivers to be under 20 years old, so this won’t apply in all situations.

Nonowner auto insurance 

Here’s a secret: even if you don’t currently have a car, staying insured can have unexpected benefits when you do decide to purchase a vehicle. Nonowner auto insurance provides continuous liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. In other words, it’s tied to you as a driver, not a specific car. This not only protects you but will also appeal to insurance providers. It’s responsible, low-risk behavior, which leads to better car insurance discounts. 

If you want to learn more about nonowner auto insurance, read this post on Surround Insurance.

When I buy a car, will I qualify for insurance discounts if I’ve been on my parents’ policy? 

In most cases, being on your parents’ auto insurance doesn’t automatically qualify you for specific discounts. Insurance providers tend to distinguish between being a listed driver on a family policy and having continuous personal insurance history. While your time on your parents’ policy demonstrates experience as a driver, it may not directly translate to discounts.

Home and auto ownership discounts 

Did you know being a homeowner can lower your car insurance costs? Many insurance providers view homeowners as more responsible and stable individuals, so they offer discounts to homeowners. Along with these standalone car insurance discounts, you can also bundle your home and auto insurance policies under the same provider for more savings. 

Of course, not all insurance providers offer the same discounts or provide the best overall deal. Make sure to shop around. Compare quotes from different insurance companies, considering both the cost and the coverage. You want to strike the right balance between affordability and protection. 

Pay-per-mile discounts 

If you don’t drive your car often, pay-per-mile insurance might be a game-changer. This policy calculates your premium based on the number of miles you drive. This discount can significantly lower your insurance costs if you use public transportation or work from home. It’s a win-win for both environmentally conscious drivers and those seeking cost-effective coverage. Make sure you understand the policy, though. Exceeding your mileage limit could lead to unexpected premium increases. Stay mindful of your driving habits! 

Good student discounts 

If you take your grades seriously, you can expect more than just a boost to your GPA. Many insurers offer car insurance discounts for students who demonstrate responsible behavior with good grades. This is a great incentive for young drivers to excel academically and enjoy the financial benefits of being a diligent student. 

Learn more about good student discounts, including the exact GPA requirements. 

Anti-theft device discounts 

Investing in the security of your vehicle can lead to significant savings, as well as peace of mind. If your car has anti-theft devices like alarms, steering wheel locks, or GPS tracking systems, insurance companies may offer discounts. Tell your insurance provider about any devices installed in your vehicle and ask if any of them qualify you for a discount.  

Membership discounts 

Belonging to certain professional organizations, alumni associations, or clubs can unlock exclusive car insurance discounts. These memberships often signify responsible and community-oriented behavior – which insurance companies appreciate. Check with your workplace, trade union, alma mater, or professional club (like the American Bar Association) to see if they partner with any insurance providers. 

Navigate the road to maximum savings 

Remember: affordable car insurance is an option, as long as you understand the opportunities available to you. Need help sorting through the options? Reach out to an agent at Surround Insurance. We’re here to help you find the best car insurance discounts for comprehensive coverage.