Safe driving does more than keep your car dent-free and protect you and other drivers. It can also help you save money on your car insurance. Insurance companies love responsible drivers. Because good driving habits prevent accidents, they help prevent insurance claims. That saves insurers money – and they pass that savings on to you through lower premiums. 

There are many ways to use safe driving habits to lower your car insurance premiums. 

5 ways to reduce your car insurance costs 

Lower your car insurance rates with safe driving apps (telematics) 

When you’re behind the wheel, it’s best to keep your hands off your phone. Some states even have laws banning you from using your phone while driving. But there’s one type of app you can always use safely while driving – a safe driving app. 

Many insurance companies offer safe driving apps, also called telematics apps. Telematics is the name for technology that tracks driving data. These apps use GPS and your phone’s accelerometer to measure things like your speed, how aggressively you accelerate and brake, and whether you text while driving. 

Some insurers offer a 10 percent discount just for downloading their safe driving app. They grant you a bigger discount for actually driving safely with the app, usually 30 to 40 percent off your annual rate. But be careful – if you drive poorly, they might raise your rate instead. Only download a safe driving app if you’re sure you can meet your insurer’s driving habits standards. 

Save money with defensive driver training discounts 

See if your insurance company offers defensive driver training discounts. If they do, they should have a list of approved courses. Pick one from the list and get learning! A defensive driving course will teach you how to keep your cool in stressful driving situations and stay out of trouble on the road. The discount you earn can lower your car insurance premium by 5 to 10 percent. 

Own a safer car 

The cost of insuring a car can vary a lot. Insurers charge lower premiums for cars that cost less and are less likely to be involved in an accident. What are they looking for? Reliability and safety features. If you’re car shopping, you can save money on insurance by picking something affordable with robust safety features. Look for things like side curtain airbags, lane departure warning, or an anti-theft device. Insurance companies also see used cars with some mileage on them as safer, since those cars have already proven they can survive out on the road. 

Raise your deductibles 

Deductibles define how much you pay out of pocket before your insurance starts to cover a claim. Each car insurance coverage has its own deductible. If you have the savings to pay for a more expensive claim, consider raising your deductibles. Raising your deductibles shows your insurer that you don’t expect to file a lot of claims. That makes them more willing to lower your premiums. Before raising your deductibles, assess your overall financial situation. Talk to your insurance agent to see if the premium savings will be worth the risk of a higher deductible. 

Maintain a clean driving record 

The best way to prove that you’re a responsible driver is the most obvious one: drive responsibly. Accidents, moving violations, and other driving offenses can all raise your premium. So, to keep your rates reasonable, practice good driving habits. Always follow the rules of the road. Choose a designated driver if you’re partying. And never text or use your phone while driving.  

Safe driving habits help you save money 

Another fun fact: did you know that aggressive driving uses more gas than calm, safe driving? Research by the Department of Energy showed that speeding and slamming on the brakes can lower your gas mileage by 10-30 percent. Good driving habits don’t just keep you safe and lower the cost of your car insurance. They also help you improve your fuel efficiency. Plus, your passengers (and those eggs in your grocery bags) will appreciate a smooth ride. 

Still looking for ways to lower your car insurance premiums? Contact Surround Insurance. We can help you get multiple quotes so you can comparison shop, and we’ll identify discounts you might not realize you qualify for.