6 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Costs

These days, it seems like everything is getting more and more expensive; cars included. Due to rising vehicle costs, insurance rates often follow suit. And while it doesn’t seem like this trend will end soon, there are many different things you can do to help lower your rates and help you save.

Compare Costs Before Purchasing your Vehicle

Before you buy that shiny, new 2018 model, look into insurance costs. Premiums are partially based on your vehicle’s price, how much it costs to repair or replace it, and safety. For example, did you know that vehicles with high crash test scores ~usually~ get lower rates? Be sure to consider all these elements when it comes to deciding which vehicle to get. However, if you do go for that newer model, know that your insurance costs might land on the higher side.

Shop Around (We can help with that!)

Once you’ve found the perfect vehicle, it’s time to shop around and find the right company. This can be a little intimidating, especially if you’re not familiar with fancy insurance terminology. Luckily, there are companies that can do all the work for you. At Amigo Insurance, for example, our specialized agents can help you find the right policy for the right price. All you have to do is Call Us, Quote Online, or Visit an Office to get a personalized search.

Maintain a Good Credit Score

Maintaining a good credit score should be a no-brainer. Not only does a good credit score affect credit applications, but insurers often use this information when pricing your auto policy. To maintain a good score, be sure to pay your bills on time, keep your credit balances low, and don’t take out any more than you absolutely need.

Purchase your Homeowners and Car Insurance from the Same Company

In some instances, insurers may cut you some slack if you buy more than one policy with them. Similarly, if you insure two or more vehicles with the same company, you may also see a reduction. Be sure to ask your agent about this to confirm it can be applied to your case.

Opt for Higher Deductibles

Deductibles are the amount you have to pay before an insurance policy kicks in. When purchasing your insurance, you can always ask for a higher deductible in order to save down the line. As Investopedia puts it, “the lower the deductible, the higher your annual premium. Conversely, the higher the deductible, the lower the premium”. Ask your agent about this option and see if this is something you could benefit from doing.

Get those Discounts!

Oftentimes companies can offer discounts to policyholders who haven’t been in an accident or have had a violation in a certain number of years. In addition, by taking a defensive driving course, insurers can also offer a discount – but if your reason for taking a course is solely for that discount, make sure to ask your agent/company if this is something that’s available.

pexels-photo-543605
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

Tips to Share the Road with Cyclists

As summer gets closer, we begin to see more and more cyclists accompanying us on the road. Therefore it’s important to recognize different types of actions that can help keep us, and our biker friends safe.

Similarly, cyclists can benefit from following these tips to enjoy a safe ride for them and stress-free drive for motorists.

1) Avoid technology while on the road

One of the most obvious tips is to avoid using electronic devices while driving your vehicle or riding your bike. By putting your phone, tablet or headphones down, you are able to focus on the road and stay on alert in the case of an accident or other unexpected occurrences.

2) Give plenty of space

It’s important for drivers to give cyclists plenty of space when sharing the road – especially when overtaking a bike on the street. To prevent any accidents or collisions, drivers must pass cyclists as if passing another vehicle. That is, moving into a different lane when safe to do so.

3) Learn hand signals

Just like drivers use their turn signals to indicate their next move, cyclists use hand signals to let drivers know what their next move is too. For example:

  • Right Turn: Fully extend right arm out to the side or bend left arm up at a right angle with your hand flat
  • Left Turn: Fully extend your left arm out to the side
  • Slow or Stop: Extend left arm out at the right angle with the hand open
share drives and bikes

4) Understand each other’s rights to the road

Did you know bicyclists have the same rights as drivers? It’s true! In fact, they are required by law to follow the same rules. So, it’s important for impatient drivers to realize that cyclists have every right to be on the road as they do. Similarly, bicyclists must not abuse this right by being careless.

While sharing the road can sometimes be a bit of a nuisance, it’s something all drivers (and cyclists) have to do. So, why not do everything possible to make the road safer for everyone?

bicycle-safety-on-the-road
Questions? Call Us

If you have any questions about a current policy, submitting a quote online, or prefer to get a quote over the phone, our agents are ready to help.

773-847-9000

Visit an Office

Find a local agent to provide a free quote or help you with questions about your current policy.

Find a Nearby Location

Get a Quote the Way You Want

click

Online

Start a Quote

phone

By Phone

773-847-9000

in-person

In Person

Find a Location