Texas isn’t the most expensive state (we’re #19) but we all know how high rates are, so here are some tips on how you can get lower rates on your car and truck insurance:
1. Drive safely; a good driving record reduces your premiums;
2. Drive a car that’s cheaper to insure, usually a mid size, standard car. Make sure you are being given credit for your vehicle’s safety features like air bags and anti-lock brakes;
3. Drive as much as you can for non business reasons;
4. Apply for all available discounts, including defensive driving courses, driver education
classes and student drivers with good grades and multi-policy discounts (all of your cars and house are on the same company);
5. Take out higher deductibles;
6. Drop collision and comprehensive coverage on old cars. If your car is totaled in an accident, you receive the actual cash value of the car, not the amount you owe on it;
7. Take advantage of low-mileage discounts. Some car insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who drive less;
8. Find out about group discounts. Perhaps you are covered through your employer, professional groups, and other organizations like AAA or AARP;
9. Spy on your teenage driver. Several companies are offering discounts to customers who participate in their monitoring programs of teen drivers;
10. Maintain your insurance, as you will be charged more if you let coverage lapse;
11. Live in smaller cities or in the country where claims costs are lower;
12. Keep your credit score as high as possible; and
13. Shop around. Call your insurance agent or company, complain about the high cost of your coverage, and say you have to change carriers. Or go online. Here’s two helpful sites:
https://apps.tdi.state.tx.us/helpinspublic/Start.do?type=auto
http://www.insure.com
But also read reviews about claims and customer service, as some of the cheaper carriers are extremely difficult to deal with. (I know as I have to fight them constantly.)
And pay attention to which insurers use factors not related to driving in determining rates. A recent study showed that annual premiums were as much as 68% lower if a woman was a married homeowner with a college degree, a professional job and continuous insurance coverage.