Shocked At The Quote For Your Car Insurance? Try Negotiating
If you are about to buy a new vehicle and have spent the day calling around to insurance companies for quotes, you may be a bit shocked at what it is going to cost you. Unless you will be paying cash for the car, the lending institution is going to want you to maintain full coverage on it to protect their money should you be in an accident or somehow damage the vehicle. Before you just go with the cheapest insurance policy, try some negotiating with the agent to see if you can get the premium costs reduced. Here are a few things that he or she may be willing to work with you on to get to a price you find agreeable.
Bundling
Putting all your insurance needs into a bundle will usually give you a discount on all of them. While you should try this with the company you are already using, don't be afraid to take your business elsewhere for a better deal. Ask how much it would cost if you added your homeowner's (or renter's) insurance, RV insurance, or motorcycle insurance to the deal. Make sure you mention how much you are currently paying for the other policies.
Features
If your vehicle has any safety features, be sure to mention this to the agent. A few things that may reduce your premium costs include:
- Daytime Running Lights
- Blind-spot Detection System
- Anti-lock Brakes
- Driver and Passenger Airbags
- Anti-theft Devices
- Tire-pressure Monitoring System
Some of these features are becoming standard on new cars or you can also ask to have them installed before picking up the vehicle. However, you should consider how much money you will save on insurance
Deductibles
Ask the agent to go through the deductibles with you. Ask exactly what is included and if there are things that will not count toward the deductible. Some things, like windshield replacement, may not count toward the deductible or they may be covered before the deductible is reached. If you can raise the deductible amount, you can save a substantial amount on your premiums.
Never forget to find out if your employer, or any other memberships you have, offer a discount on automobile insurance. Before calling, make a list of all the different associations you belong to. Get as many quotes as possible, and do not be afraid to mention other quotes to see if an agent can meet it. The idea is to get the lowest premium for the coverage you need. To learn more, speak with someone like Western Insurance Agency.
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