Three Ways to Find Affordable Auto Insurance

Even people who drive fast cars still want affordable auto insurance, but finding it can be tricky. Sure, you can offset the price of your coverage by raising your deductible, but the repair bills on cars with powerful engines can be expensive, so unless you have the money to pay higher-than-average out-of-pocket costs, this isn't necessarily a good idea. You can also go to one of those low-cost insurance companies, but if you ever need to file a claim, you may find that you really do get exactly what you pay for. Discount insurance tends to come with discount service.

If this information has you feeling discouraged - don't be! There are still many ways of getting good insurance at a decent price. Here are three of them:

Shop Online:
Swinton, a leading provider of car insurance coverage in the United Kingdom, sponsored a survey a few years ago that came back with surprising results. People who shopped for their auto insurance online, they found, saved up to 25% more than people who bought their insurance over the phone or in person. Even here in the United States, using the internet to shop for affordable auto insurance can reap great rewards. You'll be able to compare multiple companies, ask questions, buy coverage, and even print your policy and insurance cards, all without ever changing out of your pajamas. Most insurers give a price break for people who agree to electronic communications and electronic payments, as well.

Join a Club:
Whether you own a rare or classic car, or are just a great fan of the automobile you drive every day, joining an owners group or club for your model can lead you to insurance discounts. If there isn't an owners group for the car you have, you may still qualify for a special group rate if you belong to a professional organization, fraternal society, or union. Club membership isn't the only way to save money on insurance, of course, but often it can be a way to get coverage you wouldn't normally be able to afford.

Ask for Discounts: Perhaps the best way to obtain affordable auto insurance is to simply ask for discounts. Common discounts include price breaks for loyalty, good driving, good grades (for teens and college students), great credit, and having certain anti-theft devices installed in your car. As well, you may be able to get a discount for being a mature (over 50) driver, or for low mileage (under 14,000 miles/year). If you own a home, you can save a significant amount on car insurance by bundling your auto and home coverage under one policy, and you can increase your savings by adding a life insurance policy, too. If you have more than one car in your family, a multi-car policy allows you to save money by sharing certain benefits across all the vehicles you own.

Auto insurance rates are set by the state in which you live, but that doesn't mean there isn't some flexibility in what you actually pay. By shopping online, turning a club or professional organization membership into an asset, and asking for discounts, you can have excellent insurance at a price that doesn't make you flinch.