Shop around for quotes
Some insurance companies now offer attractive loyalty programs to keep customers from switching carriers, but the perks associated with these policies don't always equal cheaper coverage. Instead, you may be offered priority customer service or accident forgiveness in return for being stuck with an expensive policy. Even if you don't switch, it doesn't hurt to shop around. Get quotes from local insurance reps as well as national or web-based companies to compare prices.
Don't be desperate
Sometimes you won't get the cheapest insurance quotes if you're in a hurry to sign up, so it's best to plan your purchase of a new vehicle. Give yourself time to shop around instead of going with the first offer for the sake of quick coverage. Because car insurance is going to be a monthly expense, it helps to get quotes prior to purchasing or leasing your new vehicle so you can budget accordingly. Different car makes and models may come with a higher premium than others based on insurance risk.
Know your car's history
If you're buying or leasing a used car, spend time reviewing the vehicle's history if you want to find cheap car insurance. You need to know if the vehicle has ever been involved in an accident, how old it is and how many owners it has had before you as these factors may play a role in determining your final car insurance price. Write down the vehicle's VIN to get the most accurate quote as you shop around.
Explore your coverage options
Do you need full coverage or can you get by with the minimum state requirements? Do you have other insurance coverage that will protect you in the event of an accident or lawsuit, or does that coverage need to be built into your car insurance? Your coverage limits, types of coverage and chosen deductibles will all contribute to your total cost. Ultimately, choosing the minimum coverage may be the cheapest option, but it may cost you more, in the long run, should you have an accident later.
Expect to pay more in certain circumstances
There are certain factors that will always lead to higher car insurance rates. For example, if you have a personal history of tickets or accidents, you may be offered a higher premium than someone who doesn't. Also, individuals under the age of 30 are typically considered higher risk and may pay more for premiums as a result. The best way to get the cheapest car insurance is to maintain safe driving practices. While you can't do anything about your age, you can voluntarily take safe driving classes which may land you a discount when you're getting car insurance quotes.
Ask your current carrier for discounts
If you're currently insured and feel like you're paying too much, it never hurts to ask your current insurance carrier to review your account. Insurance companies frequently add new discounts and perks to their policies as they compete for business with other carriers, so double check to make sure you're getting the lowest possible price and all available discounts applied to your plan.