Lower Your Car Insurance With These 13 Tips

Drivers need auto insurance because it's required by most states, but also to protect their assets. For many people, it can be challenging trying to learn how to lower car insurance costs to get the best policy at the most affordable price. To help you out, we've put together 13 ways to save on auto insurance without compromising coverage.

Ways to help you get low car insurance rates

For drivers eager to learn how to lower auto insurance costs, there are many things you can do that can save you a lot of money on car insurance premiums.

1. Choose cheap vehicles to insure

Vehicle choice plays a major role in how expensive insurance is. Vehicles with ample safety features are the cheapest cars to insure. Motorists may also want to avoid flashy cars that are attractive to thieves. Features such as anti-theft devices and airbags can also reduce the costs of coverage. Motorists looking to save on car insurance should consider prioritizing these features at the dealership.

2. Shop around for auto insurance coverage

Insurance policy premiums vary substantially by carrier. Any driver interested in determining how to lower car insurance costs should shop around.

Comparing prices even after you have coverage can be especially important because many states allow a practice called "price optimization." That involves setting prices by taking into account factors other than the likelihood of a crash.

Many insurers in these states consider the likelihood that motorists will switch coverage and price policies higher for some drivers if the company feels they're unlikely to change carriers. That's why it's important to get quotes from multiple companies to find which offers the most affordable prices.

3. Opt for a higher deductible

Insurance policies come with deductibles. After a covered event such as an accident or theft, insured drivers -- also known as policyholders -- must cover the car insurance deductible before the insurance provider pays.

If a car sustains $5,000 worth of damage in an accident and the driver has a $1,000 deductible, the first $1,000 in repair costs must be paid by the policyholder. The insurer would then pay the remaining $4,000.

Drivers can save on car insurance premiums by choosing a higher deductible. However, before deciding this approach is a good way to reduce car insurance costs, consider whether you'd be able to cover the deductible.

If you have a hefty emergency fund, you may be able to cover a large deductible without problems. But if you're living paycheck to paycheck and you may have to borrow to pay the $1,000, you might be wise to go with the smaller deductible at a higher premium to protect against larger losses later.

4. Eliminate unnecessary coverage

When looking for options on how to lower car insurance costs, reducing coverage is one solution. This could mean choosing lower limits. For example, you might opt for $50,000 in liability coverage instead of $100,000.

This is often not the best approach. Choosing coverage that's too low puts assets at risk. If you cause a serious accident but have insufficient insurance, you could be personally liable for covering damages that insurance won't pay for.

A better approach to determining how to save money on car insurance would involve eliminating redundant coverage. That's coverage that's not necessary. For example, if you have roadside assistance through AAA, you probably don't need the same coverage through your insurer.

If you have an old vehicle, you may not need comprehensive or collision coverage either. That's because the market value of the car may be so low the insurance provider would pay little or nothing toward replacing it. If your vehicle is financed or leased, there's a good chance your insurer will require these coverages, though.

5. Bundle insurance policies

Bundling policies is an easy solution for many people interested in exploring how to save money on car insurance. Bundling coverage simply means buying multiple policies from the same insurance company. For example, it could involve purchasing both homeowners insurance and car insurance.

This approach can provide savings both on the auto policy as well as on any other insurance included in the bundled coverage.

6. Maintain a good credit report

Insurers calculate an "insurance score" based on information in credit reports.A long credit history can help reduce your auto insurance rate. So too can on-time payments and limited use of available credit. These factors suggest a history of responsible behavior.

Many accounts in collections or past-due payments, on the other hand, could suggest irresponsible behaviors. These could make a motorist riskier to insure.

7. Complete a defensive driving course

Insurers price policies based on the risk of accidents occurring. If you're exploring options for how to lower car insurance, you'll want to find ways to convince insurers that your risk of an accident is minimal. Completing a training course is a common way to reduce collision risks. Many insurers offer a defensive driving discount for drivers who have received recent driver education.

8. Sign up for apps that track driving

A growing number of insurers allow drivers to download apps that track driving behavior. When these apps show safe, responsible actions behind the wheel, you may be able to lower your insurance premiums. If you don't mind your insurer tracking things like your driving speed, braking, and mileage, this can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to save on car insurance.

9. Mention all memberships

Memberships in organizations or employment relationships could help you lower car insurance costs. That's because many insurers offer car insurance discounts to people in certain groups. Always ask insurers what types of membership discounts are available. And list all organizations when applying for coverage.

10. Earn good grades

Policies for teen drivers or for new drivers can be very expensive. Most insurers offer good student discounts, though. Earning a good GPA could make a big difference in premium costs. This often means a B grade-point average or higher.

11. Drive less

The more miles a motorist drives, the greater the chances of a collision. As a result, frequent drivers face higher insurance premiums. Limiting the number of miles you drive can lower your car insurance costs. Be sure to notify your insurer of any changes that reduce your mileage. For example, if you switched jobs and now work from home instead of commuting, you may be driving significantly fewer miles.

12. Stick with the same insurer

Even though it pays to shop around, loyalty to an insurer can also be a solution for how to lower car insurance costs -- in some cases. That's because many insurers offer discounts for drivers who remain covered over long periods. Some insurers also offer other perks, such as a diminishing deductible. This reduces the deductible cost for each accident-free year. These types of programs enable policyholders to get more coverage for less money.

13. Avoid accidents or tickets

Finally, a clean driving record is essential for anyone wanting to learn how to lower car insurance costs. Accidents, drunk driving arrests, or moving violations can all send premiums soaring.

RELATED: See The Ascent's guides to the best cheap car insurance and best car insurance companies.