5 Little-Known Perks of Shopping at Costco

My experience as a Costco member can pretty much be summed up like this: "Woah, I didn't know it sold that, too!"

Indeed, over the years, Costco has expanded its membership benefits at such a rapid rate it can be hard to keep up with all the savings opportunities. While the warehouse retailer is most known for its competitive prices on everyday items -- from jars of peanut butter to gasoline -- it has a plethora of other little-known services. Like the following five.

1. Cheap car insurance

If you want to save money on car insurance this year, you might get a better rate through Costco. While Costco doesn't underwrite insurance policies itself, it can give members an exclusive discount through its partner CONNECT, which is backed by American Family Auto.

According to Costco, that extra discount helps most members save about $595.86 in the first year they switched to CONNECT. That's about $50 of savings per month. This can be combined with other traditional discounts, like safe driving, paperless billing, and multiple policies, to help you save even more on your annual premiums.

2. Discounted gift cards

One of the easiest ways to get more value out of your Costco membership is to buy gift cards. Often, Costco sells bundles of gift cards for as much as 30% off the package's face value. For a gift card bundle that totals $100, then, you might pay $69.99.

Right now, two of my favorite gift card packages are for Instacart ($100 of value for $79.99) and Southwest Airlines ($500 for $449.99). You can also find plenty of gift cards for restaurants, entertainment venues, and gaming consoles.

3. Haggle-free car buying

Costco members who are looking for a new or used vehicle can take advantage of Costco's Auto Program. Basically, Costco pre-negotiates prices on cars at local dealerships, then helps members buy them without the hassle of haggling prices on their own. Plus, Costco members can get up to 15% off of parts, service, and accessories (maximum of $500 in savings per visit) at participating service centers.

4. Tires

If you need to replace your tires, always check Costco first. Costco frequently sells tires cheaper than other tire retailers. Not only that, but it often runs promotions when you buy a set of four, like $60 to $80 off certain tire brands. You also get free tire installation, plus a five-year roadside hazard warranty and lifetime maintenance service for each tire. These are often sold as separate services at other tire shops, but Costco will throw them in for free.

5. Moving truck rentals

Moving across the country -- or even between cities within your own state -- can get pretty pricey. But what most Costco members don't realize is that they can get a 25% discount on a Budget Truck Rental through Costco. This can be as small as a cargo van or as large as a 26-foot moving truck that can move five to eight rooms. Getting 25% off your truck rental can help you save hundreds -- if not a thousand dollars or more -- on your next relocation.

If any of the five perks above surprised you, be sure to check Costco's website or app periodically to see what other membership benefits you could be missing. With its vast selection of products and services, joining Costco can be a boon for your personal finances, helping you buy what you need at prices you can afford.