Interested in lowering your car insurance? The Folsom Auto Mall has tips on how you can do just that! From shopping around to taking a course, there are several options to consider when looking to lower your premium.

The first and simplest way to ensure you get the lowest price on car insurance is to shop around. There are dozens of companies (local and national) that make it easy to get a fast, free quote for your vehicle. Get quotes from multiple companies, making sure you’re comparing the exact same coverage. Typical components of an auto insurance policy include comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection. There are also additional options like rental reimbursement, new car replacement coverage and gap coverage. When comparing prices, make sure you’re selecting the exact same coverage and dollar amount for each component.

You might also consider taking a driving course. Every state is different, but many insurance companies provide discounts for drivers who take a class. Basic driver improvement courses, defensive driving courses - even mature driver programs - are available and most provide a certain amount of premium reduction. Check availability of courses in your area and call your insurance company to find out how much you can save.

Another option is to “bundle and save”. You may have seen advertisements suggesting this scenario. Many insurance companies provide “bundling” discounts when you have multiple vehicles and when you combine home and auto insurance. Bundling is also convenient as it can save time, making it easier to pay your bill with just one payment or make a claim or adjustments to your policy with just one call. Most companies will offer substantial discounts when you bundle, but the exact savings will vary depending on a variety of factors, including where you live.

Is it time for a newer vehicle? Upgrading to a vehicle with more safety features and a theft deterrent system can get you savings too. Advanced safety systems can include things like Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keeping/Lane Departure Warnings and more! These features can help drivers avoid accidents and are, therefore, likely to save you money on your insurance premiums. Even common features like anti-lock brakes and airbags could potentially save you money. Additionally, most insurance companies offer an “anti-theft discount” for customers who have a qualifying anti-theft device installed. These devices might be an alarm or GPS tracker.

The last option we suggest is trying to improve your credit score. Believe it or not, your credit can affect your insurance premium. Many of the larger insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help determine risk when giving an insurance quote. Although, here in California, that practice has been banned. (Your credit score won’t affect your premiums in Hawaii, Massachusetts or Michigan either.) Still, it never hurts to improve your score.

We hope these tips help you save some money! If you’re looking for a newer car with more safety features, visit us as the Folsom Auto Mall.
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