How To Save Money on Car Insurance

11 Tips for Saving Money on Car Insurance

Wondering how to save on car insurance? From making policy changes to being a safe driver, we’ve compiled helpful, everyday tips to make saving on car insurance a breeze.
Author:
Lily DiGregorio
Lily DiGregorio,Staff copywriter
Lily DiGregorio
Staff copywriter specializing in auto and home insurance for The Hartford.
Reviewed By:
Ben Ewbank
Ben Ewbank,Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing
Ben Ewbank
Head of Personal Lines State Product and Pricing at The Hartford.
LinkedIn Profile
Updated: 06/02/2026
Read Time: 7 minutes
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Key Takeaways

  • Your rate is personal: Factors like your driving record, vehicle type and coverage amounts can all affect what you pay, but there are steps you can take to help reduce those costs.
  • AARP members can save with exclusive benefits, like up to 10% savings for being a safe driver and maintaining a claims-free driving history.
  • Multiple ways to save, from simply being an AARP member to bundling home and auto policies.

1. Become an AARP Member

AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford1 offers a savings of up to 10% for members of AARP.† Joining AARP is one of the fastest ways to get car insurance discounts if you meet The Hartford’s minimum age requirement. Membership can also make you eligible for other benefits for AARP members.
 

2. Compare Car Insurance Quotes

One of the best ways to save on auto insurance is to compare car insurance quotes. First, you can research companies to find out what insurers offer in terms of benefits and coverage. Then, you can get a quote online or call the company directly to compare car insurance prices.
 
When you’re comparing quotes, make sure your quotes have the same:
 
  • Coverage types, such as liability, collision or comprehensive
  • Deductible amounts
  • Discounts
Doing so will give you the fairest comparison to help you evaluate the true cost difference between insurance companies.
 

3. Increase Your Deductible To Save on Premiums

A car insurance deductible is an amount you must pay after a covered loss before insurance coverage kicks in. If you have a lower deductible, you’ll have a higher premium to pay each month. This also means that if you have a higher deductible, you’ll lower your car insurance premiums. However, you will then have to pay for any out-of-pocket expenses if you get into an accident.
 
For example, raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 could help lower your car insurance premium, but it also means you’ll have to pay a larger amount if you file a claim.
Tip:
Choosing a car insurance deductible is based on preference. Some choose lower premiums with a higher deductible, while others might want the exact opposite. Ultimately, it’s important to pick what you are comfortable with.
 

4. Bundle Auto and Home Policies

Bundling your car and home insurance with the same company is an opportunity to save on your insurance policy. With The Hartford’s home and auto insurance bundle, you can save $963.**
Even if you’ve switched insurers, there may be similar discounts you can take advantage of. For example, many insurers offer discounts if you bundle your car and auto insurance coverages with the same company.
 

5. Pay Your Premiums in Full

If you pay your insurance premium in full instead of monthly, your total cost for car insurance can go down. Many insurers, including The Hartford, offer a discount for paying for a policy in full.
 

6. Maintain a Good Credit History

In many states, insurance companies can use a credit score as a factor to calculate premiums. This means having a better credit history can help you save money on car insurance.
 
To help maintain a favorable credit profile:
 
  • Pay your bills on time: Payment history is one of the most significant factors in your credit score.
  • Keep credit utilization low: Avoid carrying high balances relative to your credit limit.
  • Monitor your credit report: Check for errors and report any mistakes.

7. Keep a Clean Driving Record

Your driving history is one of the most significant factors in determining your car insurance rate. Accidents, speeding tickets and moving violations can raise your premium.
 
AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford1 offers safe driver discounts to reward responsible drivers. For example, if you maintain a clean driving record for five years and steer clear of any accidents or moving violations, you can save up to 10% on your auto insurance policy.
driver knows how to reduce auto insurance
The Hartford also offers benefits like accident forgiveness. This offering excuses your first accident claim, as long as all drivers on your policy have a clean and safe driving record and are accident-free for five straight years with The Hartford.‡

8. Consider Dropping Collision and Comprehensive Coverage

If you have a lease or loan on your vehicle, then you’re likely required to carry collision and comprehensive coverage on your car insurance policy. But, if your vehicle is paid off or its market value is low, it may make financial sense for you to drop collision and/or comprehensive insurance coverage.
 
A general rule of thumb: If your annual premium for collision or comprehensive coverage is more than 10% of your vehicle’s current market value, you may want to consider dropping both coverages to save money.
 
Just remember that you’ll have to fully pay for any car damage yourself, whether it’s from a car accident, collision with an animal or fallen tree limb.
Remember:
Each state has requirements for the minimum amount of insurance you need, and they may differ. From liability coverage to property damage, The Hartford is here to answer your questions. Call us at 888-546-9099 to get a quote for these coverages today.

9. Ask About Low Mileage Discounts

If you don’t drive often, you may be able to cut down on car insurance costs. That’s because some carriers offer savings if your annual mileage is low. If you’re not sure whether this is an option available to you, call your provider directly.
 

10. Check Safety Ratings Before Buying a Car

Insurers often provide discounts if your car is safe and secure. At The Hartford, you can save if your car has certain safety features, like anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices. If you’re unsure about what your car has or are in the market for a new one, consider researching the latest safety ratings compiled by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or your state insurance department. Doing so will help you save money and offer peace of mind while you’re behind the wheel.
 

11. Research Other Car Insurance Discounts

It’s important to know the full list of discounts available to you. If you meet The Hartford’s car insurance discounts you can get AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford, which unlocks exclusive benefits and car insurance discounts that can help you save money on auto insurance if you:
 
man researching how to save on auto insurance online

Learn How To Save Money on Car Insurance With The Hartford

If you’re looking to save money on your car insurance while still having the protection you need, it’s important to find a company that provides the best deals, discounts and benefits without sacrificing coverage. To learn more, call The Hartford at 888-546-9099 or get a quote for car insurance online.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Save Money on Car Insurance

Generally, you can’t negotiate car insurance prices. However, companies offer discounts to help you save. You can also use a car insurance calculator to assess your coverages and deductibles, which impact your price.
As an insurance company with over 200 years of experience, we’re often asked: “When does car insurance go down for older vehicles?” Older vehicles don’t always get lower rates. Some reasons for this include:
 
  • Older cars may not be maintained as well as newer cars.
  • Your insurance carrier will have to pay the same amount for injuries in an accident, regardless of the age of your car.
  • As a vehicle ages, safety features get worn out, like brakes.
You can still find ways to save money, like dropping certain coverages if you no longer need them. However, that may not result in savings down the line, especially if you have to pay out of pocket for any repairs after an accident.
 
When considering how to save on car insurance, it’s also important to keep in mind that the type of car you drive impacts your rate. More expensive vehicles may have higher premiums than cheaper ones, since they’ll likely be more costly to repair after an accident.
Curious how to save money on your car insurance premiums if you have multiple cars and other drivers to cover? Well, even if your policy has several cars and drivers, there are still ways to save on your car insurance with The Hartford. Some of our discounts include:
 
  • Vehicle Fuel Type: You may qualify for an auto insurance discount if a car on your policy is a hybrid or electric vehicle.
  • Safe Driver Training Discounts: You can get a discount on your car insurance rate for drivers who are under 21 years old (under 25 in Georgia) who finish an approved training course.
  • Bundle Savings: You can save an average of $963 by bundling your home and auto coverages with The Hartford.**
Wondering how to lower car insurance and if marriage impacts it? In many cases, auto insurance rates decrease after marriage, because married couples are often considered less reckless behind the wheel and more mature. However, there are individual factors that influence car insurance prices, like driving history. So, if someone has a history of accidents, they may not see any car insurance premium savings, even if they’re married.
There are many quick and easy ways to save on car insurance, from comparing quotes and driving a reliable vehicle to lowering deductibles, if you’re able. At The Hartford, we also offer exclusive benefits and discounts for AARP members who bundle their policies, pay in full or have certain safety features in their car, for example. That’s why our customers can pay as little as $87*** a month for car insurance.
To help reduce auto insurance rates after a speeding ticket, you can take an approved defensive or safe driving course. You can also consider switching car insurance companies to find a better price. But before you do, make sure you check with your current insurer to see if you qualify for other discounts or benefits.

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*** Based on Iowa Auto policyholders 1 vehicle and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and vehicle(s)/driver(s) characteristics.
** Average annual savings are based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford’s newest rate plan between 9/1/24 and 8/31/25. Average auto insurance savings $597 and average home insurance savings $366. Your savings may vary. Rate differences for AARP members and non-members vary by state and AARP membership tenure. Auto/Home discount is available only to policyholders who have both their auto and home (or condo or renters) insurance through the AARP Auto & Home Insurance program from The Hartford. The Hartford does not write new business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL.
 
§ Availability of RecoverCare benefit and benefit levels vary by state. The Hartford RecoverCare Advantage® is a registered mark of The Hartford.
 
§§ Terms and conditions apply.
 
‡ Terms and conditions apply. Accident Forgiveness and the Disappearing Deductible are not available to CA policyholders.
 
‡‡ Terms and conditions apply. Availability varies by state.
 
‡‡‡ Based on one car and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and characteristics of vehicle(s)/driver(s).
 
Additional disclosures below.
AARP® Auto Insurance
Quick Links
FAQs
For AARP® Members
Additional Resources
Summaries of coverages and policy features are for informational purposes only. In the event of loss, the actual terms and conditions set forth in your policy will determine your coverage.
 
AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.
 
The AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA, by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company; in WA, by Hartford Casualty Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company and Twin City Fire Insurance Company. The AARP Home Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. It is underwritten in AZ, MI and MN by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast; in CA by Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford; in WA, by Trumbull Insurance Company; in MA, by Trumbull Insurance Company, Sentinel Insurance Company, Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest, and Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company; and in PA, by Nutmeg Insurance Company. The Hartford does not write new Home business in all areas, including the states of CA and FL. Savings, benefits and coverages may vary and some applicants may not qualify. The Program is currently unavailable in Canada and U.S. Territories or possessions.
 
1 In Texas, the Auto Program is underwritten by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company through Hartford of the Southeast General Agency, Inc. Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates are not financially responsible for insurance products underwritten and issued by Redpoint County Mutual Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast.
 
* Customer reviews are collected and tabulated by The Hartford and not representative of all customers.