How To Save Money on Car Insurance

11 Tips for Saving Money on Car Insurance

Wondering how to save on car insurance? We’ve compiled helpful, everyday tips to make saving on car insurance a breeze.
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Key Takeaways

  • Car insurance prices are unique and based on personal factors, but there are still easy steps you can take to help keep costs down.
  • The Hartford can help you get the coverage you need to drive with confidence, without breaking the bank.
  • From comparing quotes and bundling policies to maintaining a clean driving history, we’ve explained how to reduce auto insurance in a number of ways.

1. Become an AARP Member

AARP® Auto Insurance from The Hartford1 offers a savings of up to 10% for members of AARP. Discover this and 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. Be sure your quotes have the same deductible amounts and discounts applied to have a fair comparison.
 

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.
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

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. With The Hartford’s home and auto insurance bundle, you can save over $800.**
 

5. Pay Your Premiums in Full

If you pay your insurance premium in full instead of monthly, your rate for car insurance can go down.
 

6. Maintain a Good Credit History

Insurance companies use aspects of your credit history when calculating your insurance rates. This means that a better credit history can help you save money on car insurance. So, if you always pay your credit cards and bills on time, then you may get lower rates.
 

7. Keep a Clean Driving Record

Driving safely benefits everyone and helps you save on car insurance. 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 older vehicle is paid off and isn’t expensive to repair or replace, then it may make financial sense for you to drop collision and/or comprehensive insurance coverage. But just know 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 minimum AARP age requirement, 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 $813 by bundling your home and auto coverage 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 $78*** 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.
 
 
*** Based on Maine Auto policyholders 1 vehicle and driver; individual rate/premium/savings will vary based on actual coverage selections and vehicle(s)/driver(s) characteristics.
** Average savings amounts based on information reported by customers who switched to The Hartford from other carriers between 9/1/22 and 8/31/23. Your savings may vary. Average auto insurance savings is $577 and average home insurance savings is $236. 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.
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.