The question of how to get better auto insurance rates is one that probably pops up when you feel like your bill is too high or if you’ve just gotten your license. Sometimes it may seem as though the forces are stacked against you — no matter how many companies you cross-compare you end up with the same (exorbitantly high) rates. For more insight into how it all works, Jeremy Mueller Insurance can help.
The Bad Stuff
It may not seem like it, but the rates that you end up with are very much tied up with the decisions you make on a daily basis. And unfortunately, it all comes down to how responsible you are when it comes to your driving habits. A past accident can stay on your record for up to five years, which can feel excessive if you only made one bad decision in a decade. Living in a neighborhood that’s prone to car theft or buying a sports car also tends to push your rates up higher. In addition, if you’ve leased or financed your vehicle in any way, then your rates will generally need to be higher to meet the bank’s requirements. You should already know that speeding tickets and DUIs are also not going to help out your record, though it does bear repeating.
The Good Stuff
The bottom line is that the more you drive like a grandmother, the more likely it is that you’ll get the rates you want. This means going the speed limit, always signaling, and maybe taking a few defensive driving courses the next time you get the urge to cut off the person who recently cut you off. Paying off your car immediately and installing your car with an advanced alarm system can also go a long way when it comes to lowering your premiums. Being a good student or having excellent credit definitely doesn’t hurt. The more that you can prove that you’ll do what it takes to be safe, the better.
Additional Considerations
​Some people see drastic rate reductions when they call different places. Some see practically no difference at all (or at least not a big enough difference to make it worth calling 18 different insurers.) But it’s also necessary to look past the numbers to get a real idea of what you’re paying for. Jeremy Mueller Insurance provides the service that you need to not only file a claim in full when you need to but also to explain what your policy means before you even sign up for it. Cutthroat insurance companies may look attractive at first, but you may end up paying more in the long run.
