Life Changes that Can Save You Money on Auto Insurance
Many of us have heard about ways we can save money on car insurance. Some are common sense, such as shopping around and staying free of accidents and DUIs. Others are not quite as clear. For example, not everyone is aware that a lower credit score can actually cost you more when you shop for auto insurance. Aside from being deliberate and making wise decisions, changes in your life may also help you save money on your auto insurance. Here are some life changes that can cause your rates to drop:
Turning 25: Hitting the magical age of 25 is a trigger for many insurers to place you into a lower risk category. This is particularly true for males that reach this milestone. In some cases, simply celebrating your 25th birthday can lower your auto insurance rates by up to 25%.
Getting Married: Getting married even before your 25th birthday has been known to drop your insurance rates. This is because it is assumed that someone who is married is likely to be a safer and more responsible driver.
Changing Jobs: This one can go either way; changing jobs can either lower or increase your insurance rates depending on how many miles you drive to work each day. If you are faced with a choice between a job that is 15 minutes from home and another that is an hour and a half away, keep in mind that gas is not the only thing you will save money on if you take the job closer to home.
Buying a Home: Becoming a homeowner can drop your auto insurance rates primarily because it is an additional policy, which often qualifies you for a multi-policy discount. Adding a second car can have a similar effect; just make sure that you keep all your policies with the same insurance carrier.
Turning 55: Becoming a senior enables you to receive a mature driver discount in most states. Seniors can often save as much as 15% on their auto insurance, depending on the carrier and the state you live in. To qualify, you will need to take an approved mature driver (55 Alive) course in your local area.
Life changes can bring about significant savings on your auto insurance. However, you must be proactive to benefit from the savings. Be sure to contact your insurance agent whenever you have a life change that should lower your auto rates. This will ensure that you will not be paying more than you should for car insurance.