Understanding the Fine Print: A Deep Dive into Insurance Policies

Car insurance is a necessary expense, but it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. By using a combination of discounts and policy adjustments, you can cut your rates significantly without sacrificing coverage.
You can also save by paying in full or choosing paperless options for billing and communication. In fact, CR’s 2024 auto insurance survey found that those who switched insurers saved a median of $461 per year.
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1. Pay Your Policy in Full
If you can afford to pay your policy in six or twelve equal installments, you’ll likely qualify for a paid-in-full discount. Keeping your insurance company happy with on-time payments saves them money on paperwork and administration, and they may pass that savings on to you.
Putting your policy on automatic payments (electronic funds transfer or recurring credit card charge) can also help you save. Many companies provide these options, and CR’s 2024 auto insurance survey found that people who set their car insurer up with them saved $464 to $525 a year.
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You can also reduce your auto premium by raising your deductibles. This increases your out-of-pocket costs if you need to file a claim, but it can bring down your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 15 to 30 percent on average with the top insurers in CR’s ratings.
Another way to cut your auto premium is to ask if your insurer offers a driver monitoring program. These programs—typically through a smartphone-based driving monitoring app—can help you improve your behavior on the road and lower your auto insurance rates. Some of the top insurers in CR’s rankings, including Amica and NJM, offer these types of policies. You can also look for discounts for safety features, such as anti-lock brakes or air bags, and security devices, such as alarm systems. Some insurers, like GEICO, even reward safe drivers with auto discounts.