Insurance Discounts

When shopping for insurance be sure to look for cost-savings some insurance companys allow referred to as discounts. Why they might not save you much, every bit of savings helps and it cannot hurt to inquire. Below are a few examples of discounts that may apply to you.

DRIVER TRAINING DISCOUNT:    Small discounts are given for having completed a driver's training course approved by the state. If you have completed one of these you are eligible for a discount. The discount is small and may be different from state to state.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DISCOUNT:    A small discount is given if your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes. Discounts are different by state and may also vary by 2 or 4 wheel anti-lock systems.

AIR BAG DISCOUNT:    Most insurance companies will give you a discount for having air bags in your car. Dual airbags will actually give you more of a discount then just a driver's side airbag will but either way a small percent discount will be given (10% - 30%).

ANTI-THEFT DEVICE DISCOUNT:    When buying comprehensive coverage, a discount will be given for having some sort of anti-theft device. This discount isn't very big but it does help. It's definitely not worth you running out and putting one in to get the discount but if you already have one, make sure you mention it.

GOOD DRIVER DISCOUNT:    If you have had your license for 3 years and have had 1 or no points on your driving record in those three years, you are eligible for a good driver's discount. This will be verified through the DMV so be sure. You may think you have only one point but the point system is tricky so you may want to call the DMV and find out or request a copy of your driving record. They are $5.00 and list everything including tickets and accidents.

GOOD STUDENT DISCOUNT:    This is a very small discount given for full time students with a "B" average or better. They will want proof so you might want to get a print out from your school before you go down to fill out your paper work.

LOW MILEAGE DISCOUNTS:    Some insurance companies will give you a discount if you will be driving below their set number of miles in their set amount of time. They will check odometers so make sure you won't lose the discount and have to pay the difference back to them.

LOW PROFILE CAR DISCOUNT:    If you own a low profile car, most insurance companies have a small discount for your policy. A low profile car would be described by them as a car not normally targeted for theft and not customized to look flashy.

MATURE DRIVERS DISCOUNT:    The rules for this discount vary from one insurance company to another. For some it means over 65 years old, for others it means over 50 years old and then for a few it means anyone over 25 years old.

MULTI-CAR DISCOUNT:    This discount is given when you have two or more cars on the same policy but they have to be registered to the same address as the policy address, kept at the same address as the policy address and be registered to someone living in the house. If the car is registered to 2 people and one lives in the house and the other doesn't, the multi-car discount will not apply to that car.

NON-SMOKERS DISCOUNT:    Some insurance companies give small discounts for non-smoking drivers. I've heard this is because of the amount of accidents in which a lit cigarette plays a part.

MISC. DISCOUNTS:    Rates and discounts are mostly determined by:
1. Sex - males have higher rates than females.
2. Age - Over 25 will get you a better rate.
3. Marital Status - Married drivers will have cheaper rates.
4. Driving record - your own past driving record could get you higher rates if its not that good.
5. Vehicle use - Carpool or only work use will get you a better rate.
6. Vehicle type - The type of vehicle you drive will have a lot to do with your rates.