Can You Negotiate Car Insurance Rates?
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Ensure you're getting the best rate. Review quotes from a top insurance company.
If you’re wondering if you can negotiate auto insurance rates, the short answer is no. States regulate car insurance costs, so you can’t ask your insurer to give you a lower price.
However, that doesn’t mean that you are stuck with the quote a car insurance company offers. One of the most effective strategies for lowering your rates is shopping around for estimates to see how rates vary between providers.
In addition to shopping around, there are several ways to find a more affordable rate, which MoneyGeek’s guide explores in detail.
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Key Takeaways
Is insurance negotiable? No, but there are several ways to lower your coverage costs.
Although shopping for quotes and checking available discounts are common cost-reduction strategies, you can also try increasing your deductibles or switching to pay-per-mile insurance.
There are several discounts insurers commonly offer. Check with your provider to find out which ones they have and how you can qualify.
Are Car Insurance Rates Negotiable?
Auto insurance premiums are similar to your utility bills, such as water, gas and electricity, in that they are not negotiable. However, that doesn’t mean your hands are completely tied. There are several ways for you to get better car insurance rates.
For example, you can check out the discounts different car insurance companies offer and determine which ones you qualify for. MoneyGeek also encourages prospective buyers to shop around and compare quotes from several insurers before selecting a policy.
Our free online quote tool can help you quickly see possible rates from different providers. You can use it to find the best rates for your buyer profile.
Compare Auto Insurance Rates
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance Rates
Auto insurance prices are non-negotiable, so you can’t ask your car insurance company to lower your rates. However, there are several ways to find more affordable premiums.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Although states regulate the cost of car insurance, different companies offer varying rates. Gathering quotes is an effective way to find a company offering cheap auto insurance.
Ask about available discounts.
Car insurance companies often offer driver discounts, and it’s smart to find out whether you qualify for any of them. These could be based on your profile, preferred payment methods, driver history and vehicle equipment or other factors. MoneyGeek’s guide to auto insurance discounts can help you identify these.
Increase your policy deductible.
A deductible is a set amount you pay out of pocket before your policy begins covering damages. The higher your deductible, the lower your premium typically becomes.
Consider switching to pay-per-mile insurance.
Deductibles and discounts are excellent strategies, but a wiser choice may be purchasing pay-per-mile insurance instead of a standard policy. It is especially effective if you drive less than 12,000 miles in a year.
Determine whether you need all the coverages in your policy.
Sometimes it’s good to revisit the coverages included in your policy. For example, you can consider removing comprehensive insurance from a full coverage car insurance policy if your premiums amount to more than 10% of your car’s cash value. You can remove coverages if you’re sure you won’t be underinsured. Doing so will typically result in lower premium payments.
Easiest Car Insurance Discounts to Find
An excellent way to get better car insurance rates is by signing up for auto insurance discounts. Be sure to search for potential discounts beyond what car insurers advertise on their websites — some discounts aren’t available in specific states. It’s most effective to ask an insurer directly about the discounts they offer and how to qualify for them.
Common Car Insurance Discounts
Vehicle Safety Equipment Discount | Installing airbags in your car can help you qualify for a discount. Having anti-theft devices like tire locks or kill switches in your vehicle may also help you get a discount. |
Bundling | You can get lower rates if you purchase multiple insurance products from one insurer. Find out if your provider for homeowners insurance also offers auto insurance and whether you qualify for a bundling discount. |
Defensive Driving | Some insurers will lower your premium if you take a defensive driving class. Make sure to find out your insurer’s requirements. There may be prerequisites on age or course type that you need to meet. |
Driver's Education | Insurance premiums are typically higher for young drivers. One way to lower premiums is through a driver’s ed discount if your insurer offers it. |
Safe Driving | Insurers offer lower premiums to policyholders who remain claim-free for several years. The required length of time varies between providers. |
Multiple Car | Car insurance companies often offer a discount if you get coverage for multiple vehicles. |
Paperless | Instead of having your documents sent to you through the mail, you can arrange to receive them electronically, which may lead to lower rates. |
Pay in Full | Choosing to pay your policy in full upfront instead of monthly installments may make your premiums lower overall. |
Customer Loyalty Discount | Staying with the same insurer for several years can earn you a loyalty discount. Contact your insurance provider to find out the required period. |
Military Discount | Some insurers offer a discount to customers who are current or former members of the military. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people wonder if car insurance is negotiable. MoneyGeek gathered the most commonly asked questions about car insurance rates to help you navigate the best deals.
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