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2021-08-25
By: Advocate Brokerage
When it comes time to renew your auto insurance policy, one of the things on your mind is to save a bit of money. Everyone wants to save money!
As your insurance advocate, we strive to help you find the most comprehensive coverage at the best possible price. There are several key items that are factored into a car insurance quote that can drastically increase your insurance rates. Which is why we also do our best to make sure we offer valuable information that can help you do all you can to get the most value from your auto insurance policy. We are excited to share with you our top 6 Auto Insurance Dos & Don’ts! Make sure you pay attention to the dos and avoid the don’ts to keep your insurance rates out of the high-risk category!
DO Pay your insurance on time.
DON’T Allow your auto insurance to lapse
Lapses in coverage mean big increases in auto insurance rates. According to insurance.com, the average increase in rates for a 60-day lapse in coverage is 11%! By paying your car insurance bills on time, you will have continuous coverage which will help to keep your rates in the standard range, and you will build rapport with your insurance carrier.
DO Observe the rules of the road
DON’T Rack up a list of moving violations
If you do not want to see your auto insurance rates increase, the best thing you can do is observe the rules of the road. Insurance.com shared that the average rate increase for having two or more speeding tickets of 10 mph or more over the speed limit during a 3-year period is 37%!
DO Call Uber!
DON’T Drink & Drive
Have Fun!!! But be responsible. One DUI on your record will typically put you in the high-risk category for Auto Insurance for 3 – 7 years. This could translate to paying on the low end, twice as much for your car insurance and in many cases, your rate will be even higher (Insurance.com reported the average increase after one DUI was as much as 82%)! So don’t drink and drive, it’s just not worth the risk!
DO Maintain a healthy credit score
DON’T Think your credit score has nothing to do with your auto insurance
Research shows that those who have lower credit scores tend to file more claims than those who have great credit scores. While there are some states that do not allow auto insurance companies to use credit scores to help them determine rates (CA, HI, and MA), elsewhere you can see an increase of as much as 67%.
DO Drive Safely
DON’T Drive safely in the wrong kind of car
The unfortunate truth is that even if you are a safe driver with a clean record, if you drive a model of car that has claims filed more frequently, you will have to pay more for your auto insurance. Insurance companies look at patterns and if you are driving a car that falls into a high-risk category, your rates will reflect that.
DO File claims for substantial accidents
DON’T Report multiple minor claims
When you have a substantial accident, by all means, file a claim! However, be mindful that an issue can arise when you report multiple minor claims. Every claim counts. Take a moment to think before you report claims for minor incidents such as a windshield replacement or a dented bumper. Utilize services like AAA when you need towing rather than filing an insurance claim for the service. Your insurance is there for you, and we want it to continue to be there when you need it! If you have any doubts about whether to file a claim, feel free to give us a call.
Advocate Brokerage is here to help you find the most comprehensive auto insurance available for your particular needs at the best possible price. If you have questions regarding how our list of 6 dos (or don’ts) apply to your specific circumstances, feel free to give us a call!
